Behind the Art: Inside the Clay Explore Studio
Ever wonder how a humble lump of clay transforms into the pieces you hold every day? Step into my Prabhadevi workspace to see the journey from raw earth to finished ceramic art.
I am developing new designs for my wall plates, beginning with initial sketches like this one. I refine these designs until I achieve the optimal result for the final ceramic piece.
A new arrival in the making. This video shows the process of hand-painting a bird and leaf design onto a ceramic plate, which will be part of an upcoming shop update.
My website shop will be receiving a long-awaited update soon. Here is a glimpse of me at the wheel, throwing new forms for the collection.
Transforming a blank canvas into a breathtaking masterpiece. This video shows Part 1 of how I paint my vases, with each brushstroke bringing the design to life.
Conceptual sketches for a new series of wall art plates are underway, featuring marine life and floral motifs. This year's project will focus on smaller wall panel formats.
I make things. This video montage shows me using various techniques, from painting and sgraffito on plates to dotting a small bowl, to create functional, handmade ceramic pieces.
A new design in progress. This video shows the careful process of painting a geometric pattern onto a plate, which will be a captivating piece of wall decor.
Working on ceramic wall art using the sgraffito technique. The precision tools I use are a game-changer for creating these intricate, carved designs.
Getting ready for Diwali by hand-painting my signature lotus motif onto a blank plate. My website has exclusive collections and classes to brighten up your home.
Just a day in the studio. This video shows various stages of my work, from throwing cylinders on the wheel to carving large slabs and arranging freshly made plates to dry.
About Behind the Art: From Clay to Creation
When you see a slight wobble on a rim or a subtle variation in the glaze, know that it is not a mistake—it is the fingerprint of the potter. In my Prabhadevi studio, I don't aim for the rigid perfection of mass-produced items. Every piece, from the initial wheel-throwing to the final kiln firing, is a slow, tactile process where I embrace the organic character of the clay.
My process is rooted in the philosophy of 'Maati Putr'—crafted by Earth. It starts with selecting the right stoneware or porcelain, followed by the meditative work of wedging and centering on the wheel. Whether I am throwing a classic mug or building a platter, the clay tells me how it wants to be shaped.
Technique plays a huge role in the final look of my work. I often use the sgraffito method, where I scratch intricate patterns through layers of slip to reveal the raw clay beneath. You will also see me hand-painting motifs like lotuses, fish, and ferns, using food-safe underglazes. This is not transfer printing; it is a direct, brush-to-clay connection that ensures no two pieces are identical.
Everything happens right here in Mumbai. After the pieces are shaped, they go through a slow drying period before the first bisque firing. Once they emerge, I apply lead-free glazes—ranging from matte earthy tones to glossy transparent finishes—before they head back into the kiln for the final, high-temperature firing. This cycle of fire and earth creates the durability you need for daily use in your kitchen or as art on your walls. If you are interested in how a specific piece is made, or if you want to see a custom order come to life from sketch to final glaze, let's talk.
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