The Art of Hand-Building: Behind the Scenes in My Studio
Ever wonder how a lump of clay becomes a piece of art? Step inside my studio to see the messy, honest, and slow process behind every handmade piece I create.
This week was a struggle to stay motivated, but I forced myself to come to the studio and create. On days like these, I just make, without overthinking. The process itself is what matters.
I make all my templates from waste paper. It's a sustainable choice and ensures I only make a few pieces from each design, keeping my collections fresh and unique.
I'm excited to be experimenting with recycled clay from Earth Tatva. This video shows me working with their clay mix, which is made partly from waste ceramic pieces. It's a small step towards more sustainable pottery.
Peeling clay off the bats is so satisfying. This is a crucial step in the drying process to prevent cracks. It was a fruitful day in the studio.
I received so many requests to see how my ceramic tulips are made. This video shows the process, from pinching the clay into petals to the final, colorful bouquet.
It was both exciting and challenging to make this large 18-inch lamp for a client. Here I am using textured beads to give the lamp a rustic, handmade look.
I rarely do symmetrical work, so painting this dinner set was a fun challenge. It's good to push my boundaries and step out of my comfort zone from time to time.
About From My Studio: The Process
I don't use factory molds for my work. Every piece I create starts from a hand-cut paper template, which means every mug, plate, or figurine carries its own slight wobble or quirk. You are not just buying a ceramic item, you are holding something that began as a humble lump of clay, hand-pinched and slab-built right here in my Kalyan studio.
The journey of my pottery is anything but linear. It starts in my Kalyan studio where I use simple pinching and slab-building techniques to give shape to my imagination. I rely on hand-cut paper templates because they are sustainable and keep my collections fresh, though they often get soggy and require constant remaking.
Behind every finished piece lies a lot of trial and error. I am transparent about the reality of pottery: sometimes a large slab fails in the kiln, or I have days where motivation is low and I simply create to keep the rhythm going. I have recently started experimenting with recycled clay mixes, like the ones from Earth Tatva, to reduce the environmental footprint of my practice.
When you order from me, you get a piece that has survived the drying process, the careful painting with underglazes, and the high-firing in my kiln. Whether it is a whimsical owl figurine or a complex, hand-carved dinner set, every item is proof of the hours spent wedging, shaping, and refining clay. I do not aim for mass-produced symmetry. My work celebrates the organic, the asymmetric, and the imperfections that make each object one of a kind. If you want to know which pieces are currently drying on my shelves or ready to ship, feel free to reach out and ask.
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