The Potter’s Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Every piece I create at the studio follows a specific rhythm, from the first time I center the clay to the final firing. Here is a glimpse into how I work:

The Wheel and Handle Math

It starts on the wheel. Whether I am throwing a standard coffee mug or a large serving bowl, balance is everything. I often obsess over the 'handle math'—the exact proportion needed to ensure a mug feels right in your hand. For taller forms, like vases or lamps, I use a section-throwing technique where I create parts separately and join them seamlessly.

Sgraffito and Relief Carving

This is the meditative part. Using the Sgraffito technique, I apply a layer of slip and then scratch away the negative space to reveal the intricate patterns underneath. It requires a steady hand and a lot of patience, whether I am carving hummingbirds into a vase or geometric designs onto a luminary. It is slow work, but it adds the tactile texture that defines my collections.

The Transformation

Glazing is where the science meets the art. My pieces go through a double firing process in the kiln, hitting 1220 degrees Celsius to reach full vitrification. Seeing a dull, glazed piece emerge from the kiln with its final, vibrant finish is always a highlight of the process.

If you want to see how this works in person, I host small-group pottery workshops right here in Indiranagar. We cover everything from hand-building to wheel skills, so you can leave with your own finished, usable pottery.