My Pottery Journal: Finding Calm in Clay
Pottery is how I quiet my overthinking mind. This journal is a collection of my process, my imperfections, and the stories that turn a simple lump of clay into a piece of my heart.
This is something I wrote when trying to put my feelings about pottery into words. We spend our lives trying to hide our imperfections, but in clay, we learn to embrace and even celebrate them.
This verse from Kabir, "Mati Kahe Kumhar Se," is a profound reminder of our connection to the earth. My hands covered in clay, I feel this deep truth about creation and our own transient nature.
Sometimes my journal doodles make their way onto the clay. This little sketch captures the feeling of throwing yourself completely into the creative process, making pieces not just out of clay, but out of yourself.
The art of letting go is a hard lesson in pottery. I've learned to distinguish between a practice piece and a final piece, and sometimes that means breaking something to start again, better.
On a trip to Spiti, I discovered the traditional Zama pottery of Langza village. Touching the local black soil and seeing ancient pots was incredibly inspiring and connected me to a long lineage of potters.
A look at the artist and the art. My inspiration often comes from nature, from quiet moments by a waterfall, which then finds its way into my paintings and illustrations.
The story behind my logo. Handmade by Malvika has been a 10-year journey of starting, stopping, and finding my way back. This isn't the end, it's just the beginning again, right in the middle.
And sometimes, what was broken can be fixed. This is the other half of the story, a symbol of hope and resilience. In pottery, we learn when to let go and when to mend.
From a simple lump of clay to a finished tealight holder, this piece captures my journey. It's been five months since I returned to pottery, and I'm so glad to be back, with a long way still to go.
About My Pottery Journal
When you join me in the studio, don't worry about making the perfect bowl. We spend our time learning to center clay, exploring hand-building techniques, or getting messy with the wheel. It is less about the final product and more about the meditation of the process—if your bowl wobbles or your coil is uneven, that is just part of the story we are creating together.
My studio in Delhi NCR is where I practice the art of letting go. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your craft, my pottery workshops are designed to be a break from the noise. We keep batch sizes small to ensure you get actual guidance, not just a demonstration.
What we explore
- Wheel Throwing: This is where we learn to center clay, open mounds, and pull walls. It takes patience, and yes, sometimes the clay has a mind of its own.
- Hand-Building: If the wheel is not your jam, we use pinching, coiling, and slab work to create organic shapes like trinket bowls or planters.
- Sgraffito & Design: This is where your piece becomes yours. We carve into leather-hard clay, using underglazes to paint stories directly onto your ceramics.
The process
Everything here is a slow craft. After the session, I handle the professional finishing, drying, and double firing in the kiln. You get to walk away with food-safe pieces, but the real takeaway is the 2 to 3 hours of quiet focus. Whether it is a 'Play with Clay' session for kids or an intensive Masterclass, come ready to get your hands dirty, share some stories, and embrace the imperfections that make handmade ceramics special.
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