The Artistic Process: Techniques Behind My Ceramics
Pottery is so much more than just shaping clay. Here is a look at the techniques I practice and teach, from Nerikomi marbling to bubble glazing and Sgraffito.
Not every firing is a success. Here's a look at some mixed results, where a thick clear glaze made the pieces cloudy. It's all a learning process.
So many of you asked to see the before and after of glazing. Here are a few pieces, raw from the kiln and then transformed by glaze.
A close-up of a complex glazing process inspired by the diamond beaches of Iceland. I used multiple glazes and textures to create this effect.
This video shows the bubble glazing technique, where I blow bubbles with underglaze and soap onto a plate to create a unique, organic pattern.
Making colored clay for Nerikomi. I mix mason stains into white clay to create a vibrant palette for creating marbled patterns.
This is the process of throwing marbled vases using the Nerikomi technique, where different colored clays are combined to create swirling patterns.
The best part of working with marbled clay is trimming. As you carve away the outer layer, the beautiful striped patterns are revealed.
Day 1 of Nerikomi week, creating marbled slabs of clay. These will be used to hand-build plates and bowls with a beautiful, natural-looking pattern.
Day 3 of Nerikomi week, showing the finished plates with a pink floral pattern created by carefully arranging colored clay.
Day 4 of Nerikomi week, experimenting with different flower patterns using the Nerikomi inlay technique.
About The Artistic Process
I often share my kiln results, even the ones that don't turn out as expected. For instance, a clear glaze can sometimes turn cloudy if applied too thickly, but that is simply part of the chemistry we play with. Seeing these mixed results helps you understand that pottery is as much about patience as it is about skill.
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you move beyond basic shapes. In my Uttarahalli studio, I dedicate time to exploring advanced decorative techniques that truly bring a piece to life. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of a kiln or want to try your hand at surface design, these processes are deeply rewarding.
Nerikomi and Marbling
You will often see me working with Nerikomi, which involves mixing pigments into the clay body itself. By layering different colored clays and trimming away the outer surface, we reveal hidden, intricate patterns that look almost like natural stone. It is a slow, methodical process, but the results are entirely unique to every piece.
Glazing and Surface Decoration
Glazing is where the chemistry happens. From testing bubble glazing—using soap and underglaze to create organic patterns—to Sgraffito, where I carve through layers of color to reveal the design beneath, every step has its own rhythm. I encourage students to experiment with these, even if it means we have a few 'test' pieces that don't quite go to plan. If you are interested in learning these specific methods, I include them in my 15-day comprehensive programs where we have the time to really get into the details of firing schedules and glaze composition.
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