Behind the Scenes: My Pottery Process
Come take a peek into my rooftop studio in Whitefield. From the first spin on the wheel to the final glow of the kiln, this is how I turn raw clay into something with soul.
Closed forms are so close to my heart. Here is a video of me shaping a jar on the wheel, carefully bringing the walls in to create the neck.
The mesmerizing process of throwing a lidded pot on the wheel. It takes a lot of concentration to get the shape just right.
Carving details into a pitcher after it has been thrown. This is the stage where I can add texture and personality to a piece.
A little tour of my life as a potter, from displaying my work at a market to teaching a glazing class and working on the wheel.
A montage of different moments in the studio: checking a finished lidded jar, sculpting a figure, and teaching a hand-building class.
A tour of my cozy studio space, from the plants and pond that inspire me to the wheels and shelves where the magic happens.
Me in my element, wearing my 'Mud Effects' apron and putting the finishing touches on a Ganesha idol.
A proud moment watching one of my students paint her own beautiful design onto a bowl during a workshop.
Another student deeply focused on painting her mug. I love seeing the creativity that comes alive in my classes.
A student painting delicate flowers onto her handmade mug. It's so rewarding to guide others on their pottery journey.
About Behind the Scenes: My Creative Process
Pottery isn't just about shaping clay—it is a patient dialogue between my hands and the material. You see the beautiful finished mugs and bowls here, but behind every piece is a slow journey of drying, careful trimming, glazing, and the intense heat of the kiln. If you are looking for factory-perfect uniformity, this might surprise you; here, every tiny kiln mark is a sign that a human made it, not a machine.
My rooftop studio in Whitefield is where all this happens. It is a space meant for slowing down and connecting with the earth. When you see me on the wheel, you are watching hours of practice condensed into a single moment of creation.
The Lifecycle of a Piece
- The Throwing: Whether it is a coffee mug or a large lidded jar, it starts on the wheel. It requires a calm mind to keep the clay centered and the walls even.
- The Slow Drying: This is the part people rarely see. Clay needs time to breathe. If it dries too fast, it cracks. I check, I trim, and I wait. It is a lesson in patience.
- The Glaze and Fire: This is the transformation. The change from soft, malleable clay to food-safe, durable stoneware happens inside the kiln at over 1200 degrees. It is always a relief when I open the kiln door to see the results.
Whether you are looking for custom stoneware for your home or wanting to join a class to learn the wheel, I invite you to see the real thing. I do not just sell ceramics; I share a practice that has kept me grounded for nine years. If you want to understand why handmade pieces feel different, come spend an hour at the studio.
Mud Effects Pottery Studio
I'm Ritu, and for me, pottery is just pure magic and a moment of calm. My rooftop studio in Whitefield is where I share this joy—whether I am teaching a workshop or sculpting a custom piece, it is all about connecting with the clay and each other. ❤️
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