--- title: "Pottery as Riyaaz: Master the Craft at Studio White & Gray" description: "Join Studio White & Gray in Mumbai for a journey into the Riyaaz of pottery. Discover our philosophy, sustainable practices, and studio workshops today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/our-philosophy-the-riyaaz-of-pottery last_updated: 2026-02-23 --- # Pottery as Riyaaz: The Philosophy of Our Studio Tribe Verified · Byculla's hub for traditional pottery practice By [Studio White & Gray](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray) · Studio memberships and workspace at Byculla East, Mumbai · ₹9,500 per month (estimate) Part of [Pottery Studio Membership & Services](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/gallery) Pottery is not just about the final object, but the practice of repetition. Discover the 'Riyaaz' that drives our work, our sustainable approach to clay, and how we built a community space for makers in Mumbai. ## Photos and videos - [Video: In this talk, I discuss how potters must adapt to new technology, like 3D printing, to remain sustainable. While technology is a tool to be used, the skill of the hand will always have its own unique value and scope.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f88183f5-aabc-4e10-b3c9-8f628d694ba2) - [Video: I enjoy exploring all kinds of firing, from wood and pit firing to Raku and saggar. In this clip, I talk about the importance of experimentation versus mastery, and how a potter's lifetime isn't enough to learn it all.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37605cd6-a7bd-4a69-aa40-51066805fd7d) - [Video: When we needed a new type of kiln, we decided to build it ourselves. I share the story of how we designed our Gwari Baux kiln to be more wood-efficient and accommodate work from many artists at once.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a9d0786-4ae8-4d0a-a935-a8f132e49d99) - [Video: This studio was born out of necessity. When I started, there were no materials or equipment available, so I started making them myself. This clip explains how that journey led to building a space to make pottery accessible for others.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d9bc14c9-3a55-4f05-b18f-8ca10db089c7) ## About Our Philosophy: The 'Riyaaz' of Pottery When I started, nothing was available—no quality clay, no proper tools. So, I began making them myself. This studio was born from that necessity. When you train here, you aren't just learning to throw a pot; you are learning the entire ecosystem of the craft, from how to fire a Gwari Baux kiln to understanding the chemistry of clay. Pottery is a long, sustainable craft, but in the current landscape, students often lack access to the foundational knowledge that makes a potter truly independent. My philosophy of 'Riyaaz'—a term borrowed from classical music—is simple: you practice until your hands and the clay start talking to each other. It is not about shortcuts or quick projects; it is about building muscle memory and understanding the material behavior. ### Why We Build Our Own Tools This space is the result of years of solving problems. Because I couldn't find reliable kilns or wheels in the early days, I learned to design and build them. This means our students don't just learn from a textbook; they learn on equipment that has been engineered to work efficiently in Indian conditions. We use Gwari Baux kilns because they are wood-efficient and allow multiple artists to fire work simultaneously, fostering a culture of shared growth rather than competition. ### Sustainability and the Future I often talk about the transition from traditional manual work to digital technology. My take is that true sustainability comes from mastery. Whether you are using a 3D printer or a traditional kick wheel, you must train your brain to work more. Our studio in Byculla is a place where we discuss these techniques openly. Whether you are a beginner looking for a single-day workshop or a serious potter joining our four-month residency, the goal remains the same: finding your own identity in the work. The pot speaks for itself, and our job is to provide the space, the clay, and the heat to let that happen. ## About Studio White & Gray I'm Sandeep. I believe pottery is a discipline that takes a lifetime to master, which is why I built Studio White & Gray as a place where the craft comes first. Come by, talk to us about your work, and let's see how we can help you find your rhythm in clay. [See all of Studio White & Gray's services](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray) ## More from Pottery Studio Membership & Services by Studio White & Gray - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/featured) - [Pottery Workshops for All](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/pottery-workshops-for-all) - [The Art of Raku Firing](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/the-art-of-raku-firing) - [Advanced Masterclasses & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/advanced-masterclasses-collaborations) - [The Studio: Our Creative 'Adda'](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-studio-membership-services/the-studio-our-creative-adda) ## More services by Studio White & Gray - [Pottery Workshops & Classes](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-workshops-classes) - [Community & Cultural Events](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/community-cultural-events) - [Pottery Supplies & Custom Equipment](https://mytribe.in/studio_whiteandgray/pottery-supplies-custom-equipment) ## Similar work from other experts - [The Art of Clay at Studio Karva](https://mytribe.in/studiokarva/pottery-classes-workshops/featured) by Studio Karva · Pottery Classes & Workshops · Classes at studio in Govandi East, Mumbai - [Student Journeys & Pottery Creations](https://mytribe.in/mitti.space/custom-ceramic-art-commissions/student-journeys-creations) by Mitti Space · Custom Ceramic Art & Commissions · Ships across India; Visit studio in Khar West, Mumbai - [Pottery Tips & Tutorials](https://mytribe.in/clayexplore/pottery-workshops-classes/from-my-hands-to-yours-pottery-tips-tutorials) by Clay Explore · Pottery Workshops & Classes · Workshops at studio in Prabhadevi, Mumbai - [Behind the Scenes of Handmade Pottery](https://mytribe.in/studio_meeraya/handmade-pottery-custom-commissions/the-art-of-pottery-behind-the-scenes) by Studio Meeraya · Handmade Pottery & Custom Commissions · Ships across India; Visit studio in Powai - [The Art of Making: Hand-Built Pottery and Ceramic Techniques](https://mytribe.in/curiocitybylidwin/pottery-workshops-classes/the-art-of-making) by Curiocity by Lidwin · Pottery Workshops & Classes · Workshops at studio in Kalyan and across Mumbai Metropolitan Area - [Pottery Workshops in Bandra: Create Your Own Ceramics](https://mytribe.in/potterylabx/corporate-team-building-workshops/the-creative-journey-from-clay-to-keepsake) by The Pottery Lab · Corporate & Team Building Workshops · At studio in Pali Hill or your venue across Mumbai ## Book To book Studio White & Gray, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Sandeep%2C%20I'm%20interested%20in%20learning%20more%20about%20your%20pottery%20philosophy%20and%20the%20'Riyaaz'%20approach%20to%20your%20workshops.) 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