Clay is one of the easiest materials to shape and shape, requiring the slightest amount of pressure. Although the mass-produced ceramics ensure that every line, curve, and turn is perfectly aligned, the handmade ceramics made in the local pottery studio follow the curvature of the potter and his wheels. It is in these tiny flaws that people can discover its beauty.
Pottery, like many other traditional hobbies such as knitting, crocheting and journaling, has made a comeback, especially in the past few years. Whether accepting a slower pace of life or simply appreciating tactile art forms, these conscious pursuits have promoted the development of a whole generation of local studios. The minimalist design inspired by Japanese and Nordic aesthetics and the originality of Indian pottery are the primary themes here. We introduce you to independent potters and pottery studios all over the country, who make hand-made small batches of works that have taken over Instagram and Pinterest.
The production of pottery is a primitive and poignant self-expression. This pottery school was founded by Nikita Dawar and is located in the Velanga Orchard in Bodabandla, Andhra Pradesh. Slow Pot offers short courses and daily workshops to help you hone your ceramic making skills. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, these courses focus on the philosophy, technology and lifestyle around pottery. The Boob Basics series (pictured) is an ode to the human body.
In Andretta, a small village near Dharmshala, is the headquarters of Atelier Lālmitti, a clay workshop that makes handmade ceramics to celebrate daily life. The studio is run by Reyaz Badaruddin (Indian ceramic artist) and Élodie Alexandre (French artist who specializes in illustration and ceramics). The fusion of Indian pottery technology and French design aesthetics, unique ceramics bring fantastic ideas to your dining table with its bakeware, butter plate, dessert plate, kettle and other series. Hand-drawn illustrations of white ceramic pieces inspired by the Himalayas or eclectic animal silhouettes.
Simple handmade ceramic pieces are a kind of beauty and will definitely change the aesthetics of your home. Creating a single product that meets the requirements is Karishma Kajaria's local brand Nitara. The brand is carefully crafted by local artisans around Kolkata, following fair trade and sustainable practices, such as using plastic-free packaging and manufacturing durable products. Blue and green tones dominate their collection of tableware, which are shaped by hand to create natural curves and folds.
If your table conversation revolves around tableware, then it's time for you to get to know Jaipur's brand Khanoom. Plant prints are inspired by the Greek herbal encyclopedia De Materia Medica and are formed on plates, cups and napkin holders. Each piece was hand-shaped, fired, dipped in white glaze, and then hand-painted by their co-founder and creative director Simon Marks. Supporting local potters is critical to the brand, and the brand launched an initiative called Matka Pani to support artisans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Add this handmade ceramic workshop to the list of things to do in Goa. Operated by Tanushree Singh, the label is synchronized with the susegad lifestyle, and each piece is made slowly and happily with one pair of hands. This also means that each piece is made to order, and it takes its own time to shape and reach the final destination. Textures and patterns play an important role, and each piece has its own inspiration and story.
Anumita Jain, who lives in Delhi, was passionate about cooking as a child, which has translated into a label for making decorations and table ceramics. In 2019, Anumita quit her job as a product designer to focus on her side business. A clay story that creates moody earthy glazed ceramic works. From chutney bowls, chopstick holders to plate sets, A Clay Story’s silent ceramics are a great addition to your private dining table.
Turning the ancient art of pottery into a fascinating part of your home is Studio Nendo, whose name comes from the Japanese clay sculpture term. The studio is run by Srishti Sindhu and a group of skilled potters who use stoneware clay to make unique handmade tableware, which is then fired twice in a kiln at high temperature. They also customize the work, but need about 15 days' notice.
Header image: Courtesy of Khanoom. Featured image: Courtesy of Atelier Lālmitti.
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