Pottery Workshops in NCR Inspire Hobbyists to Pursue Full-Time Passion
Weekend studio pottery workshops across the National Capital Region (NCR) are attracting a growing number of hobbyists eager to explore the art of shaping clay. What began as a stress-busting weekend activity is now evolving into a full-time passion for many enthusiasts, who are not only creating signature ceramic pieces but also building entire lifestyles around their craft.
From Curiosity to Career: Artists Share Their Journeys
Sreeja Srinivasan, founder of Sree Studio in Gurgaon, recalls how her interest was sparked years ago. "I attended a workshop and instantly fell in love with the process of shaping clay with my hands," she shares. "During the lockdown, when life slowed down, that thought resurfaced. I joined pottery classes, deepened my learning, and what started as curiosity transformed into a genuine passion."
Prachi Kaushik, a studio potter behind the brand Matuh, emphasizes the importance of foundational learning. "I focused on mastering the basics first, picking up specialized techniques in various studios and practicing extensively at home," she explains. "Only after that deep dive did setting up my own studio feel like the natural next step."
The Hands-On Process and Its Rewards
The craft involves meticulous, hands-on work from start to finish. Sreeja describes the comprehensive process: "Much of it is very hands-on—from wedging the clay and creating pieces to glazing, firing, packing orders, and tracking couriers. Additionally, there's the effort of participating in exhibitions and connecting with the right audience. Building something from scratch requires patience, but it is also deeply fulfilling."
Seema Mohaley, a studio potter based in Dwarka who creates quirky ceramic showpieces, echoes this sentiment. "Watching handmade pieces take shape for the first time was fascinating," she says. "It instantly inspired me to learn pottery and explore working with clay."
Pottery as a Path to Slow Living and Calm
Many practitioners highlight pottery's role in promoting slow living and mental well-being. Sreeja notes, "The simple act of shaping clay, waiting for pieces to dry, and witnessing their transformation through firing reminds us to appreciate patience and the beauty of making things slowly."
Madhu Singh from Pune, inspired by a video of a Japanese potter, shares, "Pottery is very calming. You get to touch, create, and express your inner self. In today's fast-paced world, it serves as an escape from city life."
Anjali Jaggi, a 60-year-old enthusiast with the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust, pursues pottery as a personal passion. "After my kids grew up, I had time to pursue a hobby, and pottery became that for me," she says. "I don't consider myself a professional; I prefer to keep it as a hobby and enjoy creating at my own pace."
Community Support and Growing Interest
The rise in pottery's popularity is closely tied to community engagement. Prachi observes, "It's about meeting the person behind the product. Each piece is unique, bearing the physical imprint of the maker and reflecting their life." Madhu adds, "Interest in pottery has surged in recent years. Our circle has been expanding, and Instagram has helped attract more attendees."
Sreeja emphasizes the role of online communities: "The growth of my pottery practice has been closely connected to the support from the online community."
Workshops as Gateways to Lifelong Passion
Parul Bansal, COO of Vivre Experiences, which hosts regular pottery workshops in NCR, notes the lasting impact of these sessions. "Our goal is to provide attendees with the best possible experience in two hours," she says. "Often, we see people who attend once but continue modeling clay at home, start visiting studios regularly, or even buy their own pottery wheels, turning a weekend experience into a lifelong passion."
The pieces created in these workshops are typically standalone or made in small batches, preserving their unique appeal and fostering a sense of individuality among creators.
