Enjoying the earthy and invigorating ambience of Terracrafts Pottery School, in Tripunithura, a bunch of beginners are getting their hands muddy. There is a slight drizzle, a steady breeze and the sounds from the Kadambrayar river flowing by — a dreamy setting for playing with clay. 

When VJ Yedhukrishnan decided to make use of his father and master potter VK Jayan’s studio (attached to their home) to conduct regular workshops three years ago, he knew the interest in pottery was only set to go up. And, it sure did. Today, he has back-to-back workshops. From three-hour sessions to longer courses, Yedhukrishnan takes his students through the fundamentals of pottery. “Most people come just for the experience, but end up pursuing it as a serious hobby,” he says.

Having studied product design in Coimbatore, Yedhukrishnan realised the potential of ceramic pottery only when he left Kerala. “I saw how there was burgeoning interest in hobby ceramic pottery in bigger cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai; it is something I had grown up doing. I knew that I could build a community of pottery lovers back home,” he adds.

Social media helped too, and pottery sessions gradually evolved into a fun group activity.

Gayathri Mohandas of Gris Stories | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Over the past few years, ceramic pottery has been trending as a hobby and studios offering short workshops and courses have mushroomed in and around Kochi. “The idea of creating something with your own hands is exciting,” says Gayathri Mohandas, whose Gris Stories in Kadavanthra, receives students across age groups. She offers two-hour sessions on wheel throwing and handbuilding (the process of using hands to make articles; without using the potter’s wheel) methods to 10-day beginner and intermediate courses.

An interior designer, she was drawn to ceramic pottery. After a course in Bengaluru, she set up her own studio later. Gris Stories also has an open studio concept where anyone can use the space to practice and make articles. The studio will provide the clay, tools and wheel, says Gayathri.

The real charm of pottery lies in the therapeutic effect it is said to have on frayed nerves. Reema Singh who has been teaching at her Soil to Soul Ceramics studio in Girinagar, says many of those who take her short workshops are looking at it as a break from the drudgery of routine. “It is relaxing and that is why it works so well as an antidote to stress,” says Reema.

Reema Singh of Soil to Soul Ceramics | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Having done ceramic pottery for over five years, Reema opened her studio one-and-a-half years ago where she entertains walk-in workshops as well. “I play some good music and people can just immerse in the process.”

Ceramic candle holders made by Reema | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Pottery has also taught Reema profound life lessons. “It has made me extremely patient, for one, and I have learnt the art of letting go. Some times, the end product does not turn out the way you planned. I tell my students that they can always make another one,” she says.

Anu Cheeran of The Little Goldfish | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

It helps one stay focused and rooted. Ceramics is often a refuge for those seeking a digital detox, says Anu Cheeran, who has a number of people in IT-oriented jobs taking her short workshops. “I do a lot of hand building at my workshops, where people get to work with their hands, feel the textural contrasts of clay as it mixes with water,” she says.

Anu Cheeran’s handbuilt ceramic plate | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Most of Anu’s creations are hand built, with motifs that inspire her. Currently, one would find a lot of dragonflies and birds in her work. “Yes, I have taken to bird watching and I find dragonflies to be quite intriguing.”

She gives lets her students practice handbuilding methods, so they understand clay better.

Anu, who quit a lucrative corporate career for design, set up her studio The Little Goldfish in Thrissur, where she has created a soothing space to work. “There is silence; I some times play soft music. It is quite the idyllic set up,” she says. Anu takes orders for tableware, wall decor and tiles among other things. And in between her projects she hosts workshops and two-to-three month courses too for serious learners.

Anu Cheeran’s handbuilt ceramic plate | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Pottery also teaches you that you don’t have to be perfect, Anu adds. “Handbuilt plates, for instance. They are not a perfect circle,” but they are functional, handmade and yes, you can eat out of them.