The Studio Potters’ Market at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2016

The wheel is the greatest invention known to mankind — just ask the people who use it frequently to created masterpieces and you’ll get a hoard of reasons why. Away from the clamour and splendour of the exhibition and stalls, there was an alley that led to a nook full of the most talented pottery artists you could hope to meet. The Studio Potters’ Market at Kala Ghoda this year was nothing short of a spectacle in itself — and we’ve featured the best of the best for you.

Megha Rawat

Quite the quirky personality, Megha Rawat believes in “making stuff you can use” — which basically mean pretentious showpieces are a big no-no. Using stoneware clay, Megha went through extensive training to learn the art of making handmade clay products. Five years on, she’s reaping the rewards, and you can check out her products (or as she calls them, her babies) in the video above.

Kunal Ukey

Based in Nagpur, Kunal Ukey relies on terracotta clay to express his craftiness and artistry. With over five years of experience in the field, all of his products are handmade, and as he explains in the video above, have been a hit at the Kala Ghoda festival this year.

Neha Deshmukh

Based in Raigad, the pleasant Neha Deshmukh makes handmade ceramic products for both utility and home decor. With over 8 years of experience in the business, Neha has the support of her husband, who’s into pottery himself. You can learn more about the talented duo in the video above.

Ashwin Solanki

Based in Dharavi, Ashwin Solanki and his family have been in the clay-making business for almost a decade and a half. The products are largely for the kids, and as Ashwin demonstrates in the video above, he also loves teaching people the art of using the wheel.

Suresh Prajapati — Clay Boy Studio

With his own studio in Kandivali, Suresh Prajapati is a seasoned veteran. When he’s not busy coming up with clever puns for his studio’s name, he focuses on making ceramic utility products for a living. These include bowls, plates, platters, cups, and anything else you can use in everyday life.

Puneet Brar

It’s a long journey from Auroville, Pondicherry to the city of Mumbai (especially with fragile objects in your baggage), but Puneet Brar was determined to showcase her spectacular products to the urban populace. After spending over 15 years in the business, her hand-made clay products are highly sought after.

Neelma Nagpal, Happy Potters’ Studio

Speaking of clever puns, Happy Potter is quite the witty name too. A ceramic potter, Neelma Nagpal says that every piece she makes is one of its kind. After 13 years in the business, Neelma knows every trick in the trade and wholeheartedly believes in making unique, specialised, and customisable products for her customers.

Anita Punjabi

Stoneware isn’t easy by any means — yet, even after 9 years worth of sweat and toil behind her, Anita Punjabi loves her job. She makes decorative and utility articles that are all stoneware and handmade.

Tejashree Sagvekar

Colours make everything better — even something as basic as pots, if Tejashree Sagvekar is to be believed. The artist, who makes functional products, has been focusing on painting in a bid make her products seem more lively. She makes her own clay as well, and everything is 100% made from scratch — which is remarkable.

You can view the complete Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2016 Handbook here.