CASEY MONTEIRO
Pottery is turning into quite a popular career option, whether it’s to channel one’s creativity, espouse a cause or simply earn a living. Goa is known for its traditional base of artisans, especially in places like Bicholim, who make artefacts and useful items from clay.
Despite the challenges, a new crop of youngsters across Goa are venturing into the world of moulding clay.
We spoke to a few artisans to know the difficulties involved in this trade, and the opportunities this potter’s wheel has in shaping their career in this trade.
CERAMIC POTTERY AS A CAREER
Compared to earlier times, recent developments in clientele connectivity, networking and changes in buyers’ tastes, is auguring well for a bright market for artisans in pottery.
Meghna Amonkar, who had a stall at the Potters’ Fest earlier this year, highlights the increasing platforms open to them, besides online shops.
“Flea markets and festivals are a great way to connect with customers and other artists where you get first-hand reactions that are invaluable,” says Meghna.
“I’ve seen so many people smile at a piece because it reminded them of something, or some place, and that makes it special to them. As an artiste, there’s no better feeling than to see your creation being loved,” says Meghna.
For those in creative pursuits, pottery is a gateway to unleashing endless possibilities. “This medium is addictive like no other. It draws you in. The possibilities are endless and I’m super excited to be on this journey to discover more,” exudes Meghna.
Simonie Rego, of Centre Punch Studio, Arossim, says a lot can be done with pottery. “You can use your creativity and create so many things,” she says, indicating her Christmas collection of clay trees and decor.
She adds, “I want to celebrate the beautiful fauna we see around. A lot of times, especially in cities, they are viewed as a nuisance. I want to make a small effort to try and change that and get people to see them as a part of life.”
NOT SO EASY
Although the creative yields are high, there are difficulties in pursuing pottery. “The process of creation itself is slow so the turnaround time is high,” explains Simonie.
“You need to have a lot of practice and patience. Pottery is not something you can learn in a month or two. After all these years, I am still learning,” she says.
Meghna says committing to pottery as a sustainable profession is not an easy decision. “Pottery is expensive and you need to put in a lot of money for the studio setup, tools and materials.”
Even sourcing one’s clay can be quite cumbersome. Many outsource their clay, instead of making it.
“It all depends on what kind of work you are doing with pottery. Fine work requires refined clay, and making your own clay requires labour,” says Simone.
COURSES, WORKSHOPS & WORKING WITH ARTISANS
The challenges are not unsettling ceramic artisans and enthusiasts. Simonie informs of courses and workshops on pottery.
Recently, she conducted one such workshop at her studio. “Even traditional artisans teach. You can get practical knowledge here,” she says.
Meghna says she started off by attending a basic 10-day course where she got introduced to the medium in January 2022.
Recalling the journey, she says, “I realised by Day 2 of the course that I was not really interested in wheel throwing and whatever I made with my hands turned out to be an animal, so my progression into ceramics – with animals as my theme – was a very natural one.”
She continues, “I started by making little figurines of pets since that’s what I was known for and was comfortable with. I started getting orders for these, too, and was really happy making them.”
Carpe Diem, Art and Learning Centre, Majorda, holds regular pottery classes with sessions on introduction to hand-built pottery, and wheel-throwing courses at their ceramic studio – Studio Tellus – which is equipped to teach and produce ceramic works.
Chowgule Center for Creative Arts, too, recently held a workshop ‘The Pottery Wheel’.
“I think the scope for pottery is beginning to look very promising. People are starting to understand the value of handmade products over mass-produced retail products,” points out Meghna.
“People travel a lot these days and so are more aware of design styles and influences. And so, if they see something unique, they will come back for it. The interest is high so that’s a good thing.”
