Parul graduated with a specialization in Painting and Pottery from the esteemed M.S. University Baroda and practiced pottery under the guidance of Padmashri Sri Kripal Singh Shekawat and Late Smt. Jyotsna Bhatt.
After being married to a big family, she prioritized her personal responsibilities. Yet, more than a decade later in 2020, she stepped into the art of pottery yet again as a passionate artist and a proud mother of two. Her brand Pritha Atelier translates to Pritha as in palm (Sanskrit) and Atelier which means Studio, highlighting the handcrafted nature of her art, be it painting or pottery. Balancing it all with the support of her family, especially her husband, she works out of her little studio on the terrace. This she claims is ‘her cozy spot’ where she reads, relaxes, and works on the wheel even at the wee hours of the night! “In my studio, I’ve found a quiet corner where I can be.”
“I take pride in creating a wide range of simple forms that are perfect for everyday use—all of which are both food-safe and microwave-safe,” says Parul. She loves clean lines and raw textures. Her creative process is free-flowing yet experimental, not bound by any time regulations or rules. She dares to explore forms and styles, creating unique pieces with a play of glazes and the feel of exposed clay. “For me, pottery is my ‘me time.’ It’s where I can disconnect from the noise of the world and focus on something tangible and calming. Every piece I make goes through my hands at least fifty times—shaping, refining, adjusting—until it feels just right.”
Each of her pieces is personal and distinctive. “When you hold one of my creations, you’re holding a part of the process—a little slice of my story and the quiet joy I find in simply creating.” Pottery is her escape. Unlearning and relearning the craft has helped her rediscover herself and find a new identity amidst a busy life!
