Based in Chennai, Varsha is an architect & potter, with a unique insight into the material of clay, which is her source of endless inspiration. “Having both the designer and craftsman perspective helps me explore the creative possibilities of clay.”
She started learning pottery in her final year of college in August 2015. A year later she got her own wheel and practiced the craft alongside her full-time job at an Architectural firm. In 2022, she established a proper studio with a small team to assist her. Drawing and sketching are important to her process to take every detail one step further, be it the rim, foot, color, texture, or dimensions. Every product is then put through rigorous sampling and prototyping before it is considered ready for release. For eg, her tumblers went through a series of sketches, paper cutouts, and samples to reach the final product.
“Wheel-work structurally gives the best forms as it involves compression of the clay particles during the throwing process, creating strong durable pieces. This is one of my most preferred techniques and can be enhanced by altering forms and profiles. Clay carries so much moisture, and elasticity, and has an amazing textural quality like no other.” Her pieces have a certain cheerfulness with bright colors and bold forms. “We need to think about what emotions we are trying to evoke with a palette. If you are using something every day, it might as well add a pop of cheer to your day,” she says.
The greatest lesson in Pottery is humility. As an architect, whatever is designed is implemented, be it by bending glass, or wood but clay has a life of its own.“You are playing with things much bigger than you, like the elements of fire, water, air, and earth. Without respect for the material and the craft, you cannot create anything of value. Rather than impose your design, you have to work with it to create something worthwhile.”
