potterybyshikha

I was born and raised in New Delhi, India where I spent the first 22 years of my life. In 1996 I graduated from Delhi University with a Bachelors in Psychology. Growing up, I don’t recall being deeply interested in art, apart from the fact that I was a compulsive doodler, covering every square inch of any given space with random doodles, much to my mother’s exasperation. Of all the grand plans I had regarding my future, being an artist was never on my list.

My first encounter with clay makes for a rather funny anecdote. It happened on the streets of New Delhi, when, fascinated by a potter throwing on his wheel, I decided to give it a shot. I went to this roadside potter and told him I wanted to try my hands at clay. Amused by my desire, for it is not everyday people walk up to him, requesting to learn his craft, the potter delegated his nine-year-old son to indulge me. We sat by the busy street and the little boy centered a lump of clay on the wheel for me to play with. Needless to say, I couldn't make anything that day but the joy of wet clay slipping through my fingers was so enthralling, it took me into a different realm. I was oblivious to the crowd that gathered around us to watch a well-dressed young girl, sitting by the roadside, getting hopelessly muddy under the direction of a little boy. I knew that day, I had found my calling. The seed that was sown in India on that warm spring day, achieved maturity, when I moved to the US, to join my husband in Atlanta, Georgia. There, I got the opportunity to learn pottery at the Callanwolde Fine arts center. Under the direction of Glenn Dair, I became completely immersed in the joy of making pots and spent the next five years learning the subtleties of throwing on the wheel.

In 2003 my husband's job change brought us to Round Rock TX, where I established my home studio, my own little sanctuary, where I have been playing ever since.

ABOUT MY WORK;
My creative process results from an interplay between form and function. I like to explore form, to create pots with unique shapes and personalities, with the underlying guiding factor being, achievement of good functionality. I accentuate the contours of my wheel-thrown and altered pots through carving, making intricate, abstract patterns. The designs are not planned, but result from a spontaneous flow of the hand, guided by influences unconsciously absorbed over the years.

The rich earthy hues strongly appeal to the artist in me, which in turn dictate the choice of my clay and glazes. I formulate my own glazes which are completely food safe. All my pieces are fired to cone 6 oxidation, which translates to about 2167 F, making the pieces non porous, dishwasher safe (unless noted otherwise), resistant to chipping and durable for regular use.

I believe there exists a mutual relationship between a handmade pot and its user. While handmade pots add an element of joy and charm to one's daily routine, this fond usage by the user serves to enhance the beauty and value of the handmade pot.