Meet The Potter!

Hello! I'm Carmel, studio potter, art lover, creator, teacher and weaver of tales using clay as a medium! Art & craft have woven themselves into the very fabric of my existence, nurtured by a cherished legacy of previous generations of artists in the family. My maternal grandmother possessed the gift of transforming simple materials into works of art and I have been inspired deeply by her work and passion toward creation.

Art and craft were part of my formative years and beyond, from painting to knitting and needlepoint to terracotta, I have enjoyed the joy that comes from creating something meaningful from an assortment of mundane items. Which brings me to clay; more specifically, ceramics. Ceramics has proved to be the culmination of my creative endeavours and has led to Claysutra being established in 2016. What began as a passionate hobby in a corner of my home quickly became a full-blown pottery studio and the rest, as they say, is history.

Every piece I create bears testament to this journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. From functional tableware to decorative sculptures, each piece bears the imprint of my soul, infused with a sense of wonder and reverence for the transformative power of clay. But for me, pottery is more than just a means of artistic expression; it's a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

Through my work, I seek to inspire others to unlock their own creative potential and embrace the joy of making something with their own hands. From ceramic tableware to murals and from jewelry to decorative pieces, Claysutra offers a myriad offering of ceramics. Fired in kilns to perfection in innumerable hues, shapes and types using differing methods.

At my studio, which I affectionately call Claysutra, I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where creativity can flourish. Here, amidst the whir of pottery wheels and the earthy scent of clay, students of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, explore, and create. Through hands-on workshops and personalized instruction, I guide my students through the fundamentals of pottery, sharing my knowledge and passion every step of the way.

But Claysutra is more than just a pottery studio; it's a community, a place where kindred spirits come together to share their love for clay and creativity. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, you'll find a warm welcome and a wealth of inspiration waiting for you here.

So come, join me on this journey of exploration and creation. Let's mold clay, shape stories, and unleash the artist within, one masterpiece at a time. Welcome to Claysutra, where every touch of clay is a brushstroke on the canvas of life.

The Story of Claysutra

In 2016, I embarked on a journey that would shape not only clay but also my dreams. Claysutra was born—a sanctuary where creativity finds its voice and imagination takes tangible form. Here, within the walls of my studio, I weave stories with every stroke of my hand, from crafting everyday dinnerware to sculpting intricate art pieces.

My fascination with clay began with the earthy allure of terracotta, but it was stoneware that truly captured my heart. Immersed in the timeless art of pottery, I dove headfirst into this ancient craft, fueled by a passion that burned brighter with each piece I created. It was during a transformative ceramic kiln-building workshop that I found myself truly embracing the magic of clay. Those two weeks were a turning point, igniting a fire within me that has never waned.

Hand-building and pottery wheel techniques soon became second nature to me, empowering me to forge my own creative path. With each touch of clay, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and expression, a liberation that transcended the confines of the physical world. At Claysutra, I found not just a studio, but a canvas upon which to paint my dreams and aspirations.

But Claysutra is more than just a place of creation—it's a beacon of inspiration, inviting others to join me on this artistic odyssey. Nature, with its myriad wonders, serves as my muse, infusing every piece with the stories and experiences that define my existence. From the gentle curves of a leaf to the rugged terrain of a mountain, each creation is a reflection of the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Why "claysutra"? The well known ancient Indian treatise that contains the word 'sutra' makes many draw parallels and elicits some hushed whispers. Sutra, from Sanskrit, means thread, which sews and holds things together. Clay has this innate property where its molecules form a cohesive mass. Like mangalsutra, a thread that consecrates union. Claysutra implies union. Of clay particles, bonded together to form a permanent work of art at 1220°C.

For me, working with clay isn't just about shaping mud—it's a profound act of expression and liberation. With each pinch and coil, I mold not just clay, but emotions, memories, and dreams. Each creation is a testament to the endless possibilities of imagination and the boundless depths of the human spirit.

So I invite you to join me at Claysutra, where the magic of pottery-making awaits. Here, amidst the whir of pottery wheels and the earthy scent of clay, you'll discover the joy of creation and the thrill of unleashing your inner artist. Whether you're a seasoned potter or a curious beginner, there's a place for you here, where dreams take shape and possibilities are limitless. Welcome to Claysutra, where every creation tells a story, and every artist finds their voice.

The Daughter of Claysutra - Nicole.

Clay has been a huge part of my life ever since my mom, Carmel, decided to take it up. As her daughter, I got swept right into the world of pottery. My name is Nicole, and while other people might have had hobbies like basketball or playing guitar, I found myself getting familiar with all forms of art — thanks to my mom's endless enthusiasm.

I didn't exactly sign up for pottery lessons; it was more like a spontaneous initiation led by my mom, who was already a pottery pro. One minute I was doing my own thing, and the next, I had a chunk of clay in my hands with a cheerful, “Give it a go!” courtesy of my mom. That’s how it all began—with a lot of encouragement, some trial and error, and plenty of laughs over my early attempts.

Even though I explored other creative outlets, like starting my own resin art business, I kept finding myself drawn back to the pottery wheel. There's just something about clay that resonates with me, probably because of the countless hours I’ve spent with my mom guiding me through the process, offering tips, and occasionally saving my work from becoming a wonky mess.

Now, as I continue my journey in pottery, I can’t help but feel grateful for the path that brought me here. And most of all, I’m thankful for my mom, the ultimate pottery guru, who’s been my teacher, mentor, and the person who made sure I always had clay under my fingernails.