Turning the wheels

ISSUE: 139

Ceramist KV Lakshmi hopes to set up a beautiful studio space where she can introduce people to the joys of playing with clay

How did Keli come about?

KV: I have always wanted a studio of my own, where I had the freedom to make everything I want throughout the day. During college, I had done a one-month apprenticeship with Puneet Brar at her studio in Auroville. That was the first time I saw how a pottery studio was run. I got to see both sides of it – the stressful life between deadlines and the joy when a kiln is opened, with all the beautiful glazed pieces you made from scratch. I had never felt more at home.

How challenging is it to run your own practice?

KV: I’ve always had great support throughout my career, from the first time I told my parents I wanted to graduate in ceramic and glass, to the time I decided to move to a new city, start something all by myself, clueless of how or where to start, and with zero knowledge about business or marketing or how to promote the things I make. One of the most difficult things I had to do was to believe in myself, and move out of my comfort zone, and start somewhere.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the way you work?

KV: It was extremely unfortunate that COVID-19 happened soon after I had set up Keli. It was a little scary in the beginning when I first realized the need for ceramics was not exactly a basic requirement. It was a little difficult to keep myself motivated in the first few months but gradually the pace of work picked up. The last couple of months have been very busy work-wise and I could not be happier about it.

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Purchase Designindia 140 here. Read the digital copy of Designindia on Magzter, or POOL App which you can download from AppStore, Google Play.