PHOTOGRAPHY, POTTERY WORKSHOP, GRATITUDE
Pottery Encourages My Soul Grow Filled with Treasured Moments
In response to Dancing Elephants prompt 12 of 52
Backstory
I always had the urge to touch clay, get my hands dirty, and create something out of it since I was a tiny little girl.
During my childhood days, I used to make clay dolls and painted them. However, I realized that those were not enough to satiate my thirst!
Finding no pottery professional around to guide me as to how to go about it methodically to the next level, I had no other way but to push that creative urge with a heavy heart to the backburner. And I got all occupied with the flow of life subsequently.
but…God, the unfathomable and the most benevolent soul, must have had some other plan for me :)!
When a Friend Informed me about a Potter in the Town
To my utter surprise, after almost three decades, I got a golden opportunity to enter the world of pottery.
We were then residing in Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat.
One good friend of mine informed me that she would join a pottery class — she was experiencing an issue with concentration and engagement.
I readily asked although I had no issue if I could join. My friend shared the potter’s number, asked me to call by myself and find out, and I called Neelma, the owner of Happy Potter, a pottery studio.
She was an articulate and warm person and she invited me to her studio anytime in the afternoon.
The very next day, I visited her place. The moment I stepped into her studio, I felt that ‘connect’. Neelma showed her wonderful customized creations. She used to offer pottery courses, and workshops and was a visiting faculty at a few prominent institutes in and around the city.
I was getting immersed at the complexity and beauty of her Indian pottery journey by her work of high-temperature stoneware clay and amazing firing experiences in kilns.
I registered for a couple of sessions to get a hang of the world of ceramics.
During the sessions, I got to experience an extraordinary world that was deeply meditative, inspirational, engaging, and above all fun.
The best part was that it was all about hands-on learning. I got the opportunity to get my hands really muddy on the potter’s wheels.
Then I came to know about a couple of ceramic workshops Neelma was planning to conduct. I said a YES on the spot.
Pottery Workshop during Diwali
While attending a 2-day pottery workshop with my son during the Diwali break,
We were sent prior intimation that one had to wear something that didn’t mind getting soiled, and had comfortable shoes on our feet.
My joy knew no bounds and I didn’t mind putting in one of my favorite sarees with sneakers on my feet on Day 1.
We had the pleasure of molding clay into beautiful shapes and forms. We felt delighted thinking that we could light our handmade diyas and diffuser during Diwali night.
Raku Pottery Workshop
A couple of months later, Neelma organized a specialized ceramic workshop, Raku. I registered.
The traditional Raku process is believed to reflect enlightened life, as the firing process is daring and the pottery is derived from the earth. All four elements are employed in the process of the pottery making, as water is used during the forming process to keep the clay damp, and after firing the piece cools in the air.
Raku is a Japanese style of pottery first made during the 1580s; the practice is characterised by the removal of a clay object from the kiln at the height of the firing and causing it to cool very rapidly. Originally created for the tea ceremony, Raku ware is most commonly found in the form of tea bowls. The art form was championed by tea masters who appreciated the unpretentiousness of the wares.
Every pot that is crafted required hands to be spoilt- Unknown
Neelma used her vast teaching experience to provide interactive, engaging, captivating, and hands-on Raku pottery sessions — history, glazing, firing techniques, temperature to be maintained, kilns, etc.
I enjoyed every bit of it. And my learning-cum-fun ceramic sessions continued until we were transferred to the Indian state of Assam.
Yield to God the way clay does to potter’s hands- Proverb
One fine morning, I got to learn that Neelma passed away after some illness. I felt completely numb, stood still, and couldn’t move for some time. Why so early the only thing was I asked!
Life seemed so unpredictable, once again.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and don’t know how long I wept till my Maa held me in her arms and comforted me.
It was painfully hard to accept the bitter truth but the show must go on…
A Gratitude Note to Neelma
You were an amazing soul — creative, inspirational, full of life, talented, witty, confident, and passionate. You lived your life on your own terms and conditions.
You taught and guided me about pottery and facilitated me to fulfil my creative urge that was left uncared for so many years.
My words would fall short to THANK YOU but the sense of gratitude and fulfilment would fill me up to the brim till I breathe last.
Days will pass turning into years but you would be fondly remembered.
I am sure you must be showcasing your creativity up there and have already made a huge fan following. Kudos, my friend!
I would treasure my time with you, like a prized possession, for the rest of my life.
Gone too soon, dear!
My silent prayers, sincere love, and heartfelt gratitude, Neelma!! May your soul rest in peace and attain eternity ❤❤❤❤❤
When your soul and mine have left our bodies and we are burried alongside each other, a Potter may one day mould the dust of both of us into the same clay- Omar Khayyám
If you want to read, refer to, and participate in the weekly prompts of the pub, Dancing Elephants Press, please visit the publication’s front page. There you find a section with the title of the Dancing Elephants 52 Weeks Live Book against a blue-colored rectangular box.
Click on the first option and you see:
Thank you Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles for the wonderful prompt. Join DEP Prompt 12/52 from the link given below. Hearty thanks to the entire team of DEP, Dr. Gabriella Korosi and the editors, Dr. Preeti Singh, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Sharing Randomly❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
You would love to go through some interesting reads for Prompt 12/52:
Jennifer Dunne is the DEP February Writer of the month. Hearty congratulations, dear! Read to know more ❤
The DEP’s 1st Monthly Award, January 2023, was bagged by GnanVi_Speaks. Many congratulations, dear! Read to know what she had to say ❤
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