Clay was the topic of discussion on February 19 as celebrated ceramic artists Jessica Rae Thompson and Nick Schwartz visited India to lead a live class and lecture titled, Clay, a Global Perspective at Studio White and Gray by Gourmoni Das, in Byculla where they discussed different aspects of clay on a global level. Their presence also coincides with the opening of the Gamanvi kiln at Anvi Pottery in Indapur, Pune by Sandeep Manchekar, where a specialised wood-fired kiln was opened, marking a significant step for India’s evolving wood-fire artist community.

Synopsis of the lecture

During the lecture, Thompson reflected on the urgency of handmade practice in the current  mechanised age. “At this moment in human history, making anything with our hands out of primary material is a radical act that positions us as cultural guardians of the physical world,” she emphasises.

(From left to right) Sandeep Manchekar, Nick Schwartz, and Jessica Rae Thompson. Pic courtesy/Studio White and Gray

Schwartz, who studied in Japan, and specialises in the Anagama technique of firing kilns, spoke about the communal and elemental power of firing during the lecture. “The clay, wood, and fire, unite us all. As we work together to create work in the wood burning kilns we are transported to a place in our past where time slows down and we live together nurturing our collective creative desires,” he reiterated.

Describing the firing process, he mentioned how watching the flame move through the kiln felt “almost like a river flow,” shaping surfaces through ash and heat while echoing Japanese philosophies of patience and presence in ceramics.

Birth of the kiln

The Gamanvi kiln (meaning, ‘the one who grabs everyone’s attention’ in Hindi) is now ready. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Anagama kiln, which is typically built on a slope and fired for five to 10 days to achieve the natural ash textures — Gamanvi kiln follows the more modern and fuel-efficient Bourry Box design.

The design of the effect after Gamanvi firing 

As it will explore long-durations of firing, Gamanvi has already been fired for five days, and will be available full time now. Manchekar concludes, “Each shape has its own character resembling every human I’ve ever met.” Manchekar also reminds us that pottery is the oldest human craft known to mankind, rooted in the five elements,  and the five human senses, making it a craft which will always celebrate creativity.

AT Anvi Pottery, Studio 170, Wighawali Road, Indapur. 
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