Handmade pottery at Hyderabad Potters Market

Handmade pottery at Hyderabad Potters Market

Vilasini Reddy’s studio in her Banjara hills home spills to her living room and the family garage. Yet, the potter thinks she is not doing enough. The display of works in her studio includes pieces sent by other potters. She displays their creations as a mark of appreciation for their hard work, skill and attention to detail. Vilasini says, “Some of the works on display here belong to others, who send it to me to showcase their work. Ever since I have initiated Potters Market in Hyderabad in 2019 I have been introduced to many talented potters from across the country.” 

Some of the potters to look forward to at the Hyderabad Potters market are Manpreeth Singh Nishter (MSN Pottery), Claysutra by Carmel, Sandhya Kiran Chiluvuri and Ashish Chowdhary among others. “This year I have asked participating potters to include pop art. This season is going to be beyond mugs, saucers and bowls,” adds Vilasini. More than 40 artists will be at the Hyderabad Potters Market.

Vilasini was initiated into pottery by her sister and before she knew it, she was drawn into the art of working with clay.

In her studio, she adds final touches of paint to a piece that needs to be fired and readied for the show this weekend (January 18-19). On the same table are beautiful painted plates left to dry, and ready to go in the kiln. The drying process is simple. The finished pieces are carefully wrapped in layers of paper and plastic. This, she explains, is the natural process of drying and makes an object less prone to cracks and breakage when it is sent for firing. 

One of Vilasini’s lines is inspired by underwater life — corals, sea urchins, jelly fish. 

Does Vilasini name her pottery collection? The artist laughs, “I have begun doing it now. I made a collection titled ‘howla gadu’ (foolish guy). This line flew off the racks even before I could put it up for any show. This collection was all about twisted broken pots telling the story of a man.” 

Vilasini’s pottery reflects her knowledge of different aspects of art. “I used to paint, I still do. Crocheting and knitting also keep me busy. Pottery takes a bigger chunk of my time. It is messy but it is the mess that creates beauty.”