Artist Jayan V K Conducts Workshop on Pottery and Clay Modelling Techniques

KOCHI:
A three-day Terracotta & Wheel Pottery Workshop, conducted by artist Jayan VK at ABC Art Room, Water Metro, Fort Kochi, introduced basic pottery and clay modelling techniques to the participants, who also contributed to making a large jar with sea-themed clay shapes.

The January 16-18 workshop, held as an initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), provided an immersive introduction to clay through hand-shaping, wheel pottery, and traditional firing methods, and was open to both children and walk-in participants.

The participants enjoyed working with clay, and the process of shaping clay was interesting for them. They learnt techniques through demonstrations, and some of them created pieces using their own creativity.

Beyond introducing basic clay pot making techniques to the public, the objective of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for anyone to work with clay. Though the number of people seriously working is low, the goal is to ensure everyone gets a chance to do something with clay.

Jayan VK, who is participating in the Kochi-Muziris Biennale’s Art By Children for the third time, said it provided him an opportunity to showcase his expertise in terracotta pottery and sculpture.

He has collaborated with KMB 2025’s South African artist Dineo Seshee Bopape at the Island Warehouse on Willingdon Island, creating 12 giant domes (the tallest about 12 feet high) using bamboo, clay, sackcloth, elephant dung, and cow dung, inspired by termite mounds and mythological events, focusing on everyday life and beliefs through raw realities.