Get set for potter mania this weekend

This Saturday, you can drop by potter Shalan Dere's studio for an open-house session, where you can play with clay and get in touch with those hidden creative genes of yours

This Saturday, you can drop by potter Shalan Dere's studio for an open-house session, where you can play with clay and get in touch with those hidden creative genes of yours

For Shalan Dere, the idea of an open house stemmed from the fact that not many people are familiar with pottery and ceramics.

Saturdays seemed to a good day for people to come, relax and play with clay; it seemed an ideal way to share knowledge on pottery.

Shalan Dere

"Most people love to touch clay," says Dere, who has been in the field of pottery for over 15 years.

"When people learn a little about the art, they are able to appreciate it much better and their interest in clay increases," she adds. Dere has organised pottery sessions before; all of which were well received.

"Adults and kids have a lot of fun moulding clay. They get to relax and be with themselves for a while," believes Dere.

Dere's first encounter with clay was in 1992, when she enrolled for a course in pottery. Having enjoyed it tremendously, she decided to get a wheel even before she had completed the course.

"That was a stupid thing to do, as I could not manage to do much with it," she reveals. Dere went on to try different things, but soon realised that pottery was her true calling.

In 2000, she took up pottery, full time leaving behind a family business. "The entire process is still as exciting for me as it was in the initial days," she shares.

The clay is first made, moulded, then fired and finally put in the kiln.

"Even today, I don't open the kiln. I am too nervous to look at the end product. It could turn out to be fabulous or it could be completely shattered," she admits.

Just like her experiences with clay, Dere hopes for more people to discover their love for pottery at her open-house sessions. ufffdSS

ON Today, 11 am to 6 pm
AT Sumati Building, Lt Dilip Gupte
Road, Mahim.
CALL 24441259, 9773095005