Handcrafted happiness: Reema Singh's studio in Ernakulam offers joyful escape from stress

KOCHI: Stressed? Then come and join Reema's pottery studio. Here you can make a ceramic pot or a sculpture. In Reema's 'Soil to Soul' studio, happiness is guaranteed, along with proper training.

The studio is on the terrace of a house in 8th Cross Road, Girinagar, Ernakulam. Reema (38) would be here with kneaded soil in her hands. She is fascinated by moulding items from ceramic clay being spun on a wheel.

Reema, who grew up in Chennai, came to Kochi in 2007 as the bride of Punjab-based Pawandeep Singh. She had a creative mind from early on. It was 7 years ago that she learnt pottery from a friend. There was growing demand for the ceramic vessels she made herself. They were also sold as gift items. After that, the studio was set up.

People of different ages come here regularly for training. There are also people who come whenever they get some time to practise. The workshops last from one hour to 20 days. The fee is Rs. 1000-12,000, including clay and materials. They can take their creations with them.

The main machines are an electric kiln and wheels. The ceramic clay is purchased from Haryana after processing the clay. Reema has two children. Meher and Jia, who are students.

The clay is kneaded into a shape resembling a chapati. It is then cut after weighing it. The pots and other utensils are made by hand by placing them on a rotating wheel. Removing the moisture, it is baked in a kiln for 36 hours. It is smoothed by dipping it in a glaze solution of various colours. It takes 8 days to dry it again and make it usable.

The studio has ceramic products ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 25,000. An amplifier, which is Reema's invention, is noteworthy. It is a gramophone-shaped mobile phone holder. The sound on the phone gets louder when it comes through the tube of the amplifier.

"I will start a 3-month full-time course soon. Those who complete it will become professionals in pottery." - Reema Singh