Kilngod Ceramics Shailja Sharma

“It is not easy finding your true passion or meaning of your life. Neither is it exceedingly difficult!” As a potter and an artist, I know this is true. Once I met clay, it all became clear. My dialogue with clay and the rhythm of throwing on the wheel makes me feel centred and whole.
The magic of clay inspires me to accept the imperfections in nature and embrace irregularities as a way of life. Being mindful of the moment, and creating art, is what makes me complete.
While growing up in India I was surrounded by a lot of handmade pottery - Surahi’s, Matki’s, Martabans. These organic works transcend into my practice as shapes, forms, and textures. The matt surfaces, neutral subtle palette of my work transports me to the forgotten land where weathering of buildings and objects was always evident and accepted. Weathering and the marks of age fascinate me.
My work is contemporary with an ancient feel. It is minimalistic, classic, modern, and plural, and when placed in the right environment it adds harmony to the space. I endeavour is to lift the ordinary to extraordinary and make functional a piece of art.
My work celebrates the simplicity and the versatility of life and clay.
“Pottery is my passion and my raison d’tre.”
My...

Education
2018-2019 B Tech (Ceramics) Westminster Adult Education Service – Distinction
1990-1992 Worked as apprentice with legendary Potters Mr Gurcharan Singh & Mr Devi Prasad
1989-1990 Interior Design Course, South Delhi Polytechnic, New Delhi – 1st Class

Workshop
Have attended hands on workshop with famous sculptor James Oughtibridge & Rebecca Appleby – September 2018
Paper clay workshop with Angela Mellor
Paper Clay workshop in Paris (France) with renowned artist Nathalie Domingo
Glaze development workshop with Mathew Blakely
Hand building workshop with Alberto Bustos
Attend a workshop with Akira Satake online April 2022.
Experimental workshop with Spanish Artist Alberto Bustos

Experience/Exhibitions
1992-1994 Ran a successful Pottery business in India.
June 2018 held a successful Exhibition with Harrow Open Studios.
December 2019 Exhibition at Kensington, in collaboration with other fellow Potters.
January 2021 Artwork featuring in the ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) Wall Calendar.
June 2021 Exhibited in ARTEFACT THE CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR at Chelsea Design centre, London.
December 2021, Exhibition at my own Studio in London.
June2022, Flux Exhibition at the Design District, London.
June-July 2022 The Other Art Fair, Kings Cross, London.