But cut to reality, pottery artist Malini Kalyanam reveals that you don’t necessarily need the wheel to create art out of clay.

“Watching the wheel at work is a fantastic experience in pottery. But you can still do so much without it. For instance, in most of my sessions, I show the participants on how they can make different objects out of clay just with their hands,” explains Malini.

“I knew that I always would do something with pottery but only in the last decade did I seriously get started fulltime,” adds Malini.

She has conducted many workshops and training sessions for students and professionals. In addition, she also points out that pottery can be used as a mode of therapy as well.

“I’ve worked with Scarf as well as Madras School of Social Work where I trained autistic children. To train them requires a completely different methodology. When autistic children work with clay, they calm down and enjoy the process.

This helps them therapeutically as they also get to move their fingers while modeling the clay,” Malani explains. Malini will be conducting pottery classes at Nurture Montessori School, Anna Nagar, all through February.

To enroll, call +91 44 3340 7744 or +91 44 3340 7744.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> LifeStyle> Books/Art / DC / February 08th, 2013