This in essence is what Adriana Danish’s The Pottery Club is all about, a cosy home studio in Sentul where people can learn, create, and discover the joy of pottery through her beginner-friendly classes.
“Why pottery is good is because it is hands-on, it is tactile,” Adriana, 27, told FMT Lifestyle, highlighting the therapeutic and engaging nature of the craft.
“As for me, pottery taught me to be patient. I’m a more level-headed person now.”
Since starting her home studio in March, Adriana has built a vibrant community of pottery enthusiasts.
For her, the classes are not just about making a clay mug or a beautifully glazed vase. She wants her students to enjoy the experience of creating something with their bare hands and their imagination.
Born in Bangi and the third of four siblings, Adriana’s love for art started early. “My parents were really supportive. There was a corner in my house with colouring books and coloured pencils. I even drew on the walls!” she laughed.
Despite earning a degree in psychology from the University of Reading Malaysia in Johor, Adriana’s heart was always drawn to art. She explored pottery in 2017, learning from different potters and experimenting with various techniques and styles.
“When I first started, I was very ‘hot-handed’—everything I made would break easily,” she admitted. “My students say I am very good and it looks easy for me, but it wasn’t like that at the start.”
During the pandemic lockdowns, when ceramic art was trending, Adriana took up pottery seriously. “I had taken pottery classes before, so I thought, why not dive deeper?” she recalled.
She honed her skills further in Singapore after moving back to Johor post-lockdown. There, she picked up new skills and the newfound freedom to explore her artistic side – two elements that come in handy for her as a ceramic artist and teacher.
Her teaching philosophy is shaped by her own experiences as a student.
“I used to work for a pottery studio before. What I didn’t like about it was that the teachers would finish up the ceramic for the students instead of teaching them how to do it or giving them time and space to complete it. Some students said they didn’t like it either,” she recounted.
Determined to create a different learning experience, her home studio offers classes that are more personalised and hands-on, allowing her to give individual attention to each student.
Her background in psychology comes in handy as it allows her to tailor instructions to each student’s needs. “People like that personal touch, which I wouldn’t be able to achieve in larger settings,” she noted.
Participants can choose from beginner courses (with a total of three, two-hour classes) to fun workshops like ceramic painting, and advanced masterclasses.
Doing pottery at her home studio has its perks, she added. “There’s no performance anxiety. It gives me the freedom to experiment with weird shapes and push my creative boundaries.”
Adriana’s inspiration comes from surprising places. “My Pinterest inspiration board is filled with cakes, nail art, fashion, and fabric art.”
This eclectic mix is reflected in her work, making her creations unique. From “cupcake” mugs to intricate “birthday cake” clay pieces, Adriana’s masterpieces are a play of colours and shapes.
Looking ahead, Adriana dreams of expanding her influence. “I do want to hold exhibitions in the future,” she said. For now, she’s focused on her home studio, creating and teaching full-time.
Adriana has this piece of advice for aspiring potters: “Don’t let criticism shut you down. Do your research and just start; start somewhere; start small.”
“It’s all about taking that first step and not being afraid to make mistakes,” she concluded.
Follow Adriana Danish on Instagram.