Neha Gopinath Pillai

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I love working with clay. It has always fascinated me because of the creative freedom it offers. It twists and turns easily and, since it is porous, it soaks in a gazillion colors, allowing a lot of room for creativity and experimentation.

What I know about the ceramic arts has been self-taught or learned from my mentor, a teacher by profession with more than 20 years of experience. Since 2008, I have been working and attending seminars to learn more and widen my horizon.

"The decision to quit a steady job and make my hobby a full time career was a huge challenge. But the moral backing I have from my family is immense. It's been a journey since I set up my workshop in 2012, and I've faced issues ranging from basic requirements like space and assistants to more complicated situations, but I'm proud of the way I handled them with the help and advice of loved ones.

"One day, I'd like to have a small fully-equipped studio that not only would be my workplace but also act as a platform for budding artisans. I want to travel and learn more about the art.

"When we look around, there is absolutely no dearth of inspiration. A dainty leaf, a mythological form or just what you happen to see outside your window — everything influences my designs!

"I believe a wide variety of art forms can be made with environmentally friendly choices while keeping our traditional practices alive."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

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