Niraja Pahuja
Niraja is a dynamic, multicultural holistic counselor turned ceramicist. Her journey with clay began in India, where she was enhancing her skills in art therapy. What started as a few lessons to grasp the basics quickly blossomed into a passionate exploration of the medium. Initially, she crafted pots for herself, friends, and family, experiencing the sheer joy of creation.
In 2022, Niraja moved from India to England with her husband, marking the end of her 12-year counseling practice and the beginning of an exciting new chapter with clay. This transition allowed her to fully immerse herself in the art form, experimenting and refining her signature style.
A visit to her hometown in India ignited the inspiration for her current surface designs. Her work is a vivid tapestry woven from her rich Indian heritage, reflecting the joy of her family’s culture, rituals, and community. Niraja has pioneered a distinctive style of surface pattern, drawing inspiration from the vibrant life of Indian villages and the enchanting art of the Warli tribe near her childhood home.
Her ceramics are a harmonious fusion of contemporary and traditional techniques, featuring slab-built and coiled forms with intricately decorated surfaces. Utilizing the Sgraffito method with slips, underglazes, and oxides, she captures the vibrant rhythm of daily Indian village life in each piece. Every creation is a singular masterpiece, ensuring a unique narrative with every work of art.