In the hands of Kolkata-based artist Srijoni Roy, ceramic art attains a new form in varied ways. An alumna of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Srijoni was born as a hearing-challenged baby. Her imagination takes flight in ceramic art. “Srijoni views the world as a silent movie, translating its beauty and essence into her artistic pottery,” says her mother, Sukanya, adding, “Her handmade ceramic pieces reflect a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary aesthetics and are celebrated for their artistic richness and craftsmanship.”
Srijoni Roy’s work showcases an array of exquisite ceramic items: decorative pottery tea sets, wabi-sabi bowls, wall plates, and floor lamps, all crafted meticulously in her ceramics studio—Bakeclay Studio (bakeclay.com)—in Kolkata. Her recent exhibition at Baromarket in Hyderabad unveiled a niche collection that seamlessly blends aesthetics and utility.
Sharing her journey via email, Srijoni recalls a life confined to a ‘silent movie reel.’ Despite being capable of seeing, smelling, and feeling, she couldn’t hear sounds without the aid of hearing devices. These devices allowed her to sense vibrations rather than audible nuances, a challenge that steered her towards the visual arts.
Sukanya explains that art became a natural refuge for Srijoni, who “fell in love with anything visual and enjoyed painting, sketching, and photography.” By the time she reached the crossroad of choosing between science and art in Standard XII, art had become her definitive path. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Design at NID, where she commenced with a foundation year before opting for ceramics—a medium she describes as “engaging and mood uplifting.”
A transformative experience came in the form of a visit to Panchmura, West Bengal, in 2017. During her stay with a potter’s family, Srijoni immersed herself in traditional pottery techniques—witnessing firsthand the arduous process from clay collection to kiln firing. “The craftsmen are renowned for creating clay horses and terracotta items, a tradition rooted in religious offerings to deities,” Srijoni shares.
The following year saw Srijoni’s horizons expand with a month-long craft documentation course in Jaipur. Here, her fascination with blue pottery—a form distinguished by its quartz powder base instead of clay—was deepened.
. “Like everyone, I was hypnotized by the blue color,” she reminisces.
Her hands-on journey progressed further when she interned at Anvi Pottery under artist Sandeep Manchekar, honing her skills as a ceramist. Establishing a small workshop on her house terrace in Kolkata in 2019 was a crucial step towards nurturing her artistic dream. Despite the hard labor and continuous learning, Srijoni’s ergonomic designs, rich in visual appeal, began to gain recognition.
Marketing her art poses its own set of challenges, particularly offline. Here, her mother plays a crucial role in communication. The advent of digital platforms, however, offers a gateway to a broader audience. “Thanks to the internet and social media, I have it easier than my predecessors (hearing-impaired artists),” Srijoni acknowledges.
Each piece Srijoni crafts stands as a testament to her resilience and artistic finesse. Her creations are not merely functional items but objects imbued with empowerment and pride. She credits her parents for instilling this sense of normalcy and resilience. “They told me deafness is normal,” she recounts.
Srijoni’s path hasn’t been devoid of hurdles. Childhood bullying and societal indifference tested her resolve. Yet, she advises individuals with disabilities to “ignore sympathy” and instead focus on identifying and honing their strengths. “The world may be initially dismissive, but will accept when we make a mark in our own little way,” she asserts.
Her story is one of grit and graceful defiance, illustrating how limitations can transform into a canvas for endless possibilities. Through her silent expressions in ceramic art, Srijoni Roy has not only carved a unique niche for herself but also continues to inspire many, shedding light on the boundless potential within each individual.