The Mind Behind Atoki Studio's Timeless Handmade Pottery

Discover Samiksha: The Mind Behind Atoki Studio's Timeless Handmade Pottery

Samiksha’s journey began in Nagpur and later took her to Mumbai, before ultimately landing in Bengaluru, where she found her true calling in the world of pottery. Although her academic background is in Engineering, Samiksha’s creative instincts led her to explore photography. After seven years behind the camera, she yearned for a slower pace and a deeper connection to her art.

When the pandemic offered her a pause, Samiksha dove into pottery, and what started as a hobby quickly became a life-defining passion. She enrolled in a pottery course, and after completing an internship, Samiksha set up a home studio, investing in her own pottery wheel. Today, she’s a full-time potter and instructor, creating minimalist, functional pieces at Atoki Studio, a name derived from the Japanese word toki, meaning pottery.

With over four years of self-taught experience, Samiksha blends traditional Japanese pottery techniques with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. Known for its simplicity and elegance, her work draws on the natural world, from the muted earth tones of the outdoors to the serene, functional beauty of Scandinavian design. Samiksha is particularly inspired by kurinuki, a Japanese hand-carving technique that allows her to explore the raw textures and forms of clay.

Each piece from Atoki Studio is carefully crafted with a focus on functionality and beauty, offering subtle, earthy tones that complement any modern home. Samiksha’s design philosophy is influenced by nature’s gentle forms, especially the organic shapes and colors she observes in her balcony garden. She often reflects on the natural process of a leaf’s journey, drawing inspiration from its evolving hues and textures, which she seeks to capture in her pottery.

For Samiksha, pottery is a mindful practice. It’s about creating something from the earth, allowing each piece to grow and evolve through experimentation. Pottery teaches her patience, adaptability, and the art of letting go, embracing each small success as part of the journey.

At Atoki Studio, Samiksha’s work is a harmonious blend of simplicity, craftsmanship, and functionality – perfect for those who appreciate slow living and the beauty of handmade, artisanal pieces. Her pottery adds a touch of tranquility to any space, allowing you to savor the little moments of everyday life.