From Earth to Art
How a love of clay became a small studio in Bhopal
The Beginning
Geeli Maati is the studio of Ritika Anand, an artist who makes ceramics for everyday life. She trained at Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan, a school known for keeping art close to nature and culture, and that way of working still shapes everything she makes.
Geeli maati means wet clay: soft, raw and full of possibility. The name is a reminder of where every piece begins, and of how closely art and nature belong together.
Ritika cares about the environment and about making things slowly and sustainably. Her pieces are meant to be used, not just looked at. They hold your food, your plants and your memories, and bring a little of nature into your day.
Made by hand, for real life
Ceramic Jewellery
Small handmade pieces you can wear, shaped and glazed with the colours and textures of nature.
Customized Pottery
Pieces made for your home or your table. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll make it with you.
Artistic Creations
One-off ceramic art inspired by the shapes, textures and colours of the natural world.
The Process
Every piece takes days, sometimes weeks, to go from a lump of clay to something you can use. Here is how it happens.
Preparation
We prepare the clay by wedging it, pressing out the air so it's smooth and even to work with.
Shaping
On the wheel or by hand, we shape each piece slowly and carefully, and let the clay lead the way.
Drying and trimming
Pieces dry slowly. Once they're leather-hard, we trim them, refine the shape and add the final details.
Glazing and firing
We glaze each piece and fire it in the kiln, where the heat turns soft clay into strong, lasting pottery.
Where it all happens
Our Philosophy
Honouring the earth
To take the beauty of the earth and turn it into pieces you'll want to keep for years.
Sustainability and mindfulness
Ritika works slowly and thoughtfully, with care for the environment and for every piece that leaves the studio.
Old techniques, new shapes
Traditional techniques from her years at Visva Bharati, used to make pieces that feel at home today.
Come and see what clay can do
Whether you're after a piece of jewellery, something made just for you, or a few hours with your hands in the clay, we'd love to have you.