At Gaia Ceramic Studio, Ritu Kapse uses clay not to replicate form but to hold emotion, memory, and the small rituals of daily life
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN | NT BUZZ
“I have always believed that art has the power to enhance beauty, expression, and healing,” says ceramic artist Ritu Kapse.
In a quiet corner of Assagao, surrounded by plants, light, and an unhurried rhythm of life, Kapse has shaped that belief into Gaia Ceramic Studio .
Kapse comes from a family background that placed strong emphasis on premium education and traditional achievements. “I followed that path because it felt expected,” reflects the artist who previously worked in the corporate world. “But after a point, I realised I was being drawn towards something more intuitive, something that allowed me to express and heal.”
Her journey into pottery truly began in 2023 when she moved to Goa with a simple intention to learn the craft. That inner voice found clarity when she encountered the work of Verodina Ferrao de Sousa, an established potter with a studio in Acoi village. “Her observation and depiction of small, everyday moments are absolutely soul stirring,” says Kapse.
Driven by curiosity, she requested to assist Sousa in her studio. “I wanted to be around her, to understand how she sees art and life,” she says. “I am deeply grateful that she allowed me to do that.” Observing her mentor at work and engaging in thoughtful conversations over a month proved formative.
Kapse later travelled to Andretta Potters Village, spending time observing the lives and practices of potters there. “Being there helped me understand the rhythm of a potter’s life,” she says. “It taught me patience and respect for the process.”
On returning to Goa, she transformed her small terrace into a cosy studio filled with native Goan plants and flowers. “I wanted the space to feel alive and nurturing,” she says. “It became a place where I could translate the moments that stayed with me into sculptures.”
She began sharing her work on Instagram, and the response was immediate. “People resonated with the stories behind my creations,” she says. “Orders started coming in, and it felt incredibly satisfying to sell something that was entirely my own.”
Her deepest inspiration comes from nature and the quiet connection she feels with it. “Before I decided to pursue pottery, I knew I wanted to do something that kept me close to nature,” Kapse shares. “Clay allows me to do that quite literally. It is earth in your hands.”
The name Gaia itself reflects this philosophy. “Gaia means Mother Earth in Greek,” she explains. “It felt like the perfect way to honour the source of my work.”
While creating sculptural pieces remains central to her practice, Kapse was equally keen on building a space where others could experience clay firsthand. “I wanted people to feel the joy of handling clay,” she says. “When you shape it with your own hands and energy, you end up creating something that reflects who you are.”
Through her workshops, she encourages participants to move away from imitation. “I ask them to create something uniquely theirs instead of copying an existing piece,” she explains. “When people put more heart into what they are making, it often leads to unexpected self reflection and healing.”
Kapse’s work includes human and animal sculptures, candelabras and her narrative ceramic portraits. “My creations always come with a story,” she explains. “These portraits are precious moments or emotions engraved in clay.”
Her clients span all ages and genders, united by a desire for meaningful art. “The kind of art we resonate with subtly reflects who we are,” she says.
One of her most moving commissions was for a home called Casa Zen. “The client wanted four ceramic portraits, each capturing a moment she spends at home,” says Kapse. One portrait depicted the couple on their balcao with their pets, including dogs that had passed away. “I included the deceased pets on the roof as guardian angels,” she shares. “When she held the piece and saw her entire world reflected in it, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.”
Another moment stayed with her from a local bazaar, where an Indian soldier connected deeply with an owl sculpture. “He later sent me a photo of it by his bedside,” she recalls. “He said it gave him strength during night duty. Knowing my work could offer comfort like that meant everything.”
Despite the emotional richness of her work, challenges remain. “Handmade pottery prices often surprise people,” says Kapse. “There is very little awareness of how much time, effort and care goes into each piece. From clay preparation to firing, glazing and transport, the process is delicate at every stage. In return, you receive art that speaks to you personally, not something mass produced,” she clarifies.
Goa, she feels, has been integral to her growth. “It is a wonderful place to be an artist,” she says. “The culture values the process more than the result, which gives us freedom to express ourselves.”
When asked what success looks like, Kapse answers without hesitation. “Success is a balanced life,” she says. “Slow mornings, space to grow, meaningful work and the ability to help people connect with themselves.”
As Gaia Ceramic Studio continues to evolve, gratitude remains at its core. “The global pottery community is simple, grounded and encouraging. I am honoured to be part of it.”
