The walls of Banana Studio at Gurugram, Haryana are coated with vibrant, abstract art. Plates and bowls, and additionally in vibrant colors are made by Shaurya Mehrotra, are stacked on two shelves. Even the 33-year-old has Down syndrome along with his mum, Nina Mehrotrahelps him. “He likes things to be colourful,” she states.

Shaurya was identified as having the illness when he was just six months . “His doctor said he won’t be able to do anything by himself. I had faith in his abilities. He started painting at a young age and started experimenting with clay when he was 13,” says Nina.

Nina states, he observed pottery from other artists from South Africa, Thailand and China. “My husband, Anil, has a transferable job. His first pottery class was a part of his school curriculum in South Africa in 2007. I accompanied him to his classes in Thailand in 2010 and learnt the art. One of his favourite pieces is a clock that he made there. It now hangs on the wall of his bedroom.”

Mother and boy put the studio up in 2013 and utilize terra cotta, earthenware and stoneware to create the merchandise. Creating each slice takes about 2 or three weeks. “He enjoys making sculptures of animals, birds and also, wind-chimes, platters, mugs and bowls. While he does most of it himself, he needs my help at times.”

Shaurya begins by wedging the clay to take out the air pockets out of this. Then he moulds it to the desired contours. “This process is called hand building. He doesn’t use a pottery wheel because that requires greater motor skills.” These services and products are airdried to get a week before they move in the kiln to their very first shooting, after which they’re glistening for the desirable colours. “Glazing is the process of fusing glass with the ceramic. It makes the clay less porous and therefore more functional.”

Shaurya was attempting to sell his own works since 20-16 and it has also engaged in five displays. “The products may not look perfect by commercial standards, but that is what makes them unique. Posting photographs of his works online gave him a lot of visibility and now we have clients from around the world,” she states.

Pottery has helped Shaurya in lots of ways. He encouraged his confidence and also improved his hand-eye co ordination. “It is like physical therapy for him,” says Nina. “Moulding clay requires a lot of work, and it helps him improve his muscular strength.”

Things are somewhat different this season thanks to this outbreak. “It has been a while since we visited the studio. He misses his time with the clay. There are no complaints. He now keeps himself engaged with painting, yoga, dancing and baking.”