If you’ve ever been told that you need expensive equipment or a traditional studio to create “real” art or large air dry clay vases like i do, I’m here to tell you that isn’t true.
My journey with art started 20 years ago. I was captivated by large, glazed ceramic vases, but as a young artist, I couldn’t afford a kiln or a pottery wheel. It would have been easy to give up and say, “Maybe in another life.”
But I realized that art isn’t about what you have—it’s about what you’re willing to try.
From Pharmacy to Fine Art: A Chemist’s Approach “I did not go to art school, nor do I have a formal degree in fine arts. By education, I am a Pharmacist. My background in science taught me how to work with different materials and understand their chemical properties. I began my journey playing with wood and epoxy, learning how these substances bond and age.
This scientific curiosity became the foundation of my obsession with large air dry clay vases. One day, I believe God guided me to a unique clay formula that didn’t require an expensive kiln or pottery wheel—things that had always limited my creativity. I used my knowledge of formulas to ‘work hard’ and push this clay to its limits. Today, my vases are the result of both a pharmacist’s precision and an artist’s heart.”
Why I Created My Own Air-Dry Clay Formula
For years, I experimented with air-dry clay. I loved the accessibility, but I hated the limitations. Most air-dry clay is fragile and cannot handle water. If you want to create large-scale home decor or 5-foot tall vases, standard store-bought clay just doesn’t work.
I spent years developing a custom formula and a specialized sanding technique to achieve a surface that looks and feels like high-end ceramic. By mastering the “impossible” task of applying epoxy glaze to curved surfaces, I finally achieved that waterproof, kiln-fired look without ever using a kiln.
The Challenge of Humidity and Scaling Up
“Managing the drying process in the unique Karachi humidity requires patience for air dry clay vases. When you scale up to 5-foot tall pieces, the moisture in the air can be your enemy. Standard clays often crack because the outside dries faster than the inside.
To solve this, I developed a ‘Slow-Cure’ method. I monitor the airflow in my room to ensure the mineral-base clay dries evenly from the core outward. This prevents the structural tension that usually destroys large-scale air dry sculptures. By combining this patient drying process with my specialized sanding technique, I create a surface so smooth it mimics kiln-fired porcelain. This is the bridge between a simple hobby and professional fine art—understanding how your materials react to the world around them.”
More Than Just a air dry clay Vases: A Lesson in No Regrets
This story is for those who feel stuck in life or discouraged by a lack of resources. Whether you lack the tools, the knowledge, or the skills today—start anyway. You will eventually find that you already have enough; you just aren’t looking deep enough yet. It is like watching the ocean from the shore and saying there is nothing out there—but when you dive deep, you find the treasures.
My vases are proof that you can bridge the gap between a “craft” and “fine art” through persistence. Looking back 20 years later, I don’t regret the “failed” experiments or the messy studio floors. I only would have regretted never trying.
When you see my art, I hope you don’t just see a unique piece of decor. I hope you see a reminder that if you have the will, you will find the way.
Why I’m Sharing This
“I am not sharing this to sell my vases or promote my art mainly. I am sharing my dream—one that felt almost impossible, but I achieved it. God guided me and made the path easy. I don’t make money from my art, but I find satisfaction in my heart. I wanted to do something unique even with nothing; all I have are my hands, my small room, and my big dreams for these vases… which are now a reality.”
Have questions about my process? Feel free to reach out!