In this story:
Yegana Jafarova’s love for pottery began at a casual workshop over a decade ago. Once she took up regular weeknight classes, the pottery studio swiftly became a mindful retreat from her job as an Environmental Scientist. Today, making and teaching pottery is not only her full-time job but her biggest passion.
Eager to share her knowledge and excitement with others, Yegana founded Silky Shapes in 2015, a welcoming space for beginners to sink their hands into clay. For those who find the craft infectious—just as she did way back when—Yegana nurtures a strong community of returning clay enthusiasts. So whether you come back to switch off, connect with others or improve your skills, Silky Shapes always has an open door.
Tucked away on Pentice Lane, just off Willoughby Road in Sydney's Lower North Shore, you’ll step inside a spacious, light-filled pottery studio—the ultimate hub for learning how to make your own ceramics. With shelves packed full of colourful, quirky student creations and some of Yegana’s unique sculptural pieces on display too, you won’t be short of inspiration. In fact, it might just spark your new favourite hobby!
I first fell in love with pottery…
“17 years ago when I started it as a hobby. It was only a one-night-a-week class back then but gradually my love for pottery grew and in the last eight years I’ve switched to full-time making and teaching.”
Silky Shapes is an ode to…
“My love for silk scarves made in my home country, Azerbaijan. I also love making with porcelain clay, which is as smooth as silk and these pieces look like the delicate folds of these silk scarves but they hold their shape forever.”
My top tip for pottery first-timers is…
“To try and let yourself be a beginner and just enjoy the process. When you’re starting out, you don’t have as much control over the outcome, and if you don't worry about the end result then you are just enjoying playing with clay. In the end, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to take home this beautiful by-product of your playtime!”
Hand building or wheel throwing?
“Both of these techniques can be very enjoyable and productive, so it comes down to personal preference. You will get more symmetrical work with the wheel, and although you can make symmetrical pieces with hand building too, you can also take advantage of the freedom of expression that hand-building gives you and make asymmetrical and abstract work.”
Working with clay will make you feel…
“In the moment. The process makes everyone focus on their hands and as a result, everything else that you normally think about kind of dissipates. Everyone meditates and becomes mindful and present when they work with clay without even trying.”
You will leave my classes with…
“Life lessons not just pottery techniques! Yes, as a beginner you will learn how to throw, trim and glaze pottery, but you will also learn patience, the art of slowing down and how to remain present and focused. Plus, you’ll learn that pottery is a lifelong process and there is always something new to learn.”
Come to my studio and you might…
“Find your people! We have lots of beautiful groups forming because usually people end up coming back to the studio at the same time of the week, and they regularly meet and get to know other like-minded creatives. They share ideas and give each other feedback and motivation. There is so much clay inspiration flying around but also friendships are forming, meals are shared, and we go on clay vacations to do classes and attend conferences together.”
See their classes
10 years in business
Runs regularly
Willoughby
1 to 14 guests
$95
