Jeanette Dias (Jinsu) is a ceramic artist, chef, food scientist and mother from Connecticut - by way of India. Her work gives her collectors a chance to take part in her journey of clay and spirit.

From Jeanette: Art courses through my veins’ is an apt description of my relationship with pottery and ceramics. I learnt early in life that creativity was my forte. I devoured every opportunity to experiment with different art mediums, while pursuing a B.A. in Graphics in Connecticut. It was then that I realized that Ceramics was my favorite.

Degree in hand and a devoted partner by my side, marriage and family came easy to me. I happily settled into the role of wife and mother; art took a backseat while I enthusiastically tended to my family.

Sadly, nine months after my youngest daughter was born, I was diagnosed with Retinal Pigmentosa, a progressive eye disorder that clearly overwhelmed me. I struggled to understand the science behind the disease. My learnings were art related and science was to me as alien as it could be! Back to school I went to learn all I could about this new-found disability as well as my youngest daughter’s sudden allergies.

I began to develop a love for science - especially food science - as I toyed around with culinary preparations that brought great relief to both my daughter’s and my physical condition. Sadly, I was not in a mentally happy place, as the burden of my ailment occupied the greater part of my everyday thoughts. It was then that I was reminded about my love for art, and I dove back into ceramics.

The ‘pastime’ job of a Clay Maker at a New Haven Art School helped channel my energy. It diverted my mind from pessimism to the very platform I needed, to rediscover myself!

Before I knew it, I was hooked onto pottery, and clay had become my rescue! Within the year I upgraded my position at the Art School to that of “Studio Potter.” It was here that I was able to learn from teachers, guide students as well as practice new skills. Confident and raring to go solo, I soon moved into a studio space where I could focus on my own style. While my eye disability progressed so did my need to feel balanced and calm! No more the self-pity; questions; inhibitions or self-doubt!

For a while I struggled with form, symmetry and design until I surrendered to the lesson of creating with feeling. When I finally let go of any attachments to what the final result needed to be, I gave myself the gift of freedom. I found myself appreciating the journey with clay from mud to magic. I began to fall in love with my perfectly imperfect creations. My mind would be filled with conversations with Spirit. Even difficult days of sadness and fear were metamorphosised into compassion and acceptance. I felt I had rediscovered myself and there was no going back. ‘Forward’ was my chosen path as I learnt to let my heart see and my fingers talk.

My travels back home to India continue to bless me with an abundance of inspiration. I enjoy camouflaging little messages of love into each and every piece that I create. My favorite creations are those that allow the user an open window into my journey of that particular lump of mud…. Every bump, curve, scrape, and dimple - intentional or not - was given purpose to be felt… by the fingers first… and eyes every time afterwards. In clay lies my peace… my redemption… my solace. I wish for each of you to be a part of my journey as I invite you to re-discover clay from this Potter’s Eyes!