Inspired by the versatility of clay and the many possibilities it can take shape as, Shantanu Jena largely attributes his artistic development to his father’s career as a studio potter. He received a Chinese Government scholarship to study in China for 2 years, and the country’s watercolour tradition influenced his approach to decoration. Along with a long list of awards, solo shows and group exhibitions, Jena also holds a role as professor at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan and participated in early workshops at the Ceramic Center.