Nothing can beat pottery for its earthy, organic wholesomeness. Unlike other artwork, such as painting or sculpture, that is purely decorative, the beauty of pottery is that it is both functional as well as ornamental. From the ethnic rusticity of natural terracotta to the highly glazed elegance of studio pottery, it suits every kind of décor and every size of pocket.
Shalan Dere, a Mumbai-based artist who runs her own studio called Potter’s Place, says: “The versatility of pottery is that it provides round-the-year decor for every corner of the house and can never go out of style.” Over the past decade and a half, Dere has delved in almost everything that clay can do. She has designed and executed specially commissioned murals, exhibited figurines large and small, made tableware and even built ceramic furniture.
Dere also dabbles in Raku pottery, a technique that originated in Japan but has gained immense popularity across the world. This involves drawing red hot pots from a kiln and the subsequent “smoking” of the pottery is done in sawdust for the effect. Much of the characteristics of this pottery come from the glaze that is used which gives it a “cracking” appearance, also called crazing, that gives the pottery vibrant colour contrasts.
Pleasing to the eye, calming to the spirit and bringing joy and harmony are part of the Raku tradition. Says Dere: “The beauty of Raku pottery is in its unique glazing patterns, vibrant colours and unusual shapes. Bright hues like lapis, aqua, red, coffee, amethyst or gun metal blue have such a glowing presence that you cannot miss them. Also, since Raku pottery is in the form of various decorative pieces, they emit an aesthetic and relaxing Zen-like ambience that makes this type of pottery more than just another showpiece.”
Another Mumbai artist, Rekha Goyal, likes to maintain a balance between artistic pieces and functional objects that she creates with terracotta. Among other objects, Goyal has created ceramic murals for hotels that are another example of this medium as a decorating tool. As she says, “The murals have been the focal point in the spaces they are placed and lend it a lot character as they are completely hand made, with a great deal of detailing.”
“This is the beauty of pottery, Goyal adds. “Being extremely earthy, it exudes a sense of warmth and has such a strong tactile character. The touch and feel of it is immense and that is what makes it even more dynamic.”
In the capital, the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust has constantly striven to promote studio pottery by running classes for aspiring potters. Explains trustee Anuradha Ravindranath: “Since studio pottery is not easily available, we organise The Potter’s Bazaar at Sanskriti Kendra once a year. Here, studio pottery artists from all over the country are able to show and sell their wares for three days. It is heartening to note that we have received a tremendous response with each passing year.” Clearly, the contours of clay are way too pleasing to pass up.