As I began my day wandering
about the city, I suddenly felt the need to visit the pottery town which I had been yearning to visit since a long
time. Thus I began the journey into the livelihood of these artisans who turned
the humble clay into useful and innovative structures. As I began to learn from
them, I wondered that generations had spun around this beautiful art. I saw
that these artisans put their heart and soul to recreate magic in every product
they make. Life, for these artisans has not been easy since there is lot of
effort goes into it. I had been longing to see this art form in its full glory,
and I know that it can be found and cherished when we sit with artisans to know
how the humble clay is transformed into these admiring products.
I cherished every moment
spent with these artisans. My passion for this art started at a very young age.
From childhood I had the passion to collect terracotta articles of deities and
I would always love to collect terracotta in its natural form without any colors
added to it. Now, over a period I’ve learned that terracotta could be put to
use in many forms. Terracotta has been around for a long time. In fact, it was
the only clay product used until 14th century.
Terracotta is a material
which is widely used to design various items of contemporary blend. Thus, you
can find the best handicraft made of terracotta that is becoming a part of our
home decor. The handicrafts made from this material are unique and stylish and
it can be given any shape. Apart from this terracotta is termed to be perfect
and incomparable ecofriendly material that adds popularity to it. It has
redefined the art and handicraft world with a fascinating and unique style
quotient. Terracotta is both traditional and contemporary in its usage.
Terracotta is also inexpensive and henceforth is an affordable art form. Over
the years, terracotta has been put to a lot functional usage in the
architectural field too. Terracotta roof tiles and other products have
redefined the architectural arena and it aides to beauty of the place. Terracotta
can be easily sculpted into various shapes. To harden terracotta it must be
heated to 1000-20000 F. Once it hardens, it is still a bit porous,
which means it can still be penetrated by water. However, a simple coat of
glaze can make terracotta water tight.
Terracotta has also gained
enormous popularity in the making of terracotta jewelry. A lot of people have
included these jewelries in their daily attire. These days, a lot of
exhibitions are set up to promote this art and improve and encourage the life
of these artisans who have been exhibiting their talent and skill in this field.
In the olden days, cooking
utensils were also made up of terracotta. Today, it is has crossed all the
barriers and it has seen generations of change. Today, terracotta is used for
wall murals and wall arts beyond pottery and home décor. India has a lot to
offer in this field. Artisans from various states produce different articles
from this modest clay and we admire them with awe. Today, the clay modeling
industry has seen a tremendous demand for this art form and henceforth a lot of
Non profitable organizations have joined hands with the local rural sector in
order to provide employment and revive this ancient art form. A lot of self –help groups have joined with
these
Non profitable organizations to empower women too.
From pottery to modern day
clay craft, terracotta has certainly changed the thought process. Today people are
not only open to ideas which help them decorate their space but also come
forward to help these artisans to lead a better lifestyle.
Like all other handicrafts,
the tradition of pottery making in India is very old. The ancient pottery of a
country speaks volumes about their culture and civilization. Pottery is one of
those important mediums through which potters have expressed their emotions.
For many years pottery has been one of the most beautiful forms of expression.
A piece of pottery has a visual message in its shape and color.
Talking about the terracotta
tiles:
The art of making terracotta tiles was
known even during the times of Harappa civilization. However, people of West
Bengal were the first to use them in buildings. Today, terracotta tiles are also
used in flooring. These tiles are eco-friendly and bacterial resistant. They
also retain the warmth of the room and look great as they age. They are also
easy in maintenance.
Terracotta pots:
These pots and vases add to the beauty of
the existing space. Clay pots make a big impression with their artistic
designs. Today, a lot of art studios are involved in creating products which
match the aesthetic décor of the space. Lots of these studios offer bird baths
and other clay crafts which are often contemporary in nature.
Now, after a lot of talking
about terracotta products, here in my garden I sit amidst all the terracotta
planters and lush green plants to sip my tea in a terracotta mug relaxing all
my worries away! What a good way to spend your
beautiful evenings with these plants.
No comments:
Post a Comment