From the ancient Palaeolithic period to the present day, the fusion of water, earth, and boundless creativity has birthed a profound connection that continues to evolve. For instance, Kumbhar pottery, an ancient art form with deep roots, has been practiced for centuries in Goa, making it one of the oldest professions in the region. This traditional craft has not only survived but continues to thrive
to this day.
Dattaram Harmalkar, a skilled potter himself, proudly carries forward the traditions that have been passed down through many generations at Kumbhar Pottery Studio in Bicholim. They specialise in producing decorative pottery, vases and figurines using distinctive red clay. Handmade pottery, crafted with a pottery wheel or by hand, is their specialty. Dattatram claims that currently, there is a higher demand for decorative pottery pieces, large pots, and planters and so they primarily produce these items. These pieces are beautifully etched with designs and are painted on. In the twenty-first century, contemporary ceramic artists are using these traditional methods as well as adding a contemporary touch to their work.
Simonie Rego is a passionate artist from Arossim who runs the Centre Punch Studio. “Much of my work includes fine details like incisions made with sharp or blunt tools, cutwork, carving etc which are all contemporary styles. All the decorative details come only after I get the initial form ready. Even the traditional forms that I make, have a contemporary touch to it.”
Reflecting on her creative process, she shares, “My initial training in pottery was very traditional. No fancy tools or intricate work, just the basic shapes. I started by making diyas and began experimenting only after six months of rigorous training in the fundamentals. Since then, I haven’t stopped experimenting. When I conceive an idea, I sketch it out and get my workspace clean and tidy along with the necessary tools and materials. Some ideas flow smoothly, while others require persistent trial and error.”
She claims that Indian miniature paintings have had a significant influence on her artwork. How the whole work looks so balanced despite having so many intricacies in a small frame is what fascinates her. “When I first worked on my miniature painting assignment in mural class, I learnt that it’s the details that are drawn over a splash of paint is what makes the painting so beautiful. The Indian Jali works which were done on materials like stone where such intricate details are painstakingly carved and cut, the way light plays through these cuts is beautiful. Initially even before pursuing fine arts I had drawn and painted a lot of Mandalas. What I am doing today with clay had begun years ago on a blank paper with a black ball pen,” she explains.
Gone are the days when ceramics were solely practical objects. Today, we witness a new generation of artists who breathe new life into age-old techniques while challenging the boundaries of their craft. Ceramics have transcended their utilitarian nature, becoming a powerful medium for thought-provoking expression. Thomas Louis, widely known as “Thomas the Potter,” is a prolific potter with a remarkable skill-set. He is a trained ceramist and has been imparting his knowledge to aspiring potters for the past 20 years. He has observed a surge of enthusiasm among young people towards pottery, especially during the pandemic when it gained recognition as a medium of expression. Post-pandemic, its popularity has soared.
When asked about his vision for the future evolution of contemporary pottery and any potential directions or trends in the field, Thomas responds, “As a medium of expression, I don’t believe it will go out of style anytime soon. From young children to older individuals who begin their journey at around 60, the enthusiasm remains the same. They are genuinely fascinated, and once they grasp the basics, they can create a wide range of personalized items.”
Aravind Thippanair is a talented ceramist who uses his Instagram account to document his art journey. Aravind had recently taken up the challenge to contribute to the second season of an exhibition on ‘Artbots’ at Cube Gallery in Moira. The exhibition explored the intertwining relationship between humans and technology, emphasizing our increasing dependency on technology. This triggered Aravind’s idea of creating ‘petbots’—robotic pets that provide comfort and emotional support to humans.
Aravind’s collection of catbots has gained attention for their unique personalities. One catbot in particular has been likened to Anna Wintour, known for her fashion-forward personality. Aravind incorporates metal into his ceramic creations to give them a futuristic appearance.
Looking ahead, Aravind aims to use his art to make people reflect on the treatment of animals. He desires his artwork to evoke doubt in viewers, challenging them to question the ethical aspects of how animals are treated. For example, he intends to address the issue of pet chaining which is prevalent in Goa. Aravind’s goal is to create art that prompts viewers to reconsider their attitudes and behaviours towards animals.
Bipasha Sen Gupta, another accomplished artist who has made Goa her home, draws inspiration from her new environment. She expresses that being in Goa has had a positive impact on her work. She claims that there’s something in the air that fuels creativity and pushes a person to create and to experiment. Her creations bear the influence of the sea, which serves as her greatest muse. “The sea greatly influences me. I incorporate abstract elements reminiscent of sea urchins and starfish, but with a unique twist. This influence also spills over into my functional pottery, which tends to sell out.”
She believes that the entire pottery process revolves around experimentation, ranging from the use of different clay types and glazes to shaping and utilizing oxides, finding the right balance, and subjecting them to various firing temperatures. It is a vast field of exploration with immense potential. Bipasha has been engaged in this practice for a significant period, and she believes it enhances one’s work. “The same traditional cup can look so different when you’re experimenting. In the process of experimentation, you’re also creating, and it becomes an ongoing journey without an end,” she adds.
Bipasha asserts that pottery has evolved to encompass both a hobby and a profession, reaching new levels of expression. It now serves as a tool for meditation, enabling individuals to immerse themselves in an organic flow. In today’s fast-paced world, working with clay provides a window for mindfulness, allowing us to be present instead of being consumed by the past or future.
Just as pots take shape naturally, the process teaches valuable life lessons. It instils resilience, teaching us to accept that there will be breakages along the way. Embracing imperfections becomes an important lesson, as pots themselves don’t always turn out to be perfect. Patience becomes a virtue, enabling us to find happiness and be present in the moment. Teaching us lessons that extend far beyond the pottery wheel.