The wheels are turning: Indian pottery reaches for the next level

The creative talent of potters in the Indian subcontinent, a tradition that goes back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, is undeniable. Yet, there is a sense, perhaps because Indians tend to view pottery more from a functional point of view than as an art form, that much more can be done. As Kiran Modak, a painter who is also a potter, puts it: "Pottery in Europe is accepted as an art form. Here, it will take time for people to appreciate something that is not functional," she says.

Slowly though, an urban community of potters is changing the way their art is perceived. One such instance, Cerafest 2016, a pottery and ceramic art fair held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya, was a testament. The exhibition showcased some spectacular clay objects and sculptures on display.

Shayonti Sethi, an artist who has been active in seeking collaborations within Mumbai's potter community, feels that Indian potters need to be more gallery oriented if they want to become "artists" in the true sense of the term.

"We have a lot of talent in the country. As far as functional pottery is concerned, I would say we are at par with the West. But in terms of aesthetic and sculptural forms of the art, we do have a lot of talent and Indian artists are getting recognition, but there is a long way to go," she says.

It was heartening to see artists pushing boundaries to create utilitarian objects that are beautiful and functional, and experimenting with techniques, materials and colours. Suresh Prajapati, for instance, displayed exquisitely-handmade serving spoons. Sejal Mody's ceramic experiments led her to create bowls that look like crumpled paper. Veena Singh used the Japanese technique of Nerikomi to create forms that can function as platters or ash trays. "This art involves chemistry and aesthetics. It is a true mix of science and art. Traditionally, India has been good at using terracotta. We are now starting to use white clay, porcelain and stoneware. We are also trying to give art value to our creations," says Singh.

Sethi adds a new dimension to the discussion of pottery art in the country. Mindful of the dwindling community of the kumbhars, who have kept this art alive, she believes that tech-savvy ceramic artists need to work with them and share the platform. "It is something that you see happening in the fashion industry. A lot of designers are taking weavers into their fold and uplifting the weaver community. We need to do the same with potters," she asserts.

There is equally a need for bigger organisations and platforms to represent Indian ceramic art on a global scale — one where Made in India will be an assurance of great quality and craftsmanship. There has never been a better time for potters to wield their wheel.