Clay is Joy, lets you ENJOY

 Clay is Joy, lets you ENJOY

Merely watching a clay session churning out pieces of art is sheer joy and lets you enjoy – be it wet clay or leather hard when chiseling out finer aspects.  

Experiential and experimental learning  

Of all the fine arts prevalent, one that has caught on fast and favorably to all, especially the IT, Medical , Banking sector and children’s segment alike  is Pottery during Corona crisis. The art has many found takers,  thanks to the necessity and need to destress.  It has, of late, been recognized as one that is a perfect tactile, with all the messiness and clumsiness that goes into the making of an art with damp clay and the cool temperature that gets warmer by virtue of  mashing it. The thrill and kick of hand-building is to be experienced and seen to be believed. No denying it is a mindful gesture to put down your tablets, phones and computers aside , forget everything around you and delve into nuances of pottery with its underlying secrets, churning out pieces in a relaxed manner, by underplaying with emotions in your heart. That is sheer joy and success in a way, for you have forgotten yourself and are immersed into  getting into the shoes of a creator -- when you churn out a piece. The trepidation and fear are part of the emotions which you encounter in your journey with clay and learn to overcome.  Facing daunting real life situations then becomes easier, as your learning continuously paves the way for more learnings . 

Pic: a jewelry box in the making by a student of APTA

Health front – Therapeutic angle

Those with anxiety issues and stressful work lives are recommended to sit on hand-building as an exercise, which could even mean mashing high quality processed clay slowly for half an hour on a rhythmic footing.  The tactile movements have a positive impact on the frayed nerves of one’s body.  It releases the excess ‘Pitha’ content from body and thus excess body heat is holistically removed when working with clay. It is not Polymer but real clay with power and energy finding new dimensions here.  

From a therapeutic angle, it would suffice to say that the ‘Mooladhara Chakra’ of the individual gets strengthened during clay play, with the result that life is less stressful. There is inflow of prosperity since the ‘earth’ element of Nature gets balanced with the tactile nourishment. There is thus a strong foundation laid down in life in whatever you wish to pursue as the ‘Mooladhara chakra’ deals with the base/ root, which needs to be secure and strong in one’s life.  Eating in clay plates and cooking in earthen ware is thus very good. One’s high blood pressure can get controlled wearing a clay bangle hand crafted with hand-building techniques. 

Builds and improves creativity involving ambidexterity.  A wonderful stress buster. Voicing out inner expressions 

The clay bangle is appealing too and gets the darting eyes of many who initially mistake it to be wood.  My clay bangle which I wear on me is unique and thus my visiting card too, as it spells my craftsmanship. It catches the attention of everybody around, young and old alike – I am the gorgeous clay-bangle woman advocating clay for health issues!  

To every individual, their individual learnings bring out their inner self and thoughts and no two are alike, not even twins when it comes to expressions from the soul's yearning. Needless to add, pottery is a great escape and a perfect antidote to an online world to slow down and focus on an absorbing note to unwind from the stress and strains of all kinds of pressures, be it office, peer group or at the home front.  

 

    Buddha executed by a Medical Doctor by profession - Dr. Gita Ray at APTA   

By  hand built pottery  ,  a big, fruit bowl intricately carved with designs by Ms Parvathy,  a Banker by profession - at APTA 

A vertical  piece of contemporary art by Ms. Parvathy , a banker by Profession by  hand building techniques , depicting the waves and fishes by way of her imagination .    

Build Self-confidence & Improve upon Time Management skills.

Everything from a table ware to a tile, desktop holder, wall mural, miniatures, bouquet, jewelry, scenic to abstract pieces, the ball game is on to discover your exclusive, experiential learning with clay play. One can be proficient enough to populate one’s kitchen and room décor with items made in pottery by hand building process which can be so self-satisfying and such a cheer to guests and onlookers alike.  Not necessarily it has to be churned out on the wheel. Similarly, one’s room décor can host many items which are unique, creative craftmanship with dimensional effects too. Sky is the limit to creative pursuits whilst exclusivity builds self-confidence and nurtures growth. Nothing like creating your own piece of art. Time factor is crucial here as clay would get hardened quickly. ‘Speeding up’ is inevitable to succeed and churn out exclusive objects’ d’art.  You will churn out, not burn out.

Pic : a couple of Pottery bangles seen in extreme right frame ;  Pottery by our many students from different age groups  in our APTA gallery 

Game changer

Earlier there was a stigma attached when you called yourself a potter, but not anymore.  This art has gained respect and now with the lockdowns have created a spur. So, you are akin to the dancing queen/king conveying your imagination to encompass sensual, textural and cognitive activities much to the inspirational support of the teeming millions out there in the different platforms, across the globe, stoking an appreciation for works that demonstrate a strong educative appeal and enjoying the trend. Pottery is no longer restricted to just pottery on the wheel. It lies in artistic hand-building that sets the trend for what is to follow.

Pic: The LAST SUPPER in  hand-building by Nandita Reddy of  Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - at  APTA. 

Thanks to social media, with amateurs displaying their art and showcasing their attempts on reels/ short videos, the trend is fast picking up to be the younger generation’s best bet as a hobby. The irony of it is that those who have never in their life known what it is like to sit on a pottery wheel at a studio are exemplarily showcasing their talent at hand-building, which goes to prove how interesting and highly absorbing an art it can be with hand building. Gauging by the enormous fans and likes it has engaged and entertained for any amateur, it certainly has turned to Spotlight # 1 from a dying art way back in 2000. The credit is due to social media like YouTube, Fb and Instagram which have escalated the voting in its favor internationally for a turnaround in 2023.

 Anniversaries and special days get more special with clay play.

 Pic : Akriti from Lucknow executing hand-building with her hubby:  Clay play on their first wedding Anniversary at APTA.  

Gift a session for someone to make their lives happy or come and enjoy a session with a team member or a sibling  to make it a memorable day in your calendar. Convert your dreams into pieces of art.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all.

 

Malini Kalyanam

Founder Director - Artistic Pottery Training Academy  ( APTA) 

Pottery artist and trainer

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