Auroville International Potters Market. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Seventeen ceramic artists from Auroville and Puducherry will come together this weekend to display their work at the 7th Auroville International Potters Market. Launched in 2015 by Auroville potter, Ange Peter, this market is an invitation to visitors to meet the artists behind the works and take home some souvenirs.
Puneet Brar of Windglaze Pottery Studio says the main attraction of the event is the series of handmade ceramic pottery. “The incredible potential of this craft can be seen in this potters market and its aim is to spread awareness about this craft. Ceramic pottery encompasses both art and craft and as a result, each artist comes up with unique creations. Every year we attract visitors from across the country,” she said.
In Auroville, many artists take a hands-on approach, doing everything from scratch. Some artists begin by making clay, building their own firing oven or kiln, mixing glazes, and adding pigments. “We have a tent specifically for young adults where anyone can try their hand at pottery making and understand why it is such a nourishing experience,” said Puneet.
Soda Fired Creations by Tosha Parmar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to Adil Writer of Mandala Pottery, Auroville, each of these artists will present their own style of ceramic creations, be it tableware, wall tiles, home decor, garden decor, sculpture or jewellery.
The list of participating artists includes: Adil Writer and Tosha Parmar, Mandala Pottery; Anna Morozova, Masha and Muse, Have Fun Pottery; Ashwini Evgeniya Gladskaya, Very Glad Art Studio; Harsh Patel Indrani Singh Cassime, Phoenix Potteries; Mimi, Studio Kiara; Nalini Dharan, Claykarma Studio; Nausheen Bari, Bhu Ceramics; Priya Sundarvalli, Pottery Sigapu; Puneet Brar, Wind Glaze Pottery; Rakhi Kane, Avartan Pottery; Ranjita Bora, Ranjita Bora Ceramics; Sabrina Srinivas, Kalabhumi Pottery Studio.
Visitors can see each artist’s interpretations and observe the techniques they used. From functional objects to exhibition-worthy sculpture pieces, the market will have items starting at ₹200.
Tosha Parmar has specially designed a range of tableware that ranges from soda-fired to toasty browns and olive greens. Adil has soda-fired sculptural teapots and related tea-ware, made of porcelain, fired with wood in an atmospheric firing technique where ‘soda’ is sprayed into the kiln at close to maximum temperature, usually Firing at over 1200 degree centigrade, about 20 hours. The results speak for themselves and make people understand why Mandala Pottery and Rakhi Ken’s Avartan Pottery are passionate about this specific firing technique.
Composed by Anna Morozzo | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A stand-alone exhibition, titled, “No Metaphors, Please!”, will showcase the works of participating ceramic artists. “In today’s art world, it has become fashionable to toss out metaphor. There’s a lot more to reading on a wall than understanding why something is placed under a spotlight in the middle of the room. Punit Brar and I decided to do a show that was a collection of beautifully made objects, seen first and foremost for what they are; And then decides to become metaphorical with them. Adil said.
K Palanisamy, the traditional master-potter of Pudukottai, has been invited to demonstrate his art in the market on all three days. He will create Ayyanar horses, elephants and other traditional figures at the venue.
@Visitor Center Auroville (Tamil Nadu) Puducherry, 24th to 26th January, 11 am to 6 pm. Entry is free. For details, call 9884120010
published – January 23, 2025 09:49 AM IST
