The Aurovillean Potter's Wheel Showcase

Once over a cup of coffee, I had told Abhisheka that I love art in any form and I have an inclination for pottery, ceramics and clay-art. She has such good memory. Oh yes!
Few days back, she sent me an email which had an invite:

Voila.. I knew I had to attend this exhibition cum sale. I became eager to visit
1.Shanti Road Studio Gallery.
I visited them on Saturday afternoon with my camera in hands..!

The entrance to the gallery is through a simple door on the 1st floor after climbing the spiral staircases, but what grabbed my attention was their simplicity and bonding with nature. The place, its ambiance and the simple arrangements stole my heart.

The display was a blend of tradition and modernity, sophistication and rusty hues, miniatures and largish pieces. The art-form was contemporary with a few abstract, experimental ceramic displays too. The display was wide and elaborate with diverse beautiful artifacts- both utilitarian and artistic. Works in wood fired stoneware, high fired ceramics and also in Terracotta- glazed as well as unglazed were displayed.

Artist Adil Writer was representing all the artists, wearing a striking bright red shirt adding a vibrant color to the exhibition. Let me show you how gorgeous the show looked!

Check the beautiful white table cloth, and at the back, colorful runner used as prop:



Onto more! The blue side tables and tea table have a rustic and crude look but add glam quotient to the white walls. To the side is a salad bowl. The table adorns a variety of utilitarian ceramic products. The oil dispensers, cups with elephant carvings, tea light holder, vases, incense stick holders (ceramic blended with glass) were the attractions of this corner.




And then  I noticed these different teapot designs. Some were the conventional ones, whilst a few were unconventionally brilliant! Check out this one, the wood-fired clay art masterpiece by Rakhee Kane.



And another from Aavartan Studio Pottery by Rakhee Kane..

A complete teapot set with a creamer pot, a sugar-pot and six tea cups for those who love to entertain their guests..

 

And  the usual "I'm little teapot" types kettle too!

Then comes a lovely curvy pitcher. One can use this to carry water or fresh fruit juice or buttermilk (to survive the travails of summer). I am sure such a pitcher will be a beautiful addition to anyone's dining table or kitchenette! One can be a bit more creative in using this clay piece as a vase for decorating flowers with longer pedicels (stalks) like lilies, carnations or gerberas or if you are too lazy, just use it as a decor piece :)

 

The incense stick holders and their unique design impressed me- from squarish to elongated to boat shaped to pebble shaped to some of my very favorites by Saraswati. For a moment I was confused, which one should I pick for my home...?

One of Saraswati's incense stick holders - a heart stealer!

More...

There were beverage/ wine tumblers and shot glasses. For someone who loves to dine and wine, such a set can be a treasure.

A beautiful tea-cup planter

These beautifully made multi-utility tumblers can be used as a small vase, a tooth brush holder, a pen-stand or as a plantlet holder (for those small corners at home and workspace)..I couldn't control the ecologist inside me and ended up buying one with a frog on it :) See the wide range of animals mounted on simple tumblers. From turtles to lizards to butterflies to frogs and even mud-skippers!

Check out the mud-skipper soap dish

Tea light holders and votive holders

and ceramic bells..

More of pendants resembling sea figurines and shells

Saraswati(Renata)'s Have fun pottery is really a treat for eyes and having those at home would be a delight. Her USP is colourful animal figures (made in ceramic of course) and a direct bond with mother nature.

The animal themed pendants and ear-rings of Have fun pottery

A ceramic wall-piece that is adorned with a toucan and lianas with yellow fruits of a tropical forest.

A blue ceramic mask that can be used as a wall art



My favorite was a unique ceramic pendant from, again, Saraswati. A cup and saucer with a croissant..! What a cute addition to my collection!
 I just love this piece :)

If you are in Bangalore, this place is a must visit for the weekend. The exhibition is ON till 12th January and hopefully we will get to see such exhibits more frequently.

One can get to see more works here~ Ashiwni Bhat , Renata Sidorenko, Adil Writer's latest works, Mandala pottery,  Flame pottery, Ange Peter, Rakhee Kane