ONE WITH THE CLAY

ONE WITH THE CLAYThe Art of Indo Pottery Making and its Development in Trinidad & Tobago
“There is probably no class of object which gives so much information concerning the culture of a people as pottery.”
India has a long and rich tradition of Pottery. From time immemorial, men have used earth to make life comfortable and beautiful. They have used the muck and the mire of the earth to craft useful utensils, instruments, and other utilitarian devices. Earth was used to animate human imagination in the form of local deities, decorative figurines, beautiful statues and a host of interesting toys and dolls. It is said that man was born of the earth and is returned to earth. It is hardly surprising that man has crafted the most beautiful of things from earth – the element of which he himself is made.
In celebration of Indian Arrival Day, we honour the many contributions made bythe indentured Indians, who came to settle in Trinidad and Tobago. They brought their skills as: jewelers, tailors, tattoo-makers, musicians, sweet-makers, basket – makers and potters. One With the Clay: The Exhibition spotlights - The Art ofIndo Pottery Making and its Development in Trinidad & Tobago.
“Every ancient civilization on earth has left behind something of its legacy in clay.” Archaeologists have proven via excavation of the ruins of the indigenous First Peoples – the Amerindians, that they crafted their own forms of pottery. These clay items were traditionally used for religious and household purposes.However, the Amerindian population eventually diminished, along with their unique style of pottery. When the indentured Indians arrived they bridged the pottery gap. Like the Amerindians, the Indians originally used their pottery for basic household use and religious rituals. Today the craft of clay has evolved into a vibrant commercial venture such as: art décor and other beautiful and interesting contemporary items. The exhibition’s theme One With the Clay speaks to the blending of culture, people and art. It began with the Amerindians, continued with the Indentured Indians and has now been adopted by other ethnic groups in our society.
Many potters describe their labour of love as “Spiritual” they claim that you have to be One With the Clay. This art form is about patience and passion, and in the realm of pottery making, the clay has become symbolic of a natural bonding element that connects people, places and culture. It is the essence of beauty, formed out of the raw abundance of the earth. Out of a simple lump of earth, the master potter lovingly guides skilful hands, the potter’s wheel complies, the clay yields, takes shape and character and simply a masterpiece is born.
There are a multitude of potters around the globe made up of varied races and creed, and despite their demographic or psychographic composition they speak a universal language; one only the master potter truly comprehends. The artistry of the moulding and sculpting of the clay has transcended - race, creed, age, gender and nationality.
The exhibition traces this artistic journey and features the work of three of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest potters - Radika’s Pottery - Edinburgh Village, S & S Deonarine – Tabaquite and Ajoupa Pottery – Chickland, Carapichaima. Both Radika’s Pottery and S& S Deonarine are potters who emanate from a rich family lineage of Indian potters.
Source: http://www.craftsinindia.com/products/pottery/index.asp