Making a bust for the first time

As several of you reading my blog know that my work is very influenced by fabrics. I do tend to make something functional and have done my sculptural dancing divas too. Also did some shoes last year. This time I thought why not make a torso or bust featuring some beautiful indian prints just as they are meant to be on fabric. This is a larger scale of sculpture that I am used to but thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Here it is handbuilt and slip decorated with buttons. Had to dry it really slowly and went a little crazy supporting the insides and keeping the form.

And here it is all decorated with layers of underglazes which really enhance the texture and pattern. It is approximately 18"x 18" and goes up on the wall. I will be taking it to the summer shows and hope to make more pieces in this series.

It was a great experience to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. What have you wanted to create pushing your limits? Do share.

     

Paste Magazine

I have been fortunate to be featured in this Month's issue of Paste Magazine. My Bollywood inspired Mug is featured along with other Indian themed items in a beautiful article put together by Erin Flaherty. Here is the article for your reading and don't forget to check out my shop for more Indian inspired pottery

"After Slumdog Millionaire's triumph at the Oscar's, its no surprise that Indian cultural influence has subsequently folded into America's melting pot. But Slumdog's largesse has simply confirmed a cinematic movement that's been building for years; Monsoon Wedding and Bride & Prejudice broke here first. And film isin't the only Indian export booming Stateside: Indian textiles are making their way into Western homes, and Indian fashion designers like Naeem Khan and Manish Arora are having a major impact on American pop culture."The work of Indian designers is now being appreciated in the West because we have a unique perspective in the world market and a design sensibility that is a true mix of traditional and modern," Arora says. "And also because the West has discovered that modern India has an interesting mix of old and new, the poor and the rich, traditional and contemporary. It's messy and beautiful, but, most of all, a happy place where there is inspiration everywhere." It's a description that citizens of these messy and beautiful United States can relate to. And while Arora is already a runway hit, the general public will get to know him better when he rolls out major design projects for Swatch and Nivea available this summer.The high fasahion trickle-down effect is already in full swing at mass-market retailers like H&M and Urban Outfitters. You can buy all manner of gorgeously patterned print dresses and shimmery bangle bracelets right now at Forever 21, plus soft cotton tunics at your mom's favorite Talbots store and exotic sandals at Target. Naturally, the global village that is the internet makes it a cinch to score more authentic pieces on eBay, and lots of independent sellers on Etsy handmake Indian-influenced items-from clothing and jewelry to paper products and home accessories."Infusing Indian inspiration into American decor adds interest, depth, variety, vibrancy and a touch of other-worldliness," says Mitun Chakrabarti, co-founder and CEO of textile company Rajboori. "In terms of textiles, various forms of block prints, beadwork, top-stitching and more have made their way into contemporary American design, where they have been pared down or designed to suit the decor needs of contemporary Western homes."The Indian influence on apple-pie American style goes even deeper: In 2007, General Motors built a design studio outside of Bangalore. And during the last Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Indian designers competed to dress models styled as Barbie dolls in celebration of the American icon's 50th birthday, a sure sign of sartorial cultural convergence."

Wine Bottle Stopper: New Item

I have been very excited with some new decoration techniques. I have shared pictures of some test tiles in my blog and I have finally got some finished pieces. I will keep posting new items, but for starters I have wine bottle stoppers.

A wine bottle is a great gift to give your friends and family. It says Happy Birthday, Best wishes to your new House, Happy Anniversary, or simply.. Thanks for having us over.

To make your wine bottle gift special, give this Unique Ceramic Wine Bottle Stopper, and your gift will never be forgotten. They make a great gift to yourself too. :)

Each stopper is unique, glazed with several glazes. These stoppers are carved and textured with different patterns on both sides, and fired multiple times with different glaze color layers to give them a very unique look. The patterns and colors are influenced by Indian fabrics, embroidery, designs and of course Bollywood movies.