“You have to be in tune with the clay and react to what state it’s in to work with it”
–John Sheppard
‘Glazes of Nature’- A solo show by Manisha Gopinath beholds assimilation of natural components and leitmotifs, like plants, animals, underwater growths and formations, which has inspired the artist to explore her possibilities in pottery and stoneware. The mixed media approach countenances the incorporation of numerous textures and colours. The coloured slip, glass or glaze, and cracks revealing the underlying layers contribute to the splendour of the delineations of the petals and leaves. The delicate artworks mirror the arcs of leaves, the petals of flowers, glazed intricate patterns found in flora and fauna, imprints of crochet pressed over clay bowls leaving a lasting imprint on the pottery surface, tinctures that reveal the colours and hues found in the environs, ranging from earthy browns, and sea blues to greens.
The enthralling labels embrace: ‘Family reunion’- raku fired birds on driftwood with a blackwood base; ‘Lean on me’-etched with 24-carat gold leaf, and the tree of Malaysian driftwood; ‘Fall cones’- porcelain etched with 24-carat gold leaf with wood and metal base; ‘Spring’- glazed birds on driftwood; ‘Deepwater Platters’- textured and glazed stoneware, ‘Tendril’-glazed handmade porcelain flowers on wood; ‘Starburst’-hand cut porcelain, glazed and glass inlaid on wood; ‘Bodhi Tree’- carved stoneware with bits of gold leaf added on a wooden base; ‘Maze’-hand crafted slabs of stoneware; ‘Cosmos’-hand crafted porcelain, glazed and inlaid with glass on wood; ‘Desert Palm’-hand cut and shaped stoneware porcelain on imported wood; ‘Cerulean sky’-Porcelain with fused glass; ‘Northern star’-porcelain, glazed and fused with glass; and ‘Wave’-hand carved flowers of porcelain on wood. Beyond this magic of shine against the rough surface, one comes across a few functional cues too, with pots, bowls platters, and textures pulling the eye to the tactile experience of the pieces. Animals like giraffes and elephants in relief also adorned the tables. The natural and raw look of driftwood used as a base or stand, where the glazed birds balance themselves on different branches; and fired chunks mounted on asymmetrical logs have contributed to the organic feel of the pottery displayed.
Mark D’Cruz- Art Consultant of Gallery Time and Space says, “For Manisha Gopinath, pottery has been a serendipitous journey that began ten years ago. Her introduction to the skill at the Creative Arts Centre in Dallas forged a path that fueled her passion and introduced her to a community of talented artists that greatly influenced her work. Largely organic and free-flowing, Manisha’s art is a reflection of what she loves and sees around her. Oceans, beaches, nature, birds and marine forms are significant influences that continue to inspire and find a place in her work. Glazes of blues, greens and whites imbue distinctive forms that are carved, moulded and fired into porcelain and stoneware. Much like the earth Manisha’s art is birthed from a visceral sense of natural selection… The emphatic use of natural grain raw wood as a backdrop underlines a signature style that breathes harmony and serenity into spaces.”
The creative approach has made Manisha express her connection to the surroundings by seizing the ephemeral nature of blooms in a more eternal and lasting form and inducing a sense of exquisiteness, accord and replication in her works. The weathered wood, whether as a structure or support for pottery, adds to the charisma and tactile quality even to the functional pieces. The combination of driftwood with freely hanging and suspended strings of pottery elements turns the simple pieces into three-dimensional sculptures and assemblages. This juxtaposition of the roughness of wood and the smoothness of glaze is visually arresting and accentuates the variances of appearance and similarities of themes between the two materials.
The show was inaugurated by eminent artist Bharati Sagar on 25th November 2023 at Gallery Time and Space, Bangalore, in the presence of gallery owner Renu George and other prominent artists and guests.
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