Earthy edge to creativity

BAKED clay or terracotta is the oldest expression of man's creativity and culture seems as relevant an indicator of man's lifestyle today as it has been 8000 years ago. In fact, its place in contemporary living as an alternative to wood, stone, metal, etc., assumes even greater significance against the background of vanishing forests, the destruction of the environment and the disappearing sources of metals.

In the area of defining contemporary and futuristic lifestyles with elegance and minimialism, Delhi-based Poettery's terracotta creations, recently shown at an exhibition-cum-sale in Chennai, is environment-friendly and aesthetic. Ranging from elegant glass topped terracotta dining table sets and occasional and coffee tables to chic and minimialistic of consoles, lamp shades, wall murals and urns, Poettery's original pieces opened up a whole world of possibilities in working with clay.

The colours were of the earth: mehndi green, deep blue, flashes of orange and shades of beige and brown. Apart from the original designs conceived by Anubir and Bhavana, in each Poettery piece, from a tiny lampstand to a large table, the clay has been strengthened, shaped, glazed and given a distinctive form and texture. So you have huge urns which look like metal pieces, consoles which look like carved and painted wooden furniture and vases which have a leather finish!

The terracotta furniture teamed with glass and wrought iron, the very 'contemporary" dining table and chairs celebrated terracotta panels, back rests and leges with exquisitely sculpted tribal motifs, the delicacy of bamboo fronds or the mystery of a sculpted, half veiled woman's face... the range is amazing.

In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Poettery's terracotta furniture presents baked clay in a 21st century "avataar,' be it in form, shape, tone or texture. Or in the ingenious sculpting and etching. The terracotta consoles and mirror sets on display at Chennai were sleek and attractive, perfect as accent furniture for contemporary settings, making geometric patterns and sleek curves against the walls. Poettery's array of terracotta mirrors and murals created the effect of a painting.

And there were urns in exotic shapes: grooved, etched, sculpted, coloured in deepest blue, mehndi green or "au naturale." Classical Mexican urns mingled with beautifully crafted Indian forms! The urns had a distinctive style of their own...

Serbjeet, Anubir and Bhavna's 'Poettery' creations have definitely invested terracotta with a new dimension to lifestyle. For Chennai-ites, it was a earthy experience they are likely to cherish.

PUSHPA CHARI

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Section  : Features
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