Vanmala Jain is a Ceramic Designer
Ceramic design consultant, teacher and a social entrepreneur
Vanmala Jain is a Ceramic Designer
Ceramic design consultant, teacher and a social entrepreneur
“When I work with clay it feels like I am making a conversation. The clay speaks out in response to my every touch, by guiding me and making me understand how each product turns out to be unique. The entire process feels like - enjoying life as it passes by me”
Vanmala Jain is a Mumbai-based Ceramic Designer, alumni from National Institute of Design (NID), Paldi, Ahmedabad (batch of 1975). Her creations are a combination of tradition and antiquity, yet they are exclusively modern in their own way. Her simple designs and raw expressions take you through her journey of over 45 years of ceramics.
“When I work with clay it feels like I am making a conversation. The clay speaks out in response to my every touch, by guiding me and making me understand how each product turns out to be unique. The entire process feels like - enjoying life as it passes by me”
Vanmala Jain is a Mumbai-based Ceramic Designer, alumni from National Institute of Design (NID), Paldi, Ahmedabad (batch of 1975). Her creations are a combination of tradition and antiquity, yet they are exclusively modern in their own way. Her simple designs and raw expressions take you through her journey of over 45 years of ceramics.
Her Story
Her Story
Born in Jaipur in 1958, Vanmala began her studies with Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School at Jaipur.
Vanmala’s ceramic journey began at the tender age of 16 when she was introduced to Blue Pottery in standard 10th. This was when Rajmata Gayatri Devi was striving to revive this dying ancient art. What was to most students just another subject, deeply enamoured Vanmala and it became her life’s calling. It was the sheer shine of glaze and the ability to mold something exquisite using her own hands had gripped the imagination of young Vanmala.
She received her graduate degree in Ceramic Design in 1981 from India’s prestigious National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Post this, she did her industrial training and learned about mass production in a factory setup at Palam Pottery, Delhi. She also did her internship in Blue Pottery of Jaipur with Padmashri Kripal Singhji Shekhavat, where she learned about production processes, which gave her insight into limited edition production.
The molding for Vanmala happened at the Social Work and Research Centre at Tilonia, Rajasthan in 1980 – 82. The Centre now known as the Barefoot College was set up by Aruna and Sanjit “Bunker” Roy. That grounding, both in craft and more importantly, in concern and care for the craftsperson of India, were the key elements in shaping Vanmala’s outlook. She lived in Tilonia village and handled their rural industries projects (now Hatheli), where she interacted with embroidery, wood, leather, metal craftsperson, and weavers. Later in 1998, she did a Women Entrepreneurship course from NMIMS, Mumbai.
From Jaipur to Ahmedabad and later to Mumbai, was the beginning of the now famed Kuprkabi Ceramic Design Studio and Kuprkabi Foundation.
Born in Jaipur in 1958, Vanmala began her studies with Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School at Jaipur.
Vanmala’s ceramic journey began at the tender age of 16 when she was introduced to Blue Pottery in standard 10th. This was when Rajmata Gayatri Devi was striving to revive this dying ancient art. What was to most students just another subject, deeply enamoured Vanmala and it became her life’s calling. It was the sheer shine of glaze and the ability to mold something exquisite using her own hands had gripped the imagination of young Vanmala.
She received her graduate degree in Ceramic Design in 1981 from India’s prestigious National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Post this, she did her industrial training and learned about mass production in a factory setup at Palam Pottery, Delhi. She also did her internship in Blue Pottery of Jaipur with Padmashri Kripal Singhji Shekhavat, where she learned about production processes, which gave her insight into limited edition production.
The molding for Vanmala happened at the Social Work and Research Centre at Tilonia, Rajasthan in 1980 – 82. The Centre now known as the Barefoot College was set up by Aruna and Sanjit “Bunker” Roy. That grounding, both in craft and more importantly, in concern and care for the craftsperson of India, were the key elements in shaping Vanmala’s outlook. She lived in Tilonia village and handled their rural industries projects (now Hatheli), where she interacted with embroidery, wood, leather, metal craftsperson, and weavers. Later in 1998, she did a Women Entrepreneurship course from NMIMS, Mumbai.
From Jaipur to Ahmedabad and later to Mumbai, was the beginning of the now famed Kuprkabi Ceramic Design Studio and Kuprkabi Foundation.
Professional Journey
Professional Journey
Vanmala’s work is focused on craft and design based on her experiences with women from the economically weaker section of metro cities.
She has exhibited in India’s best galleries, such as Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), Art festivals liked Serendipity Arts Festival (Goa), Indian Ceramic Trinale (Jaipur), Platters for Animals invited by Ms. Maneka Gandhi, ‘Multiples’ Show at Artist Centre (Mumbai), ‘Kagaz Aur Mitti’ at Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), MSU Fine Arts (Baroda) and Lalit Kala Academy (Ahmedabad).
Vanmala has been conducting various workshops with some of the world’s renowned potters and ceramic designers. She has been actively organizing workshops for the corporate sector, individuals who love pottery, and school children. To generate awareness about Indian Pottery craft, she allows Government school students to visit her studio regularly.
As a ceramic designer and mentor, Vanmala has collaborated with Sir JJ School of Art (Mumbai), IDC IIT Bombay, NIFT (Mumbai), IICD (Jaipur), and SNDT Women University (Mumbai).
Her artworks are showcased through solo shows and also in several group shows. One of her creations has been permanently displayed at the Museum of Small Ceramic in Zagreb Croatia since 2003.
Vanmala is on the Governing Board of Hatheli (Tilonia, Rajasthan). She is one of the Promoters of CERAFEST, which organizes events in Mumbai for Ceramic Artists and Potters. She has worked extensively with the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), Government of India, Western Region, and Export Promotion Council of India.
Vanmala’s work is focused on craft and design based on her experiences with women from the economically weaker section of metro cities.
She has exhibited in India’s best galleries, such as Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), Art festivals liked Serendipity Arts Festival (Goa), Indian Ceramic Trinale (Jaipur), Platters for Animals invited by Ms. Maneka Gandhi, ‘Multiples’ Show at Artist Centre (Mumbai), ‘Kagaz Aur Mitti’ at Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), MSU Fine Arts (Baroda) and Lalit Kala Academy (Ahmedabad).
Vanmala has been conducting various workshops with some of the world’s renowned potters and ceramic designers. She has been actively organizing workshops for the corporate sector, individuals who love pottery, and school children. To generate awareness about Indian Pottery craft, she allows Government school students to visit her studio regularly.
As a ceramic designer and mentor, Vanmala has collaborated with Sir JJ School of Art (Mumbai), IDC IIT Bombay, NIFT (Mumbai), IICD (Jaipur), and SNDT Women University (Mumbai).
Her artworks are showcased through solo shows and also in several group shows. One of her creations has been permanently displayed at the Museum of Small Ceramic in Zagreb Croatia since 2003.
Vanmala is on the Governing Board of Hatheli (Tilonia, Rajasthan). She is one of the Promoters of CERAFEST, which organizes events in Mumbai for Ceramic Artists and Potters. She has worked extensively with the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), Government of India, Western Region, and Export Promotion Council of India.
Get in touch
Kuprkabi team will be happy to assist you
Get in touch
Kuprkabi team will be happy to assist you