Two Soils
Two Soils
“Chikni Mitti,” or clay, keeps me connected to my people and to myself. The more I think about it, the more convinced I become of its significance in my life. Today, I met 14 women in a densely populated area of North Eastern Mumbai. At the Kupkabi Foundation, we had planned to meet this group to teach them pressing techniques with/in POP moulds. Besides passing the skill to these women, there was more sharing and conversations on unrelated topics beyond clay or “Chikni Mitti.” Time just flew by, and I realized that more than five decades of my association with “Chikni Mitti” had passed without me realizing that this humble material has been such an integral part of my being.
I am always in this “clay calling” mode. In the back of my mind, every activity begins and ends with “Chikni Mitti”! I constantly wonder how it will work and where it can be beneficial. It has kept me grounded and connected to nature. It was in 1972 that I first touched and played with clay in school, and since then, there has been no looking back. How my life has changed! I once wished to become a doctor, but touching clay changed my decision. Was it karma? I wonder.
For five decades, “Chikni Mitti” has been in my hands, and I still enjoy the play, the association, the love, and the respect that I feel for it. This feeling is beyond my understanding. Now that I belong to the official category of being a farmer for the past decade, I am enjoying the two soils in my life. The different roles I play as a grandmother, mother, homemaker, farmer, and ceramic designer have enriched my life in ways I never imagined.
Embracing the Journey
Reflecting on my journey, I see how each stage of life has intertwined with my love for clay. As a child, the first touch of clay in school sparked a curiosity and passion that diverted my path from medicine to ceramics. The tactile sensation of moulding and shaping clay resonated with something deep within me, steering my destiny towards becoming a ceramic designer.
Learning and Sharing
Throughout my career, I have found immense joy in not just creating with clay but also in teaching others. Today’s workshop at the Kuprkabi Foundation was a testament to this joy. Sharing the mould pressing techniques with women, many of whom had never worked with clay before, was incredibly fulfilling. Their eagerness to learn and the camaraderie that developed as we worked together reminded me of the power of communal creativity and the role of clay in fostering these connections.
The Dual Soil Connection
Being a farmer and a ceramic designer, I have the unique experience of working with two types of soil. Farming has brought a new dimension to my understanding of the earth and growth. The soil that nurtures plants and the clay that I mould are different yet connected, each teaching me patience, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life.
A Life Grounded in Clay
Clay has not only shaped my professional life but also my personal one. It has kept me grounded, literally and metaphorically. Whether I’m designing a new piece, working on the farm, or spending time with my family, the principles I’ve learned from working with clay such as mindfulness, creativity, and adaptability are always present. These principles have helped me navigate the various roles I play in life, from being a designer to a mother and grandmother.
The Future with Chikni Mitti
As I look to the future, my relationship with “Chikni Mitti” continues to evolve. There is always something new to learn and explore with clay. My longing is to keep sharing this passion with others, to continue teaching, and to inspire future generations to discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from working with clay. My journey with “Chikni Mitti” is far from over, and I look forward to many more years of creation, connection, and discovery.