“There is creativity in every person, but it needs to be ignited”
Mr. Dilip Thakar is among the most distinguished pottery artists in India. Punekar caught up with the talented artist to find out more about his passion which has now become a full time career.
Can you give us a little background on how you turned to pottery making?
I started making pottery about 20 years back. Initially it was a hobby when I made small diyas on a wheel. When some of my friends saw them they were so impressed that they asked me to prepare the diyas for them in bulk and I was paid for my work. That very day changed my life altogether. The diyas I made were not like the usual ones you get in market; I prepared them using a different type of clay which is used in western countries. So the product you get in the end is of superfine quality. This was how it all started. This passion which started as a hobby changed into a profession in view of the VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) which I took in the year 1995. The demand of eco friendly product also compelled me to turn to this field.
Did you always think you were creative or is it something that you discovered later on in life?
There is creativity in every person, but it needs to be ignited. It was clay that worked in my case. I experimented a lot with clay and ended up making various objects with different shapes and patterns.
Is there any other creative outlet in your life besides pottery?
Well in my case it’s just pottery, I am in a way totally obsessed with it. But yes I also like paintings. I paint using rice flour and a stick, a technique which is not very common in India.
How has pottery making influenced your life?
This art has helped me develop my creativity and patience. It has altogether changed my life.
How did you cultivate this art?
I never tried my hand at any particular technique to get into this field. My attraction to this art form was sudden and not planned. As this art grew on me, I started doing more and more workshops in schools and colleges across different states which again helped my polish my art and take it to another level.
Are there any institutes where one can learn this art?
There are just two institutes in India that offer this course. One is in Belgaum (Khanapur) in Karnataka and the other one is in Amravali in Maharashtra. These are full-time one year courses.
You have been doing a lot of workshops. How was the response?
The reaction from the people is very encouraging. Around 1000 people join us for every workshop, which is really remarkable and keeps us inspired.
Why do you think so many people are turning to pottery making?
Any kind of art can be enjoyed in one’s leisure time. I think with the VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) more and more people are taking up some kind of art form which they can develop during their free time.
If we are talking about pottery making in particular the benefits include easy availability and low cost of the raw materials.
How has the experience been so far?
Well the journey has been incredible and I like what I am doing. I would like to share an incident which happened with me recently. I went to the passport office to get my passport stamped and when the official realised my profession he was so delighted that he offered me a seat and also stamped my passport immediately. It feels good when people value your work.
Any message you would like to convey to the Punekars?
Pottery making is one of the rarest arts in the world and unfortunately it is on the verge of dying. The local potters are not being paid well and hence their numbers are decreasing rapidly. When I started as an artist there were around 25 artists who started along with me but now there are just two of us left who are contributing to this art form. More and more people should therefore come forward and prevent this art for dying.
More articles by Vandana Prasad
- “The economic process of recession is much bigger to be shaped by a bankrupt and inefficient government!” - September 28th, 2009
- Shake-o-Holic - September 27th, 2009
- Monsoon Destinations: Harishchandragad Fort - September 26th, 2009
- Mega Dandiya @ Pan Card Club (September 36th Week 2009) - September 24th, 2009
- Top Ten Newsmakers - September 21st, 2009
