Since 2002 India has been a big part of my life. In the last decade I have been drawn there annually.
This collection includes many kulhaad, small lowfired vessels used once. I have been collecting these since my first trip to India. In recent years I have had the opportunity to work with the kulhaar, the makers of kulhaad. The grace of form that comes with rapidly making 100s of pieces in a sitting is enchanting as is watching the making. The concept of ‘maker unkown’ when the finger prints are fired into a vessel is poignant.
Since 2003 Indian artisans have visited Australia for creative cultural exchange workshops. Journals and images of these tours can be seen www.crosshatched123.com.au . In the main it has been traditional Rajasthani potters, Manohar Lal has been the constant, he has mentored Dharamveer, Banay Singh Jagdish Prajapat and Assa Ram into Crosshatched ways. Usually the potters are here for at least 4 weeks and I am always sad to be saying goodbye to them. Following is a series of images taken over these tours
My visits to India always include a visit to Kumhaargram (pottersvillage) http://youtu.be/ZsEFtG2hf6g
This 15 minute film, a Day in the Life of Kumhaargram was shot in 2015 over a period of 10 days.
Following is a series of images also from Kumhaargram
Following is a small collection of favourite images taken in India. Every image has a story, I will relate some details of the first image. Taken on my first visit in 1988 it was my first sighting of massed piled forms. The photo sat fading in a frame for many years, keeping me connected to this enigmatic culture until I returned in 2002. The tiny brown key pot always intriguing, it is only recently that I recognise it as a form critical to the making of the large waterpots.
