Echoes of Nature

My art is a tribute to the profound cycle of life, emerging from and returning to the natural elements. This connection to life is both a physical and emotional journey for me. My creations are more than just a display of skill or a manipulation of the medium - they are an expression of my unity with the world. Working with clay, I feel akin to a farmer tilling the soil – the clay and I are partners in creation. Ceramics, inherently linked to earth, Nature and the elements, is my chosen medium to convey my deepest feelings and emotions. Inspired by the evolution and beauty of the earth, my work reflects the physical characteristics of our planet – the land, water and fire. These elements are the fundamental inspirations for the forms and patterns in my art. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of the materials I use and experimenting with ceramics in various installations. My aspiration is to share the unique language of ceramics with the global art community, inviting others to engage with and contribute to its evolution.

My artwork explores the echoes of Nature through slab ceramic sculpture. Inspired by the intricate textures of coral reefs and mushrooms, I aim to capture the organic beauty and complexity of the natural world. By meticulously crafting each piece, I seek to evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the elements found in the environment. Through my work, I invite viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between art and nature and to appreciate the subtle yet profound details that surround us.

My work seeks to celebrate the mystery and the delight of life along with life’s qualities of abundance, generosity and hope. I find inspiration in the poetry and the visual beauty of Nature and the wilderness. In my expression, I seek the unity of opposites – asymmetry and balance, chaos and harmony, imperfection and attention to detail. Texture and rhythm are essential elements to step out of the self and touch intangible qualities such as emptiness, silence, translucency, weightlessness and the vibratory fields of matter and light. I create from a place of spontaneity, serendipity and moment-to-moment guidance. I work primarily through hand-building techniques, using stoneware clay with slips, glazes, stains, enamels and gold and platinum luster for decorative effects. The works typically undergo multiple firings.

As an artist, I have always wanted to stretch myself to touch new horizons, experiences, techniques to go beyond my comfort zone. Recents work is one such step further in my journey as an artist, living in a community that’s going through a huge transition in its evolution; inside out; almost as if something new is being borne; I see myself as one small spec in this evolutionary journey of Auroville. Forms that have emerged in this experience of expanding my own boundaries, resonate with my serene studio surroundings, simple forms of Nature, in all its complexities; Techniques that one keeps experimenting as a ceramist & the experiential process of its creation, with clay, fire, situations beyond one’s control during this process & all the learning that it takes to create these! Pods that hold the life processes within its form, as diverse & contained, expressing the restraint & resilience one requires on an artistic journey! The complex struggle of life, expressed by nature in simplicity of these forms, which I have been inspired by my surroundings & nature itself. One delves into this journey to hold those precious moments together, forever; while celebrating each moment of the creation of these forms, processes, textures and colours which emerge out of the fire, where one has limited control! Almost like the reality of the life's complexities.

I grew up in rural South India and I draw from my childhood environment and surroundings with a constant preoccupation with Nature and animals. I explore Nature through distance and destruction and the great removal of Nature caused by humans over time. I see my art as a way of registering these changing relationships in the environment using materials from the environment in the present time. Most recently, my themes have revolved around animals and human relationships, encompassing power, love and dependence. This body of artwork expresses my concern and challenges while urging viewers to think and weigh the inevitable consequences of human exploits on animals and Nature as a whole. My artistic process involves a meticulous approach to materials, including drawings while working with stone, metal, wood, terracotta and ceramics. I try to make each piece in a manner that involves mastery of these materials dedication to creating thought-provoking forms that challenge viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world.

Sandhya Gopinath

An experienced and passionate art curator and artist with a strong foundation in art education, dedicated to fostering creativity and empowering artists. As a High School Visual Arts Educator she has designed and implemented engaging curricula for 2D Art, Advanced Art, and IBDP Visual Art. She has curated numerous student exhibitions at the American International School, showcasing the talents of young artists. In December 2023, She curated an exhibition featuring 10 contemporary ceramic artists from Chennai alongside 7 IB Visual Arts students. A core member of the Indian Art and Design Educators Association, She has curated impactful conferences and provided expert insights as an Art Education Consultant. Proficient in drawing, painting, photography, and graphic design, adding the Instructional Leadership Certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education to her cap. Recognized for her artistic achievements, mentoring emerging artists, and exhibiting work internationally, she is committed to nurturing talent and promoting the transformative value of art in society.