Terracotta, Italian for baked clay, is a humble and versatile clay that can be easily moulded into beautiful jewellery. Bengaluru-based Bindu Mathai (who won a National Award for her Ramayan inspired neck piece titled ‘Dharani’ in 1997), founded Aakaar Creations in 1994 to do just that. The company started from a small studio-cum-workshop at home after Mathai had completed her training in pottery from the Regional Design and Technical Development Centre in Bengaluru. Ever since then, Mathai has enlisted the help of rural, uneducated women who were willing to learn how to make terracotta jewellery.
An ongoing exhibition, Vastrabharana 25 hosted by The Craft Council of Karnataka brings rare handmade products to the city. On display and sale will be a range of Mathai’s creations including other handcrafted textiles and jewellery by master craftsmen. Her jewellery is priced between Rs 250 to Rs 15,000. “I use Indian and ethnic motifs like Theyyam, lotus, peacocks, parrots, birds and fishes,” she says about her creations that are displayed at the showcase that include elaborate pieces with intricate work. “I [avoid] geometrical designs.”
On stands: There will be a range of Bindu Mathai’s creations including handcrafted textiles and jewellery
Mathai, who hails from Kerala, looks to her ancestors and their love for gold ornaments for inspiration. She draws cues from Mappila jewellery, traditional Nair ornaments and heirlooms. Stressing on the unparalleled skill as a virtue, she says, “Even after working in this industry for over two decades, I am still intrigued and fascinated by the craftsmanship of these goldsmiths.”
Vastrabharana 25 is on till April 15 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort
