Pune: Sheetal Narkhede was on a holiday in Vietnam four years ago when she picked up a new skill — pottery . What started out as a hobby is now the one constant in her life. Narkhede, whose husband is in the Army, moves cities every few years and is constantly packing and unpacking her life.
But pottery — a utilitarian craft that often achieves beauty, originality and emotional pull of art — keeps her going. The home potter, who is now based in Bengaluru, mostly makes decor pieces and teaches others interested in learning this art form that serves as a marker of our culture and history. An ode to this creative union of high art and functional craft is the Pune Potter's Market at The Pavilion Mall on Senapati Bapat Road, where more than 20 home potters from Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agra, Bhopal, Kolkata, Raigad and Ajmer are showcasing their one-of-a-kind creations.
On display from Friday to Sunday, the potter's market will feature the festive creations by these urban potters who work with clay in their home studios ahead of Navaratra and Diwali. Narkhede's pieces at the market are a range of deity-themed products. "Sculpture-based diyas and diya holders are a popular trend this festive season," she said.
"There is a great demand for lotus-themed items because the flower is offered to Goddess Durga and her avatars. This year, I have also introduced lotus motifs in items such as candle holders and figurines." City-based Parth Palsay dabbles in several kinds of .