Bhubaneswar, June 19: Y. Nandita, a 35-year-old artist, has come up with beautiful handicrafts using Thai clay at an exhibition organised by Odisha Modern Art Gallery.
Thai clay is air-dry clay. Apart from creating colourful flowerpots and dolls, Nandita also makes human figurines. About 50 of her creations have been displayed at the exhibition, which is being visited by people of all age groups, especially children.
"Handicrafts made from Thai clay are soft and easy to use. Artists can create exquisite craft using their imagination," Nandita said.
"Artists today use ceramics which requires heat for shape. But, this art form has no hassles as Thai clay needs no heat to be moulded into a particular shape," she added.
She further said the craftwork could be washed easily.
Nandita said her artistic inclination came from her father who was also an artist. "Pursing art had always been encouraged in my home. All my siblings are also interested in painting," said the graduate from BJB College, Bhubaneswar.
Nandita wanted to do something different. "I wanted to take my work to all kinds of art lovers especially youngsters. So, I did a lot of research and found out that Thai clay suits my purpose and not many people use it. So, I ordered the product from Thailand," she added.
Nandita runs an art institute and most of her students are homemakers.
"There is a great interest among people to learn the craft because they can also teach it to their kids," she said.
"These creations are extremely unique. Moreover, they are very soothing to the eyes," said Arpita Mohanty, a visitor at the exhibition, which concludes tomorrow.