In conversation with Mr. Rajesh Srivastav, Ceramic Artist and Instructor at Delhi Blue Pottery Trust
1. How many years have you been associated with Blue pottery trust?
Ans. For 10 years now, I am a graduate in fine arts with specialization in ceramic from BHU.
2. What is your view on Delhi Blue Pottery Trust?
Ans. This is the only and pioneer trust in Studio pottery. Almost all the potters across India is associated with Delhi Blue Pottery. Being the largest trust in India exclusively for pottery, it has the most modernized equipments and firing techniques in the studio.
3. Did Delhi Blue Pottery Trust start with its initial exploration in Blue pottery technique?
Ans. At the time when the studio was found, there was a rave about Blue pottery and hence the studio was named after it. But it had very little association to blue pottery.
4. Is blue pottery technique still taught in the studio?
Ans. Blue pottery is a dieing technique in pottery now, a very few people in Jaipur is associated with this form of pottery. The problems associated with blue pottery is in its firing, it requires careful temperature control and now with the exact materials not being available the pottery tends to have alot of pores. Hence it is not taught in the studio.
5. What kind of technique and type of pottery is taught in Delhi Blue Pottery?
Ans. We teach Stoneware Art Pottery. Type and techniques are in glazed pottery.
6. What is the difference you find between the traditional potters and Studio potters?
Ans. What lacks in traditional potters is the creative quotient, they follow the age old traditional form of pottery and dont explore it in the form of art. Whereas Studio pottery gives space to the creative flow of ideas. Hence each piece created by Studio potters is unique, and does not pose as a repetitive art.
7. What is your experience with the students coming here to learn pottery?
Ans. Most of the students come here as a hobby enthusiast. We get a variety of students, right from professionals like doctors, engineers to students and housewives. Some students here come on doctor recommendations. They believe pottery is a type of therapy which enhances concentration and patience.
8. Do you posses the same required patience in teaching this form of art?
Ans. I don’t know if I have that patience in me (with a laughter in his tone). My students tell me I am very patient while teaching and intricately help them with all their queries but according to me i am impatient. Maybe over the years experience has instilled the required patience factor in me.
9. What is the course structure in Delhi Blue Pottery?
Ans. It is a 6 months course for Rs.12,000 (two days a week, three hour long class). The first six months we teach the basics and depending on how the student is picking up the art they continue with the course accordingly.
Lastly, Mr Rajesh concludes by saying ‘Studio pottery is an art in itself, in other words it is called Art pottery. Every creation is unique and tells a story about the artists identity. It is full of the artists creative imagination.’
