(2021) Created as an experiment, this series of terracotta pieces uses touch as the primary channel to manifest forms. Generating clay work based on touch was given as an exercise by Apurva Kulkarni during a mentorship. The forms were created with eyes closed. Later, the pieces were finished and given texture. The initial series comprises ten small pieces.
Subsequently, I pressed fresh clay onto the fired pieces, creating skins or imprints. Because of the clay shrinkage during firing, the skins are not a perfect fit which creates small gaps and adds space.
I see Through the Medium of Touch as an attempt and an experiment rather than a finished work but I feel it holds potential. The photographs seem to be stronger than the physical work. However, the handling aspect of it is also powerful, but demands that the audience interacts with the work.
I am often attracted by the idea of audience interaction with clay, or by some sort of performative element in the work, but I have never crossed that line.
THE SKIN PROJECT 