Delhi is known to be the art capital of India. Various artists from all across the country display their beautiful work every now and then. Now, adding to the art scene of Delhi is Seema Kalra, a clay artist and pottery expert whose journey began in 2010. Ever since then, it has been a continuous process of experimenting and learning for her.
After her first group exhibition at the India Habitat Centre, she started to explore other techniques of making and decorating ceramics. She enrolled for many workshops with international artists to learn different creating, decorating and sculptural techniques of ceramics. Through rigorous experimentation, she gained mastery over her glazes and was them able to execute artistically.
Currently exhibiting at the Garden Estate in Gurugram, Seema says, "This is my fist solo exhibition. It is a collection of my works." Speaking about her inspiration for the exhibition, Seema says, "I drew my inspiration from the various elements of nature – especially the Harsingar flower. When I get up in the morning, they are always in my garden. We pick them up and put it in some water. They have a lovely soothing fragrance. This is when I realised that I want to preserve these flowers and create something out of it."
Seema has created multiple home decor pieces and jewellery using these flowers.
The adage that the "pot makes itself" perfectly captures the essence of Seema's artistic philosophy. She explains how the creation process is a harmonious interaction among various elements, more than a mere product of individual intent. She views her role as a facilitator rather than a creator. "It is the synergy of clay, fire, water, space, and air that truly brings a piece into being. In her view, every idea and inspiration is influenced by the countless experiences and observations that shape our perceptions," Seema says.
Seema also does Ikebana flower arrangement. For the unversed, it is the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers. The practice, which roughly translates to “making flowers come alive,” uses carefully selected blossoms, greenery and other flowers to convey a specific feeling or emotion to an observer. Basically, it is a way of expressing yourself through flora. Seema's contribution to this art form is by creating specialised Ikebana vases.
At her Gurgaon exhibition, Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom paid a visit. She was seen posing with multiple pieces as she was left impressed.
The unique characteristic of each piece emerges from the idea of doing it a little differently. Through this approach, she emphasizes the beauty of transformation and the serendipity inherent in the creative process, revealing how the ordinary can be made extraordinary through its inherent qualities and interaction.