Session Notes: Clay Modelling

“If you want to give up on life, talk to Mother Earth; she knows a thing or two about death and rebirth.”

Clay, a natural gift from the deep crevices of Mother Earth, is formed through the intricate interplay of minerals, plant life, and the remnants of ancient animals nestled within the soil. This earthy substance must be carefully extracted and brought to the surface, where it undergoes a meticulous process of refinement and kneading to become malleable. This essential transformation bathes the clay in the warmth of human creativity, highlighting the beautiful collaboration between nature and our artistic endeavours.

For the first art session at Slate Nest, I deliberately chose clay as my medium. It serves as a poetic canvas, embodying duality through its capacity for both construction and deconstruction. The very notion of impermanence that clay evokes holds a magnetic appeal, drawing us in to explore its tangible mass. There’s a timeless quality about this medium, reminiscent of the earth’s ancient essence, which infuses our creations with a sense of history and depth.

A significant source of inspiration for me is Bani Prosonno, an acclaimed artist residing in the picturesque hills of Shimla. At the remarkable age of 93, he recently shared insights derived from over half a century of thoughtful exploration of clay modelling. His words reflect the jubilant wonder that Primitive Man must have felt while engaging in the playful manipulation of clay. The innocence and delight embedded in those early interactions resonate profoundly within the primal sculptures he creates. He likens this experience to the sensation of a fistful of clay pressed firmly by strong, hairy fingers; such clay, hardened by the relentless sun, roaring forest fires, and the passage of time, embodies a rich resilience and strength. In the hands of Bani, this clay becomes animated, much like a small child clenching it tightly. As he gradually relaxes his grip, vivid worlds begin to materialize from this earthbound substance.

Through this art session, I found myself pondering the deeper questions surrounding identity and existence. We are all products of the Earth, destined to return to it one day. The misleading belief that we are defined by superficial labels strips away our shared humanity. At our core, we are all descendants of Neanderthals, which brings into question the significance of the cultures we cling to, especially the inferiority complex that often accompanies such discussions. We engage with culture out of necessity, creating a dialogue, but what lies beneath it all?

To echo the words of Antonin Artaud, author of “Theater and its Double”: “Before saying anything further about culture, I consider the world is hungry and does not care about culture; people artificially want to divert attention from hunger and focus it on culture.” Our conversations often revolve around our roots and collective aspirations, underscoring our historical significance, yet we seldom pause to explore our own feelings and intrinsic sensibilities. If we could cultivate a greater awareness of our bodies and strive to communicate with our ancestors free of distractions, we might uncover a genuine language that encapsulates the essence of existence—one that transcends mechanized information and the limitations of false identifications.