All fired up

Aditi Saraogi turned to clay when a conventional career in communication failed to be as creatively fulfilling as she had imagined

Introduce us to your creative process.

AS: I start with the idea – the ideating can take anywhere from one to several of days. At times it requires research – on the subject as well as other people’s works on similar concepts. Often, you have a great idea only to realize that something similar has been done before! I draw the form on paper for clarity, and then make a small version of the form before finally beginning the actual work. One is constantly changing and innovating. Before doing the miniature work, sometimes color tests in clay or glazes are required or different effects need to be tried out.

Do you enjoy participating in art residencies? What are your takeaways?

AS: I always look forward to art residencies because I get to interact and work with different artists, which is culturally and mentally very stimulating. One gets to work outside the comfort zone of your own studio, forcing you to think differently.

How did your style develop?

AS: My style started while working as artist-in-residence with Isabelle Roux in Beaucens, France, but it’s a mix of all that I have learnt over the years. For example, I learnt how to stretch the clay from Rakhee in Auroville; from Isabelle, I learned how to build large forms with minimal tools and to be less exacting and freer flowing. At the Yueji Kiln International Ceramic Art Centre in Dehua, China, I learnt to work with porcelain. Ange taught me things about firing. So it is a constant process where I am still learning and adapting.

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