The potters community in Kumbharwada at Dharavi, Mumbai is a small but dedicated potters’ society with friendly and work oriented people. They spend their whole day molding and baking pots which are sold in order to earn a living. They still use the manual and tedious process of pottery (with wooden pottery wheels) and continue the traditional practice of pot making, which is commendable. This photo series contains six photographs which focus on the connection between the makers and the final products, that is, the relationship between the potters and the pots.
The relationship between the potter and his pots is similar to the one between a parent and their child. The potters portray the role of being the parents of their pots because they mold them again and again to shape them in the best way possible. They shape their form and give it a character just like parents do for each of their kids.
The potters like parents, constantly have to adjust their approach; adding and subtracting clay (qualities) from their dear pots with the help of their gentle but firm guiding hands, which are like pathways for children. This is encapsulated by the different gestures of the potter’s hands. Furthermore, they also represent the different ways in which parents raise their children. Some pots shine and some pots break in the process. Nonetheless, each pot proves to be the representation of the love, efforts and energy of their makers. As such, each pot proves to be a unique and entire individual. This is demonstrated by the contrast in the relative positions of the pots underscoring how different individuals can be shaped by the same maker and still be unique in their own sense.
On another note, the wrinkled hands of the potters highlights the hard work and time they put into their profession. The different gestures of the potter’s hands are like the different ways in which parents raise their children.
Moreover, this series adds to the aesthetic appeal of Kumbharwada and tries to capture the environment of the potter’s community. A lot of experimentation with light and composition is attempted to capture the early morning feel of the place.
Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Lens : Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Image format : JPEG L
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