The wonderful world of terra-cotta

Tayabuzzaman Khan Topu said, "Most of my work is in terra-cotta, which is clay taken from the river. I have used only one colour that is khoiry. This burnt sienna colour was used by ancient potters too. I have used numerous curls, lines and dots in that hue. My items on display are elements of everyday use such as fruit bowls, lamps, spoon-holders and candle stands. When I have gone into sculpture I have used semi-abstract shapes of human figures. I have maintained a height of 18 inches of centre and side tables so that glass tops could be placed on them."

Talking about the difficulties that he faces in his work, Topu said, "It is not easy to obtain the clay, tools and the oven for firing. Our furnace for firing uses gas but to get the line is difficult. The authorities want to label this as a 'commercial' line but it is difficult for us to maintain a 'commercial' line. It becomes too expensive for a single artist. If we could get a 'studio' gas line it would have been easier for us. From the beginning of my career I have found that galleries are not eager to exhibit terra-cotta work and they don't look on pottery as artwork. Thus it is difficult for us to find patrons. In the sculpture exhibition with RA Kajol in 'Boichoitri' at the British Council we had been lucky enough to get adequate backing. I myself enjoy doing sculpture in terra-cotta rather than designing handicrafts.

Topu, who has his Bachelor of Arts from Dhaka University, has studied figure drawing, paper making, art and ceramic from the University of Sussex, UK. He has his own studio and is running a training centre called 'Shilpacharcho' where people come to be trained. He sometimes runs workshops at the centre and expatriates come here too.

Mazharul Haque (Iqbal) studied in Japan from 1988-1993 under Professor Koichi Takita. As he says, "Here in Bangladesh people do not use porcelain as often as they use burnt clay. In my vases, dishes, penholder, table-lamp, clock, ashtrays and other items, I've carved in images from rural Bangladesh such as the bullock cart driver, peasant worker and fisherman. The boats, rivers, trees and skies have been brought in too. I've done ceramics sculpture too in which I've taken images from the villages once more.

"I was initially inspired by the potters in my home at Kishoreganj. I have concentrated on ceramic sculpture, which is different from other forms of sculpture. Once you've carved your statue you have to scoop out the insides or the sculpture will crack.

I must admit that the items of everyday use are more easily sold than the sculpture pieces."

Shahidul Hasan, who has a Master's in Fine Arts in ceramics from the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, had many jewellery items, in which he had followed geometrical designs and contemporary shapes.

Traditional art has been presented as a unique element in home décor.