Since 2012 Garima Negi, recently turned ‘Tomar’ has been molding clay professionally. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab Garima has her roots in Pauri Garhwal. From an army background, young Garima had the good fortune of travelling all over India.
A professional ceramic potter she completed her Bachelor and Masters in Fine Arts in 2012 from Shantiniketan, with specialization in Ceramic Pottery and Sculpture.
“As a young girl, I was interested in Arts and I am very fortunate that I found the right support at the right time. My father did all the home-work and running around regarding my admission in Shantiniketan, a place, I believe was my true calling and where I polished by skills as a potter.”
Fresh out of college, the talented young lady landed a resident- artist-cum-studio-manager of a Pottery Studio in Taj Vivanta, Coorg. A year later she moved out and worked on and off as a Pottery Instructor in various schools. Her Facebook page ‘Mridasheya’ which implies ‘essence of clay,’ showcases some of the work done by the talented young lady.
On whether she enjoys making figurines or pottery, she tells us. “I like figurative work,” Garima tells us, “it helps me to communicate better and express myself in my work. Making utility articles limit your creativity as you end up thinking of how you going to put it into use, but figurines let your imagination flow.”
In 2011 when her father mentioned Tilu Rauteli, the first woman warrior of Garhwal. Garima tried her hand at a different medium i.e. Bronze and moulded a figurine, that embodies the resilience of Garhwali women folk. The sculpture was first made in clay and later on, when her mentors saw it, they suggested bronze as the metal that would best compliment it.
Two months ago, Garima tied the knot and settled in Dehradun, she dint let her talent lie dormant. Garima has been doing a bit of pottery from home and the couple soon plans to start a home-studio too. Garima tells us, “I would enjoy teaching those who are interested and connect with like minded people as well.”
If pottery is your calling, and you are perseverant, hard working and a fearless innovator then it is probably time for you to find Mridasheya.
