Bokaro (Khaber Aajtak) : In a bid to introduce students to the timeless art of clay sculpting, a captivating Terracotta workshop was organised in DPS Bokaro on Saturday. State Awardee Baren Kumbhakar, renowned clay artist from Panchmura (W.B.) was the Guest Faculty for the workshop. The event, meticulously organized, aimed to kindle the flames of creativity among students, offering them a hands-on experience that transcended the confines of traditional learning.
The workshop sparked an infectious enthusiasm, fostering a profound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and its diverse applications. As the skilled hands of Baren Kumbhakar guided them, students embarked on a journey through the annals of India’s Terracotta pottery, delving into its historical significance and cultural nuances. He acquainted the students with the intricacies of terracotta art. He explained that sculpting terracotta requires a combination of mixed, salt-free and high-temperature-resistant clay.
He also demonstrated various artworks including sculptures of Lord Ganesha, elephants, conch shells, horses etc., providing practical training to the children. Spinning the PotterтАЩs Wheel, molding clay and preparing terracotta artwork from clay proved to be a memorable experience for the children. Students showcased their talent by shaping their hidden artistic expressions into clay models. The Guest Artist appreciated the efforts of the school in the direction of students’ artistic development and stated that there are promising career opportunities in the field of art as well.
Prior to this, students were updated about the history, expansion, regional specialties and usage of terracotta art from ancient time to present through a PowerPoint Presentation.
Dr. A. S. Gangwar, Principal, DPS Bokaro shared that the workshop served as a beacon of experiential learning, transcending the boundaries of conventional learning. He emphasised that children need to be vigilant about their culture, traditions and folk arts and lauded the integration of this creative pursuit with hands-on learning experiences to help children connect with their roots and groom them holistically.
