Krishnagar clay

From practically the first moment since I stepped off the plane in Kolkata in late August, people have been telling me to visit the town of Krishnagar. Last week I had the opportunity to visit there with a group of artist friends. Krishnagar is famous for the production of highly realistic sculpture, from larger than life to extremely miniature sculptures.

We visited with local sculptor Subir Pal, who has both a shop on the main road for his finished works, as well as a workshop that is just a short walk down a small alleyway near the shop.

DSC_0095Subir Pal’s showroom with cabinet of narrative clay works

DSC_0038His workshop

DSC_0045Workers and apprentices busy with their various tasks.

DSC_0046Subir Pal with work in process

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Subir Pal also works in fiberglass (as well as stone, plaster, bronze, and cement).  Check out this cow – sculptural trompe l’oeil – in the photo above.  Photo below, another cow sculpture is stored in the workshop loft.

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In the alleyway between workshop and showroom, we encountered the raw, unprepared Krishnagar clay, loaded up onto a bicycle  cart

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According to Subir Pal, this clay is so dense that it is as hard as stone without being fired!  I remain skeptical, but hopeful, since he generously gave me a big chunk of the clay to try it out!

DSC_0079These minatures are really amazing!

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Below, Subir Pal’s “artist’s reserve” of minature sculptures.  Wow.

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Comments (7)

  • Bayje

    November 27, 2014 at 5:09 am

    Hi,
    I think of you often, sounds like all is going well. I finally will be home in SC tomorrow . It feels like a long time I have been gone. Bayje

    1. Cynthia

      November 27, 2014 at 6:11 am

      Think of you often as well, Bayje! Say hello to Santa Cruz for me. Remember that if the travel bug bites again, you’re most welcome to visit me in Kolkata!

  • Shruti Das

    November 28, 2014 at 1:48 am

    Hi Cynthia
    I felt very nice to see you back in India and doing fulltime research on the traditional pottery style of Bengal. Great do update us through writing these interesting blogs about your new discoveries and work
    Regards

    1. Cynthia

      November 28, 2014 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks so much Shruti – I’m glad to hear from you. Maybe our paths will cross in either Delhi or Kolkata? Hope so!

  • Shruti Das

    November 28, 2014 at 1:49 am

    Very nice work.

  • Wendy king

    December 1, 2014 at 12:56 am

    Namaskar Cynthia, looks like you’re thoroughly enjoying yourself there. Looking forward to hearing your stories in person after you get back to SC. Meanwhile I’ve been ‘playing’ with some miniatures myself… And appreciating your suggestions! Enjoy!

    1. Cynthia

      December 1, 2014 at 4:53 am

      Namaskar, Wendy, and thanks! I’ll look forward to seeing what you’ve been working on when I arrive home in the spring.

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