Samvāda in Clay marked the beginning of Artcore’s first Indo-British ceramics residency, a project rooted in our deep connection with clay as a medium for artistic expression and community engagement. The term Samvāda, a Sanskrit word for dialogue or conversation, embodied the spirit of this four-week residency, where two artists, Vinod Daroz (India) and Abbie Sunter (UK), came together to share their experiences, works, and thoughts.
Throughout the residency, Samvāda in Clay unfolded through a rhythm of independent making, quiet observation, and meaningful conversations. Vinod introduced a new body of work, ‘In the Presence of Sacred’, inspired by temple architecture and reflecting on the sacred forms of the mandala and the garbhagriha, the womb-like inner sanctum of the temple. Crafted with clay and precious metals, these sculptures resonated with the rhythms of life, explored the balance of masculine and feminine elements, and evoked a sense of timelessness. These works were not loud but instead poised and introspective.
While Vinod developed his pieces at the University of Derby’s ceramics studio, Abbie worked in her studio at Banks Mill, reflected on Artcore’s 30th anniversary and her ongoing interest in folklore, particularly in relation to memory and place. Abbie’s new body of work, ‘The Warren’, featured the hare, a recurring symbol in her art, as a gentle emblem of community and resilience.
The artists also extended this residency beyond the studio, inviting the community to engage through a clay workshop at Derby Market Hall.
This exhibition presented a conversation in clay, a journey through the artists’ distinct processes, culminating in a presentation of their new works alongside creations made by community members.
