Priya Yadav sculpts ceramic, clay and stoneware jewellery and embellishes her clay elements with vintage coins and gungaroos. An alumunus of College of Art, New Delhi, Priya designs Boho-chic statement pieces and everyday wear jewellery. Lets find out more about her design venture. Read on…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
We are a ceramic jewellery brand. We keep experimenting with clay to make new designs and patterns. ceramic is considered to be heavy but we try to make it as light as possible so that people can wear it for hours without getting hurt.
How did you begin Chaakmaati and how has it evolved over the years?
I started my journey as a potter 6 years ago. With pottery I also used to make little bit of jewellery every time. Gradually, I enjoyed making jewellery more and people loved the designs. So I decided to join both of my passions, one for jewellery and another for clay and that gave birth to my brand ‘Chaakmaati’.
It was launched last year in September and since then I have been exploring cities and showcasing my work every where I go.
Why is making so important to you?
Making something out of clay is magical. It gives me a certain satisfaction and joy. Gives me freedom to do experiments. Making something yourself is a blessing for me.
Your work space.
I have my studio in my home itself. Its a big old house in Old Delhi. My studio is on terrace, so that I can work at any hour possible and I have even worked for 26-28 hours also without any break. Its an open space with greenery around and peaceful and this helps me in working for hours and the small team I am building.
Describe your artistic process.
First the clay is kneaded properly to make ready for use. Then I flatten it with the use of a roller. Then its cut down in shapes as I have sketched and engraved blocks or make designs myself on leather hard surface of clay with the help of tools. Then clean them with sponge to remove sharp edges.
Then its left to get dried up. Once the all of them are made and dried.
Then the glazes are applied on all of them with the help of brushes.
After the glaze has been applied, they are kept in a kiln for firing. I basically fire for 1260 degree celsius (high fire) to make pieces more strong. And few pieces are fired in a wood kiln for different results.
Then once they are out of the kiln the attachment process starts. To fix the loops, coins and ghungroos. And threads in neckpieces. Then the piece is ready.
What is currently on your work table?
Preparations for events in different cities. As we do not have a website yet, we sell through events in different cities.
What is your personal favorite pick from your Chaakmaati right now? And why?
This is a difficult question to answer. To be very honest I love everything I create because every single pieces goes through my hand and major work is done by me, so its just not a jewellery piece, I basically give a part of myself with every piece.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
Ceramic earrings, ceramic neckpieces and ceramic buttons.
Any design story you would like to share.
I have always been a jewellery person, more than clothes or food I always shop for jewellery the most. So now whatever designs I make they just get inspired from my inner craving for jewellery. So I just sit in my studio and the ideas keep rushing in my head that what I would like to see, make and wear next. I like to experiment with textures, shapes and the latest collection has block designs engraved and checkered pieces also. I use blocks to make designs and patterns. And try to make jewellery of every size and shape so that everyone get something according to their preference, that is very important.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand From The Heart Makers Market 24th Edition
Friday – Saturday
24th – 25th August, 2018
10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, (old Adyar Gate Hotel)
132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, India.
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