ART OF THE SLOW

Ahead of Aman Poddar's solo exhibition, a showcase of handcrafted jewellery and watercolour paintings, a conversation with the artist on why slowness is integral to his creative process

- ADITHI REENA AJITH

IN a world that moves at breakneck speed, Aman Poddar's art serves as a quiet rebellion against the rush. His intricate hand-engraved jewellery and meditative watercolours are outcomes of patience and perseverance. His upcoming exhibition, 'Dve', his first in Delhi, celebrates the beauty of imperfection, craftsmanship, and the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity—the common thread that runs through both his art forms.

While growing up in Bengaluru, Aman was introduced to the world of art from an early age. His father, Abhishek Poddar, the well-known art collector and founder of the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), ensured that he grew up surrounded by artists, designers, and creators. This subconsciously shaped his creative interests, but his path was independently chosen, he clarifies.

Major influences Aman's initiation into jewellery making began with an internship at Jaipur's Tholia's Kuber, a jewellery brand whose pedigree goes back to the early 1900s, followed by a three-month practical course in bench jewellery at the New Approach School for Jewellers in Tennessee, USA. It was during this course that he encountered engraving, an art form that instantly captivated him. "I have always enjoyed intricate work, and engraving is inherently detailed. Within the first hour of that class, I knew this was what I wanted to pursue," he says.

Mumbai-based jeweller Viren Bhagat and Italian jeweller Giovanni Corvaja have been major influences. At a time when he was uncertain about his career path, both artists' work left a lasting impression on him and solidified his decision to pursue jewellery design.