Pot maker

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Monday, October 24, 2011 | flickr photos

Through my photos I would like to shed light on the plight of traditional pot makers. Once a staple in every kitchen now these mud pots have taken a backseat as new and more robust vessels of cooking have been introduced. These pot makers face lot of hurdles in producing their wares & transporting them to the final market where they do not even get a decent price to make both ends meet.

These pot makers are based in Nilambur, Kerala, India. I undertook this journey solely with the intention of spending a whole day among them to try to capture the essence of their hard work. It was indeed a day well spent. From the first step of mixing the clay in the right proportion, to spinning it on the spinning wheel, beating them into shape and finally into the heated oven. Just watching them go do their work with such dedication is a happiness in itself.

I believe I should win this opportunity because I am very passionate about photography especially travel, as you can see from my Flickr account. I would like to leave my footmarks in this field and there is no better start than under the famous National Geographic and Mr. Jason Edwards who would be the best mentor.