With an enriching experience of 17-18 years in glass blowing, Mukherjee waxes eloquent on her passion for this art form. “To me glass blowing is spontaneous creativity. The inherent natural beauty and expressiveness of the material is in itself a source of inspiration. When I start, I can control the line and colour of any given piece, but ultimately the resulting form is collaboration between my blowing skills and the forces of nature. I am always excited to see results as they happen…”

Dedicated to her art, she works tirelessly hours at an end at her workshop Aakriti, established in 1988. Prior to this she graduated in ceramics from the National Institute of Design and apprenticed with Anthony Stern in London to hone her designer skills.

She admits, “Though various influences have played their part, my work is not derived from any particular personal political or economic narrative. It is primarily based on form, colour and interplay with the immediate environment, and should be viewed for the ability to enhance the space it exists in”. With a twinkle in her eye, she reveals, “I want to try out glass blowing and casting together as well as separately in future”.

Mukherjee is aware that she is probably the ‘first’ artist to pursue this unique form of artistic expression in India. “In the West, glass blowing is well-received because of the demand and supply there. In our country, we have to create an interest among people by opening schools and introducing courses on the subject”.

Till this happens, the solitary love affair between the artist and her chosen medium continues.

Satarupa Ray

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