Lord Ganesha takes new avatar

Lladró, a Spanish company known for producing ceramic figurines has recently crafted Lord Ganesha sculpture for the first time in India. The limited-edition collection came to life at a live painting event demonstrated by Spanish artist, Rosa Belenguer at Taj Krishna. Speaking with The Hans India, Rosa Belenguer shared about her latest collection on Indian symbolism.

Excerpts:
Why did you choose to become a porcelain artist?
Since my childhood I was interested in creating porcelain figurines. My family was not formally involved in art. I feel that the art gives you a different perspective. No one has inspired me so far but it’s my ability to express myself through my art that inspires me.

You hail from Spain, so how did you manage to create Indian symbolism in porcelain?
In Spanish, there is a documentation department where they put all the documents related to symbolism. For me, as an artist to work with Indian symbolism, it was very exciting and interesting because the presentation is rich in terms of ornamentation, the colours that they use that are very bright so all this thing makes me very exciting which gives me satisfaction and inspiration.

Explain about your latest collection in Lladró porcelain figurines?
Right now, we are working on Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. Since last year, we are working on a piece and it is huge in size. The project is more symbolic and is called ‘Carnival of Veins’.

What is your favourite of yourself?
I have been working in this field for 27 years, so it’s difficult for me to mention my favourite work. I like the works, which are related to Indian culture. I am deeply connected to the Lord Ganesha’s idols. When you work with porcelain, it highlights lots of value, patience and humanity. It also teaches you a lot of values besides as an artist.

Explain the process of porcelain Ganesha?
In this field, perfection can only be achieved through experience, which provides an artist with the confidence to know how to mix glazes and colours, and how to apply them with the necessary precision. The Lord Ganesh piece is made with double firing technique. So, when you fire it up for the second time then actual colours come out of whole plaster.

What’s your opinion on Indian symbolism?
When we talk about the symbolism, it goes along with the Indian culture. Lladró is very much attracted to the Indian culture. It is also attracted to its decorative element as well as the symbolism.

By Heena Mishra