Searching for Art in Navadwip

After over a week of being inside most of the time, yesterday we finally  managed to step outside for some learning. 

Since the following day was S's birthday and I needed to do a bit of shopping we set out for Navadwip.  

I was really eager to find something relating to Indian art along our travels for R's 'Places I've Lived' book.

We were fortunate enough to find and experience mehndi art and pottery.

At the Mahendhi salon we first watched how he prepared the paste.  It's basically crushed henna leaves and water.

The children were fascinated.

He placed the paste insde these plastic piping bags ...

and off he went.

R and I took a quick look at his design's portfolio while he was busy with S.

                                               

He worked so quickly and with such detail.  

R's turn.

We were told to leave the paste on our hands until it dried and then after about an hour to rub it off.

Next stop, the pottery shop.

This is the kiln where they fire the pots.  We found two little puppies living in there while it wasn't being used.

The potter adding handles to the jugs.

A potter using simple tools to shape this pot by banging and hitting.

The clay.  The clay comes from the Ganga Mayi  (Ganges River) 

Now the fun part, the wheel!

First kneed the clay to remove any air bubbles.

The children thought this was amazing.  One after another the potter created a new piece.  In a matter of only a few minutes he had made seven different pieces, all different.

R said it was magic!