Varied subjects inspire Asmita Potdar to embroider contemporary patterns Her eyes are fixed on the wooden frame that holds a piece of cloth and she carefully uses a needle and thread to etch a delicate vein of a leaf. From a distance,the woods that Asmita Potdar is painstakingly embroidering,appear to be a beautiful painting,with shades that resemble a watercolour. While the intricacy of her work amazed those in attendance at the National Crafts Mela at Kalagram,Potdar just smiled. The National Awardee craftsperson of traditional and heritage crafts is accustomed to such attention. The graduate in fine arts has been practicing embroidery for 25 years now. She learnt the art from her mother at the age of 12. I have a unit in Kolhapur and my work is popular inIndia and abroad, says Potdar,whose motifs are based on various subjects,from portraits to landscapes,monuments and everyday life. She constantly takes inspiration from her surroundings. At the mela we spot her as she quickly sketches a group of dancers for a piece she wants to embroider. There is no restriction when it comes to the fabric either. Working on silk and cotton,Potdar uses various stitches,including running,long,short and French knots,using chiffon and cotton threads. Sometimes I also use silver thread and hair for my pieces. I sell more in bigger cities and also do commissioned work, says Potdar,showing us some of her favourite works,like the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa,and also her work on the beauties of nature. Each work,priced between Rs 20,000 to five lakh,takes three months to a year to complete,and requires both creativity and focus. But I dont feel any strain as I practice yoga, adds Potdar,who now intends to embroider the Golden Temple. It will be my offering to this wonderful state of Punjab, says the artist,pointing out,If one posesses an eye for the art,the art speaks through any medium. Her work speaks for her a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is embroidered with gray human hair.
