Abstract
Project Synopsis:
The long tradition of terracotta sculpture making survives in the state of West Bengal today, but due to several factors, it is at risk of being lost. I wish to research and document the disappearing processes and traditions being employed by terracotta artisan communities in the state and surrounding region. I believe that I will offer a parallel appreciation and intimate technical understanding of this material as a sculptor who has studied and applied terracotta within my own work. Secondly, as an academic, I have demonstrated a continuum of interest in studying and applying elements of traditional Indian figurative sculpture to my personal works in clay. Thirdly, I have established examples of service through my creation of traditionally styled sculptures commissioned by a local Bengali community. My unique experiences and service to the community, as both artist and researcher, give me motivation to document the processes of this disappearing tradition in West Bengal. My ultimate goal is to publish a full color, illustrated book following presentations and articles at the conclusion of my research.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Ceramic Arts
Recommended Citation
Laura Gascogne, Fulbright Proposal Bibliography "Sustainability of Traditional Terracotta Artisan Communities in West Bengal” Laura H. Gascogne Bhowmick, Soumya. Bankura’s Terracotta: Can Timely measures Facilitate Socio- Economic Revival of Potters’ Community? Mumbai: Firstpost Publications. July 23, 2019. Brown, Rebecca M and Deborah S. Hutton, editors. A Companion to Asian Art and Architecture. West Sussex: Blackwell Publishing. 2011. Dutta, Anwita, The Cultural Significance of Early Historic Terracotta Art of West Bengal: An Ethnoarchaeological Approach. Research Guide, Dr. Arati Deshpande-Mukherjee, Prof. V. S. Shinde. Pune: Department of Archaeology Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute (Declared as Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act 1956) Pune – 411006. May 2013. (A thesis submitted to Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology). Gangopadhyay, Dr. Ashimananda. "Panchmura–The Terracotta Hub of Bengal: A Contemporary Socio-Economic Study of Handicraft Workers Engaged In Terracotta Craft". International Journal of Humanities & Social Science Studies (IJHSSS) Volume-V, Issue-III, Page No. 42-64 . Karimganj: Scholar Publications. May 2019. Gascogne, Laura H. “Hollow Figure Construction: Laura-Harris Gascogne Describes Her Process.” Ceramics Technical Magazine. Vol. 29. Pgs. 70-73. Sheridan: Ceramic Arts, 2009. Gascogne, Laura H. “A First on Cultural Bridging.” Neue Keramik Magazin. Pgs. 66-67. Höhr- Grenzhausen: Verlag Neue Keramik. September/October 2013. Gascogne, Laura H. “The Durga Project.” Neue Keramik Magazin. Pgs. 62-63. Höhr- Grenzhausen: Verlag Neue Keramik. January/February 2014. Huyler, Stephen. Gifts of Earth : Terracottas & Clay Sculptures of India. Middletown: Grantha Corp. 1996. Mandal, Sujay Kumar, Tanaya Mukherjee and Bidhan Mondal. Traditional Terracotta Temple Architecture of the Temple Town Bishnupur:A Study on Structure, Style, Themes and Motifs of Ornamentation. University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, Nadia, West Bengal: International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science Vol. 4 No. 1. January, 2016. Bibliography Gascogne, 2 Satpathi, Dr. Milan Kanti. Terracotta Craft of Panchmura: Problems and Possibilities. Chitrolekha International Magazine on Art and Design, Murshidabad, West Bengal: Aesthetic Media Services, Vol. 1, No. 2, August, 2011. Wong, Edward. Ancient Porcelain Arts Thrive Again in a Chinese River Town. The New York Times. Sec. A, Pg. 8. Jan. 31, 2017. Zhan, Xiaofang and Stuart Walker. Value Direction: Moving Crafts toward Sustainability in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Sustainability Journal. Lancaster: Imagination Lancaster Design Research Centre, Lancaster University, April 2018.
Comments
Sabbatical Proposal was for FY 2021, but due to COVID, was delayed until FEB. 2022
Title: "Sustainability of Traditional Terracotta Artisan Communities in West Bengal”
Following my Sabbatical cum Fulbright, I created an exhibition at Johnson County Community College, and gave multiple presentations. Secondly, I applied for a College Scholar Award, which I received and completed all of the requirements (presentations).