#InConversation with Namrata Lodaya

The artworks showcased on Terrain.art’s platform belong to an older series which was exhibited in January 2019 at Samara Gallery in Ahmedabad. This exhibition held a special significance for me as it became a means of liberating myself from a long struggle with depression from 2017 to 2019, a challenging period triggered by my husband's diagnosis of brain cancer. During that difficult time, I found solace in writing down my innermost thoughts, things I couldn't share with others, only to erase them afterward. This process led to the creation of a unique material using eraser dust. At first, I believed I could completely erase my painful past, but I now understand that this was a misconception. The exhibition itself became a turning point, teaching me that erasing the past entirely is not possible. Instead, I learned the power of “deforming” my experiences and creating new perspectives. While we cannot entirely erase the impact of our past, we can choose not to let it control us. The process of creating my artworks allowed me to channel my emotions and thoughts into artistic expression. Our past shapes us, but it doesn't define our future entirely. 

I aim to create artworks that invite the viewer to be fully present and actively participate in the experience rather than just passively viewing it. When I create artworks using eraser dust, I want the viewers to question and interpret the meaning of the material for themselves. The artwork does not provide direct answers but encourages them to find their own connections and interpretations.

During my college days, I excelled at realistic drawings, but I never felt a deep personal connection to that style. While I appreciated the skill and patience required, it didn't satisfy my creative longing. Over time, I discovered my true artistic calling and found a strong connection to Minimalism. 

Initially, my art was a catharsis, a means of liberating myself and letting go of the past's pain and restrictions. However, as I progressed, I realized that my focus shifted towards the courage to embrace the journey of ongoing growth and development. I became determined not to let the past's negative conditions resurface or influence me again. Now, my approach to art is about challenging my thoughts, shaking them up, and transforming them into something new and empowering. It's no longer just about catharsis but about continuous transformation. I actively seek to confront my thoughts and create something fresh and meaningful from them, always evolving and pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. 

 A lot of my work now deals with the concept of “Volume Zero.” Let me go back a bit in time to explain this. I completed my applied arts degree at Sophia Polytechnic Mumbai in 2007. After getting married in 2010, I enrolled in architecture in 2011 with the intention of pursuing art conservation in Italy. However, due to family reasons, I couldn't complete the architecture program. Nonetheless, the one year I spent studying architecture was a valuable learning experience. I extensively used the library and realized the connections between art conservation, architecture, and the artistic practices like painting and installations that I had been engaged in earlier.

During my exploration in architecture, I came across the concept of "Volume Zero," which was mentioned by Charles Correa. At first, I couldn't fully grasp its meaning, but I delved into research and tried to understand it from my perspective. To me, "Volume Zero" represents that moment between the end of one thing and the beginning of another. It's a state where the past does not influence and the future is not a concern; it's purely about living in the present moment. It is similar to the nanosecond between inhaling and exhaling, that brief pause of stillness and presence. 

I began this journey by using eraser dust as a medium to bring my ideas to life. However, as I ventured into larger artworks, I turned to clay as my primary material. This transition allowed me to explore and understand the unique properties of clay better. Working with this material involves a series of processes, including shaping, baking, and firing, which contribute to unexpected color variations and textures beyond just the clay itself. The unpredictability of the results fascinated me, as the colors and textures were not always as anticipated. I created a series titled "Anti Adulteration," using clay.  

The "Anti Adulteration" series was conceived as a reflection of the prevalent issues in our lives, such as the contamination of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we consume. It symbolizes how these adulterations unknowingly affect our bodies and minds, leaving us unable to completely escape their influence. The series serves as a metaphor for the uncontrollable and pervasive nature of these problems, emphasizing the need to resist being overwhelmed and influenced entirely. Through the artwork, I aimed to convey the idea of acknowledging and accepting the limitations we face, but also breaking free from the restricting beliefs that hold us back. 

Recently, my life took an unexpected turn when my husband's cancer recurred three months ago. It was a challenging time, and I found myself questioning why such events reoccur. Reflecting on our past five years of trying to maintain his health, I realized that we had never truly let go of the fear of the cancer coming back. This realization made me reevaluate my mindset and how I approached this situation. 

During that time, I noticed that my positive mindset and outlook were not only helping me but also those around me who were struggling with similar challenges. Realizing the potential impact I could have on others, I decided to explore ways to help people on a broader scale. I delved into online courses on life coaching, combining my artistic skills with the newfound knowledge to guide others in overcoming their difficulties and finding solutions.