JOIN USBangalore is booming with various unique start-ups that are churning out ample opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Neha Gopinath Pillai started ‘Painting Earth’, which has a vibrant collection of terracotta items and elaborate wall paintings, in 2012.“‘Painted Earth’ is all about breathing life into terracotta, from home décor items to jewellery, Ganesha idols and wall hangings. We have a unique collection of articles that add vibrancy to a living space and persona,” says Neha.
Basic sculpting and creating little things had always been a part of Neha’s life. It was just about taking it to the next level. She attended a two day workshop on terracotta jewellery and learnt under the guidance of M K Ramanuja. “I love painting and it brings the truest joy to me. Like many others, I did try my hands at a regular day job as an IT recruitment consultant, but soon realised that I had to come back to my true calling. Terracotta as a material fascinates me in terms of the immense creative freedom that it allows. It has become my favourite material of choice.” She also likes it because it is an eco-friendly material.
Predominantly using clay as a medium, ‘Painted Earth’ creates one-of-a-kind terracotta jewellery, refrigerator magnets, key chains, wall art including canvas paintings, recycled bottle art and bottle lamps. Neha’s dream is to make ‘Painted Earth’ synonymous with ‘creativity unbound’.
“With ‘Painted Earth’ being just two years old, there is a lot that needs to be learnt. I am thankful for the way things have turned out. I have been lucky - I got to choose what I love doing,” says Neha gratefully.
While about 80 per cent of her work revolves around doing wholesale to a few locations in USA and the Middle East, she also has signed deals with a few retail outlets in Bangalore.
She also exhibited her canvas paintings at this year’s Sunday Soul Sante. “Soon we will sell our products on multiple e-commerce sites including my own website. We have already tied-up with a few stores in Bangalore that display my work and have also participated in exhibitions.”
One of Neha’s works has been displayed at an exhibition by Pineroots Art Gallery and was a combination of contemporary, Indian folk and abstract work done on canvas with acrylic paints. Most of her works have no particular theme. She says it depends on her mood and personal interpretations.
One can get in touch with ‘Painted Earth’ through its Facebook page. Terracotta jewellery sets prices vary from Rs 250 to Rs 1, 200 and wall painting rates vary according to the size of the paintings.