A peek into Simonie Rego's studio, Centre Punch, in Arossim will reveal Frosty the Snowman's Indian equivalent – the clay man. But there's more as Simonie's Christmas collection has got quite a range that will put people in the festive mood.
"I tried something different this time," she says recollecting her maiden Christmas collection of last year. "The designs have changed," she points out. "Last year, I worked with two shapes. This time my collection has, both, carvings and cut work. It has more detail and variation."
INSPIRING TRAVEL
Her first Christmas terracotta collection, Simonie had got started three months prior to the season. But this time, the 26-year old clay artist barely had much time as she was on vacation in the United Kingdom.
However, that didn't dampen her spirit and she is definitely not complaining. In fact, it has only gone on to spur her to add creativity to what she is moulding.
She talks of how her recent travels inspired some of her latest designs. Apart from that, she also acquired some new tools to work with, which have added variety to her collection.
CLIENTELE FOR CLAY DECOR
Her Christmas terracotta collection includes varied Christmas trees, Christmas themed lamps, ornaments like stars etc. And, it’s all affordable, with prices ranging from ₹ 200 onwards.
The hardwork that goes into moulding these items is immense. Clients are generally locals and foreigners, says Simonie. She gets buyers for the products from the hospitality industry as well.
Owing to their fragile nature – since they are made of clay – does that limit the customers she gets? Is it more a customer base that doesn't have little children or pets around?
"Nothing like that!" she says emphatically. "Nothing, for that matter, is safe when you have children and pets around! Irrespective, you have to take care of your things."
She adds, "I have pets in my studio, but they don't spoil anything!" However, she agrees that clay decor is delicate and needs to be packed carefully.
PASSION FOR POTTERY
Simonie, who graduated from the Goa College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020, dabbled in various art forms from designing to working with art galleries and teaching art, but she found her calling in pottery.
She worked under her mentor and guide, Valentino Gasper, a ceramic and terracotta artist until he passed away two years ago.
"Pottery is my passion. I tried my hands at different things because I wanted to find myself. I wanted to know what I am good at and what makes me happy, so that I don't get bored with it. And, pottery clicked for me," she says.
For terracotta Christmas decorative items, Simonie Rego can be contacted at +91 78756 83200
You can check out her work at https://www.facebook.com/simonie.rego