Gone are the days when all clay was used for was to make pots and tableware. This is the era of making clay jewellery and trinkets. A generation that wears their past on their sleeves from crochet to Y2K fashion, it’s no wonder that they have brought clay art back in the most Gen Z way possible. From trinkets to pet tags to fridge magnets to bookmarks you name it and there’s something Kawaii made out of clay waiting to be adopted by you. We bring to you a curated list of some of the talented clay artists on Instagram to help you add an extra dose of Kawaii to your living space! 

Lil flap Rhea (@lil.flap_)

Want to recreate your favourite anime characters? Or is an incense holder what you need? Lil flap Rhea has got you covered. Their clay work ranges from practical to pure cuteness. From cute clay trinkets and charms to clay jewellery like earrings and necklaces, everything is made with a lot of dedication and love! Plus they take custom orders too!

Wallfleur (@wallfleurthings)

Want to make something unique for your pet? Or looking for some unique fridge magnets or bookmarks? How about clay pet tags, fridge magnets and bookmarks? Wallfleur’s work in this department is a masterpiece. Done with perfection with a beautiful shine on all of them they are a perfect addition to your everyday aesthetic. And yes, they do take custom orders as well!

LittleMudDoor (@littlemuddoor)

Owning a 5-star rated Etsy gift shop, and claiming that they can re-create almost anything you send them a picture of, LittleMudDoor will act like your fairy godmother when you’re in a pickle and are unable to decide what to gift. But among all their re-creations it’s their clay work that stands out the most. Done with absolute perfection mixed with a whole lot of cuteness, their work will leave you in awe!

Lilac Boat (@lilacboatshop)

Spreading smiles around the world with one cute clay trinket at a time, Lilac Boat is your go-to page for days when you feel too sad to think that Ghibli characters are not present in real life. Their creations are bound to make your inner Ghibli-loving child dance with joy! From charms to desk pals to keychains let your inner Ghibli child out!

Moon Klin (@moonkiln)

Want a custom clay sculpture of your beloved pet? Then Moon Klin is your go-to place. Apart from having an adorable range of desk pals and clay jewellery pieces, their works are pieces of art that will elevate any home with warmth and love. Their aesthetic page is bound to brighten even the darkest of days.

Clay art by Subhi (@myclaystories_)

Sharing her clay journey with the world, Subhi’s page screams Kawaii! Watch as her big and bright-eyed clay sculptures capture you in a trance making you want to adopt all of them right then and there. With expert craftsmanship and shiny finish one look and you will know that these creations are made with love.

Soulful Clay (@soulful_clay777)

Looking for some clay crockery items to add a rustic charm to your living space? Then look no further than Soulful Clay! From beautiful clay tableware to vases and incense holders each of their pieces is unique and is a testament to the expert craftsmanship of the creator. Detailed and vibrant they are bound to add a zest of life to your home. 

Do check out these pages for all your clay art needs!

Remember the time when anything knitted or crocheted was considered grandma-like? Well, guess what cottagecore has become an entire aesthetic on Pinterest! And the rage around crocheting is just growing each day. From cute amigurumi to crochet flowers to totes to tops, there’s nothing that the crochet world has not made 100 times more cuter and sustainable than it already was! We bring to you a curated list of crochet artists from Instagram to take care of all your crochet needs and add a speck of Kawaii to your life!

Abstrart Canvas (@abstrart.canvas)

Looking for some cute amigurumi? Or is a crochet bag what you have in mind? Abstrart Canvas has got you covered. From cute and cuddly amigurumi to chic and minimalist tote bags to cute bookmarks made with absolute perfection, their collection is bound to leave you in awe for more. Plus they accept custom orders too!

Yaapi Crochet (@yaapi._.crochet) 

Looking for some warm leg warmers? Or how about a beanie? From small crochet keychains to a full-sized adult sweater, Yaapi Crochet is your go-to for any crochet-related clothing accessories and tote bags. Their work is bound to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy and a whole lot of Kawaii inside! And yes, they do take custom orders. 

The Loop (@crochet_theloop_21)  

From cosy sweaters to trend-setting crocheted tops to beautiful crochet bandanas to chic tote bags, The Loop has it all. Making crochet a part of your everyday life with their work, The Loop is bound to make cottagecore your new aesthetic. Done with precision and a lot of cuteness their work is the very definition of sunshine!

Created With Love (@createdwithloveeee)

Tired of gifting flowers that die and fail to stand the test of time, unlike your love? How about crochet flowers? Not only are they sustainable and eternal but add a hint of warmth to themselves. Specialising in crochet flowers among others, Created With Love is bound to be your one-stop shop for all crochet gifts! Their flower works are on their way to changing the real rose as the symbol of love to the crochet version. With expert craftsmanship and dedicated workers, there’s no reason why the customers are anything but satisfied. 

With Love By Cleo (@withlovebycleo)

From tiny amigurumi to unique tote bags to beautiful flowers to hand warmers, With Love By Cleo has got you covered. Their bright and vibrant page is bound to make you splurge on these Kawaii goods. Their huge collection is a testament to the versatility that they possess towards their craft.

Crochet Boutique Co. (@_crochetboutiqueco._)

Specialising in amigurumi and keychains, their works are on their way to becoming the next best cuddly companion. Cute and cuddly their amigurumi collection is every child’s dream come true. If Friends was shot in today’s day and age, we are sure one of these cute amigurumi must have taken the place of Joey’s beloved penguin Hugsy. And you guessed it right, they take custom orders as well!

Hues of Valley (@hues_ofvalley)

Believing in slow fashion and prioritising sustainability, Hues of Valley takes custom orders and ensures each piece of their creation gets their undivided attention. Specialising in crochet clothes and hair accessories, they have something for every aesthetic from spring fun to chich goth.

Bit of Everything (@b.o.e_bitofeverything)

Just as the name suggests they dabble in a bit of everything. From amigurumi to flower bouquets to tiny keychains to coasters, their collection touches upon it all, adding an extra dose of Kawaii to your everyday life. The best part they do take in custom orders as well!

Do check out these pages for all your crochet needs!

Lippan art refers to the traditional craft of Kutch, Gujarat. It primarily uses mud or clay and mirror. The work not only adds beauty to the entire house but also keeps the house cool because of the cooling effects of the mud and the heat-reflecting property of the mirrors. Although mainly done by women of the Rabari community, recently it’s gaining much popularity among the masses. This surge in popularity could be attributed to the calmness the craft provides to the crafter in this stressful life. For those who are curious about this beautiful craft and for those who are already aware and are seeking more inspiration regarding this craft, we present to you our list of Lippan artists on Instagram that you need to check out right now.

Raj

Focusing on traditional Lippan art, Raj’s work mostly contains traditional Indian motifs like peacocks, flowers, etc. The use of suitable colour contrasts is what makes his page stand out from the crowd. Carefully crafted and beautifully designed, his work is sure to soothe any restless mind out there. Plus he offers workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts as well! 

RI•RAYS : Handmade Art by Riddhi & Ritu

If you are a fan of intricate designs that carry an air of subtlety then you should definitely check out this page. With over 237 posts of beautiful intricate Lippan art, this page will surely kick you out of your creative slump. The attention to detail in their work is truly admirable. From intertwining lotus vines to decorated elephants they have got it all. Plus they too offer workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts!

Payal Bansal

“Embracing the traditional claywork”, Payal’s work truly highlights the essence of Lippan art. Taking on big projects, Payal ensures to give her 100% to all her work. Staying true to her bio of “Embracing the traditional claywork”, most of her work does involve traditional patterns and motifs. But adapting to the demands of her clients she has managed to use Lippan art to create clocks, mirrors, etc. as well. Thus, making Lippan art more accessible to the modern mass.

Priyanka Goyal Mittal

If you’re looking for someone to add a fun twist to traditional Lippan art, then you must visit Priyanka’s page. Taking the tradition and adding a fun twist to it, Priyanka’s works are unique in their own way. Her work ranges from traditional Lippan art to cartoon depictions of Hindu Gods to initials and other motifs. With a strong following of 83.3K followers, she is giving a new meaning to Lippan art with each twist. Plus he offers workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts as well!

Do check out these Lippan artists for times when you need that inspiration boost or just a healthy rush of dopamine.

Portraits are the lens of the viewer into the artist’s mind. The expression of the portrait defines the artist’s beliefs about humans, animals and life. Since ages, portraits have been an important part of art. Be it modern art or traditional art, portraits have always been loved by the viewers. Here in this article, we talk about some prolific portrait artists changing the dimensions of life. 

Aritra Paul

A marvellous portrait artist, Aritra Paul believes art to be his refuge and strength. He is gifted with the ability to make portraits that speak. His pencil makes curves and strokes that intrigue the viewer and apparently make him feel the emotions. He is not only an artist but also an art educator. He conducts workshops and classes to guide people with a passion for art. His charcoal and graphite portraits are a thing to swear by. You are sure to delve deeper into the intensity of his drawings. To learn more about portrait painting from Aritra, you can visit his YouTube channel.

Zanooff

Smiling babies, dancing girls, joyful families, that’s what Zanooff loves to depict in his portraits. A brilliant artist, Zanooff paints portraits that look like photographs. Using a combination of digital art techniques, pencil sketching, charcoal and graphite painting, he is curating wonders. He is an art educator and conducts workshops also. For a step by step guide into making portraits, you can learn from Zanooff.

Sooraj Sudevan

Sooraj Sudevan, a self taught artist and designer hails from God’s own country – Kerala. From mythological characters to Bollywood stars, he draws everyone. Gods and Goddesses dominate his artworks along with still life and family portraits also carving their own niche. His works are dripping with serenity and passionate expression. He received acclamation by the master blaster MS Dhoni for making his portrait.For a deeper understanding of his work, check him out here. 

Dipankar Dhar

Popularising the new trend of realism, Dipankar Dhar is an artist and art educator. He sketches outdoor scenes and landscapes the moment he sees something worth capturing. His pencil and acrylic paintings perfectly portray human figures. He loves trying out new techniques and following the same he once painted MS Dhoni on an egg shell. Incorporating realism in his work, he draws half parts of objects and conjoins them with the pictures of their other half, and you for sure can’t make out the difference. Still life also forms a major part of his work. For learning more about his master classes and workshops, check him out on YouTube.

Art plays a very vital role in society, going beyond boundaries and connecting to the hearts and minds of people. It has the power to mould public perceptions and ignite social change, playing a powerful role in communication, expression, and reflection on societal issues. With various examples, including renowned Indian artists and powerful art projects, in this article, we will explore the vital role of art in reflecting society, driving dialogue, raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, influencing public opinion, and inspiring action.

A Mirror of Society

The long-standing question of “Does art imitate life or life imitate art” doesn’t have a definitive answer yet but it has sparked a lot of debates and opinions, out of which one thing is definite – Art is a mirror for society. Depicting the culture, lifestyle, values, and traditions of a certain era. Via numerous creative forms, artists reflect the objectives, beliefs, and woes of their generation, showing us a glimpse of the difficulties and simplicities of human life. Recognizing and learning about art gives us critical insights into our past, present and future.

Artists are motivated by their desire to put forth their opinions and experiences, as well as communicate their emotions and thoughts through their work. They pave the way for bringing to light societal challenges, questioning norms, and driving change through their art. One can experience the rawness of human emotions, the resilience of the human spirit, and the desire for a better world, all by immersing ourselves in art, which captures the multidimensional aspect of our lives.

An instrument for critical thought and debate

Art can start conversations and question accepted norms. It pushes one to discuss and think critically while reflecting on societal challenges. Furthermore, art highlights political and social concerns, like inequality, injustice, and critical global issues.

Art challenges comfort and pushes people to rethink their views and values by providing different perspectives and questioning the status quo. It brings up topics and discussions, that otherwise go unnoticed, among diverse groups and increases understanding among them.

In today’s world where we are more divided than ever, art plays the role of a unifying factor, bringing together people from various backgrounds to talk about important topics. It provides a space where diverse perspectives can coexist and collide, encouraging empathy and promoting healthy debates that can lead to greater understanding and holistic growth.

An example would be the Indian film “Pink” which sparked conversations on consent and gender equality, raising awareness and starting a long-overdue discussion on such sensitive subjects. With powerful storytelling and brilliant performances by renowned actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, the film shed light on societal norms and prejudices. It sparked debates on the topic of the importance of consent and the rights of women, encouraging a change in public perception and fostering a more inclusive and equal society.

A Vehicle for Social Change

Art draws our attention to social issues that usually go unnoticed. Visual arts like photography and street art have the power to grab attention and evoke emotions. Artists throughout history have used their creativity to address social issues, create awareness and injustices and advocate positive change. Be it through paintings, music, poetry, sculptures, or performance, art engages people on an emotional level, evoking empathy and a call to action.

Art challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity by breaking down boundaries and embracing diversity. For example, Theatre and performing arts have been vital in challenging caste-based discrimination in India. The play “Natak Company” started conversations and created an understanding which contributed to the fight against social inequality.

Art challenges stereotypes by bringing to light the beauty and complexity of human life that so often go unnoticed or misrepresented. It confronts preconceived notions and biases and prompts viewers to question their assumptions and broaden their perspectives. Art gives a dignified authentic voice to underrepresented communities and identities and fosters understanding and inclusivity.

The “Dabbawala” art project in India made use of lunchbox art to create awareness of child nutrition, spotlighting this crucial issue and igniting action. With vibrant and educational designs that depicted healthy and balanced meals. The art aimed to engage parents, educators, and communities in discussions on the importance of nutritious food for children. The project’s fusion of art and nutrition grabbed interest and dialogue, resulting in a promotion of healthier eating habits among children.

A tool for changing public opinion

Art shapes public perceptions and challenges mainstream narratives. It mobilizes individuals to become agents of social change. Art makes one question conventional ways of thinking and prompts people to adopt alternative perspectives. It confronts truths that are taboo or uncomfortable, exposes injustice, and brings to light the overlooked issues, which motivates individuals to critically think about their actions and beliefs. Art exhibitions, installations, and performances become a platform for public debate, raising awareness and encouraging people to converse on important social, political, and cultural topics.

Street art played a vital role in India’s “Jal Satyagraha” movement. It rallied support to preserve water resources and question the status quo. By transforming public spaces into canvases with vibrant and powerful visuals. The art captures the heart of the flight and was a form of protest, stimulating public participation, and raising awareness. Street art created a space for marginalised voices to express the concerns of their communities affected by water scarcity and pollution. It created a sense of solidarity among activists and was instrumental in gathering support and shaping the narrative of the “Jal Satyagraha” campaign.

A means of empowerment and inspiration

Art inspires individuals and communities by providing the marginalised a space to speak their story. It empowers people by giving them a platform for self-expression and representing those who are underrepresented. Artists inspire people to embrace their realities and celebrate their originality by owning their distinctive identities and experiences. Art provides a sense of identity, cultural pride, and belonging. It gives a forum for healthy debates and stories, in doing so developing social relationships and promoting empathy.

The “Graffiti Girls” was a crucial initiative in the empowerment of women via street art. They provide a platform for female artists to express themselves in a predominantly male-dominated field. The project challenged gender stereotypes and gave opportunities for women to show their talent. With their art, these women reclaimed public spaces, sending messages of empowerment and inspiring others.

Conclusion

Art has diverse forms and serves as a powerful force in shaping public perceptions and driving social change. Art creates discussions, raises awareness, promotes inclusion and challenges the effect of stereotypes on public perception. Through films like “Pink” and projects such as “Jal Satyagraha” and “Graffiti Girls”. Art is a vehicle for social change and pushes people to take action. It questions norms and prompts critical thinking. We get different viewpoints and deep understandings of different cultures, societal challenges, and identities. When we engage and participate in art, we are actively contributing to fostering a more compassionate, sensitive, and inclusive society.