Sculptors in Kumartuli bemoan shortage of clay, higher costs, intrusive content creators

Sculptors in Kumartuli, Kolkata’s premier potter colony, are grappling with a shortage of clay during the busy festive season. Senior sculptor Samir Pal of the Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskriti Samiti reported that the supply of clay was halted in April-May following allegations of smuggling, leading to a two-month delay in work. In response, artists are now paying exorbitant prices for clay, with rates soaring from ₹10 to ₹40 per kilo.

This exorbitant cost has left many artists struggling to make ends meet as they juggle the increased expenses for accessories like jute for hair and fabric for clothes.

The sculptors expressed concern over the double-digit increase in prices, questioning whether customers would be willing to pay for the premium materials. As they grapple with rising costs, the sculptors also lament the lack of respect from social media content creators. These influencers and bloggers often demand that the artists pose for photos without permission, trample on their workspace, and even invade their homes.

The artists are incensed that these individuals put up the images on social media for "likes," seemingly unaware of the damage caused to the artists' livelihoods and workspace.