ESRA SAKIR

Creating a New Community: Intercultural Aspects of Creative Practice

In the city of Amsterdam, we have natural clay at the Lutkemeerpolder. During this artist residency program in April/May 2024, my focus was on discovering the social aspects of creative practice within the soil, creating dialogue, exchanging knowledge, and reflecting on healthier consumption models.

 

The Soil Through Our Hands: Connecting with Nature

One of the foundational steps in this process is the discovery and interaction with the soil itself, symbolising a return to our roots and the basics of existence. Air, water, fire, and earth have been considered fundamental elements since ancient times; ceramic is a process where these elements combine in proportional combinations to form a tangible result. By physically working with the natural Lutkemeer clay, participants feel the soil through their hands, listen to its needs, and align their priorities with the earth.  The slow, tactile nature of working with this materia provides a reset, a return to basics, and a space for reflection on human soil relation. This process fosters a deeper connection with the core self, transcending individualistic, self-centred thinking. 

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Embracing Diversity: A Source of Enrichment

Diversity, whether cultural or biological, enriches our lives and communities. The challenge lies in balancing diverse cultural heritages with the broader, often dominant, Western paradigms. This balance requires sensitivity and openness to different perspectives and practices. In this context, clay workshops emerge as a powerful tool, erasing geographical boundaries, difference of age, ethnicity, education, and gender. This gives foreground to open up to the approach of a communal mindset, where the focus is on coming together, becoming one with the community, and appreciating the intrinsic value of diversity—both among people and within biodiversity. Through these workshops, a social engagement unfolds, allowing participants to explore possibilities for reconnection and dialogue. 

 

Clay Objects: Reflections of Experience

The clay objects created in these workshops serve as tangible reflections of this journey. They encapsulate the experience and the findings, offering a sensorial understanding of the process. These objects become symbols of the interconnectedness of society and nature. Moreover, they inspire a heightened consciousness in food consumption, reminding participants of the importance of mindful eating and sustainable agricultural practices.