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by Lakmal WELABADA

"BUILDING a gas oven is my target as ceramics should be burnt under high temperature to get the finest quality," says Ruchira Marshal, a talented young man, while talking about the response he got for his first solo exhibition in ceramic utensils and ceramic sculptures held at the Lionel Wentd, Colombo recently.

"I was impressed and happy to know there are people who admire ceramic as an art and even like to learn the method. Many professionals in various fields like doctors and engineers have inquired from me as to whether they can learn clay and ceramic work. I welcome all of them as sculpture is an interesting and meditative pastime," says Ruchira.

Simplicity is his belief and sculpting is his career. The 25-year-old learnt his first touch of pottery at the National Design Centre.

He developed his skill in handling terra-cota during his

six-month training at the Gramodaya Janakala Centre, Battaramulla. Ruchira mastered ceramic art at the Dediyawala Ceramic Centre where he got the opportunity to study Ceramic Art under two Japanese national experts. He studied the art of sculpting for four years.

He worked in two private institutions before joining the Vibhavi Academy. Today Ruchira is an instructor at Vibhavi and is a popular figure among the young and old and even popular with kids.

Question: "What do you have to do with kids?"

Ruchira : "Well, I teach clay work for kids. We conduct a class at Vibhavi for children over five years ."

He appreciates the flexible working atmosphere the Vibhavi has given to young talented youth like him. Apart from Vibhavi, he also works at the 'Gangasiri' School of Education, Panadura where little ones around 2 1/2 years flock around him to practise with their little palms and tiny fingers with clay. "It's really interesting to work with tiny tots.

We clean and purify the clay (Mati) as much as possible before giving it to them as sometimes they tend to eat the it while working. This is quite alright as unlike artificial clay, that is generally used in most Montessories, clay (Mati) is part of us, it is nature. However, much it is labelled non-toxic, artificial clays can be poisonous as chemicals are used to manufacture these" he claims.

Ruchira's home town is Maggona. He studied upto the O/L at Holy Cross College, Kalutara. When he passed the examination in the Arts section with distinction, Ruchira's father thought that 'art' would be his line. His siblings encourage and support him.

Art is a form of concentration. Concentration is needed for creativity without which something unique cannot be created. Masterpieces are created by absolute concentration and discipline. So art makes people disciplined. Ruchira sets himself an example in this sense by being a cool tempered young man who claims he never gets angry.

Question: So, then the girl who falls for you would be really lucky. Who is that lucky girl?

Ruchira : (with a broad smile) Well, at the moment I have to give you a 'no'.

Question: But that doesn't mean you are not in love with anybody. Have you got anyone in mind?

Ruchira : Yes, I am thinking of it.

Ruchira aims to establish himself in his business in Ceramics. "I have a wooden oven and all the other equipment needed for ceramic work. But I need a gas oven because it produces high heat.

To get the finest glaze in ceramic, the clay work should be burnt under high temperature. The bricks for gas ovens are made in Sri Lanka at Meepe State Factory for Insulation Materials. But a brick costs about Rs,200, and nearly Rs, 1 million is needed to complete a whole gas oven," he says.

Ruchira believes a simple and down-to-earth life pattern is the best way of living. His faith is in God.

Ruchira thanks his parents who are waiting to see their son develop. "I save what I earn as my dream is to flourish in the ceramic business.

I wouldn't have been able even to dream about it if my parents' weren't supportive," concluded the young sculptor.

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