17th February 2016
Prernaa Makhariaa
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Hands That Fuse!

Figurine with Fused Glass Creation

This is one of the most exciting telephonic rendezvous i have done so far, not because it’s (saat samundar paar, lol) back in United Kingdom, but because I am totally smitten by Namrata Kedia’s magical fused glass creations. She articulated the minutest details, mesmerized me to an extent that i could actually imagine and relate to every word she spoke.

Formally trained and having topped in fine arts, Namrata backs a bag full of awards from the Governor of Rajasthan, Queen of Kota, to name a few. After dabbling her journey in various forms of art, she found her destiny in playing with non-crystalline amorphous solids, i.e. Glass. She not only sells across the country (U.K) but also runs successful “Day Experience” courses and has conducted Kiln Formed Glass workshops for over 750 students in two years. While she truly believes, “Sky’s the limit” she’s exhibited her work at prestigious shows like British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF), White Knights Studio Trail, Henley Art Festival.

Style Prer (SP): What is Montages ? Montages – The Glass Studio
Namrata Kedia (NK): Montages is designer glass studio in Reading- United Kingdom, that was born out of a sheer love for glass. The glass studio not only helps me bring out my creativity and curate it, but I also conduct workshops for students to learn the art here.

SP: What’s the kind of art/work you do in Montages ?
NK: (Elaborating)- In Montages we make the Kiln formed glass or Studio glass. Cutting of the glass involves various methods, chemicals, metals, and other finishes. It’s then placed in the kiln, applying a very specific firing schedule to combine all the elements and together making it a single piece of art. As easy it may sound, but the making involves not only an eye for art and design but also an understanding of science, chemical reactions and oxidations processes. A single mistake can cause the glass to have a thermal shock and therefore it takes years to gain experience and understanding of glass as a subject.

SP: Product categories you work on ?
NK: Categories range from jewelry, large and small wall panels, display plates, platters, coasters, greeting cards to hangings. Essentially any product category could be worked upon, depending on the inclination and determination an individual has!
SP: How did you think of starting Montages ? When and how did it originate ?
NK: (in a humble tone, wink wink) The Ministry of Defence in Uk had contracted me for handling one of their Graphic Design Department. While working there I was honoured with Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate Award, however my inclination towards art gave me a deep calling and therefore i decided to pursue my career in glass. My husband, Hitesh Joshi has been very encouraging and extremely supportive in pursuing my dreams.
SP: What is fused glass?
NK: Glass has three stages, the cold form working of glass i.e. ‘Stained Glass Windows’ while the hot form involves Glass Blowing. There is a stage in between which is Warm Glass or Fused Glass or Kiln formed Glass. The glass when it is fully fused or melted together has great strength and becomes almost toughened Glass. This Glass can further be laminated and even used as architectural glass.
SP: What kind of designs work well in these ?
NK: In Glass, design and technique both go hand in hand. Often, you would think about a design and the technique one would use for execution. Sometimes even the same techniques requires different execution. Usually I work on abstract, floral, birds and marine themes in the glass. I am particularly drawn towards Birds and Fishes. They both have their innate sense of freedom and movement to them. One thing about the glass is the colour palette and the richness of colours. Born and brought up in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s best gift to me is the colours and culture, which reflects in my work.
SP: How are the designs different in India than Internationally ?
NK: (Thinking) In U.K. the colour palette is generally muted and subdued. It’s usually driven by the trend forecasts. For instance, the prediction for this year is geometric and you will see these significantly in apparels, homeware, accessories and many other items. It trickles down to an extent for exclusive designer items.
In India, though the international trend may influence the fashion or lifestyle industry, but it still has it’s own indigenous designs, some of which being used in modern context. India has a huge palette of design, right from traditional to modern and the colours come from all aspects of life.
 SP: Are these products fragile? How does one take care of them?
NK: (feeling proud) When the pieces are fully fused, they are not as fragile as raw glass and do not break easily. All the pieces are fully washable. Since the elements are fused between layers of glass, there is no risk of damaging whilst washing. Very few pieces have a hand painted real Platinum or Bright Gold finish, such pieces should be hand washed gently.
SP: Do you exhibit in India? How could one buy a Montages creation?
NK: (Excited and thrilled) Enthused by people purchasing my work in India, whilst I am based in UK, I decided to exhibit for the very first time in India in the place closest to my heart, The Pink City-Jaipur. We are exhibiting at Aspiration Events as Montages – The Glass Studio (Stall no 68) in the Jaipur Spring Show 11th & 12th March at Rambagh – SMS Convention Centre.
One could check our collections and shop online at http://montages.co.uk/
Ankit and Gitika Choudhari, a young dynamic Jaipur based couple with an eye for colors, were enamored by our creativity. Having roots in Jaipur, together we thought of extending the availability of Montages in India which is currently available with them.
In the Uk, I have also exhibited at The Greenlands Gallery-Henley Business School, Woodley Library. Marlow Festival and many more.
Namrata Kedia showcases her talent to the media.
Style Prer feels, The more I write about Namrata’s creativity, the less it will be! Her work speaks for itself and she has made India proud all the way back in United Kingdom! A woman, an epitome with Hands of Gold! A shout to all the Jaipuris, do not miss catching her work at Aspiration Events as Montages – The Glass Studio (Stall no 68) in the Jaipur Spring Show 11th & 12th March at Rambagh – SMS Convention Centre.

The Author Prernaa Makhariaa

Jewellery Blogger, Entrepreneur, Jewellery Influencer, Jewellery Architect with graduate degrees from Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gemological Institute of India (GII) and SNDT. She is actively involved in writing for newspapers, magazines, print, digital and social media.

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