In a world of digital perfection, Ramdas Gadekar finds beauty in raw, irreversible strike of blade against clay
AAKANSHA CHARI
Usually, artists start their day with a blank canvas and add colour, but Ramdas Gadekar does the exact opposite. By scratching through layers of pigment to reveal what lies underneath, he creates intricate, textures stories on clay through the Sgraffito technique.
Derived from the Italian word ‘sgraffiare’, meaning ‘to scratch’, sgraffito is a test of both patience and precision. “Sgraffito is the process of scratching through a top layer to reveal the base colour underneath. A simple example is the way people sometimes scratch into the moss layer on compound walls after the monsoon. In Goa, the closest traditional example is the Kaavi art, where layers are carved to create beautiful patterns and imagery,” explains Gadekar, adding that sgraffito has been widely used in ceramic decoration since the ancient times.
Gadekar shares that he feels deeply connected to sgraffito because it combines both drawing and carving in a direct, handmade way. “The technique has texture, depth, and permanence, which makes every mark feel honest and intentional. It also reminds me strongly of my printmaking practice,” he says. His work focuses more on contemporary designs while still staying rooted in traditional art forms and influence.
Gadekar uses stoneware clay, which fires to an off-white color. A contrasting glaze is applied on top of the clay slab. The surface is then scratched to reveal the lighter clay beneath, creating the final design. “Almost any pointed tool can be used for sgraffito. I personally use specialised tools with a different tip sizes to create variations in line quality. Flat tips are also useful for clearing larger areas,” he says.
In this technique, the drying process and the precision of carving are both equally important. “The timing of the drying process and the application of the glaze need careful attention, while the carving itself requires patience and a steady hand. Small mistakes are difficult to correct, so artists gradually learn through practice when the surface is at the perfect stage for carving,”
he explains
The art is very beginner- friendly.” The scratching process is simple and enjoyable to learn. However, mastering pressure control, detailing, and timing takes years of practice, just like any other art form,” says Gadekar who will be conducting a sgraffito workshop on May 31, 5 p.m. at Carpe Diem, Majorda.
Through this workshop, Gadekar wants people to experience the joy of working with their hands, slowing down and creating something unique through texture and carving. “It is also a way of keeping traditional techniques alive by introducing them to a new generation of artists and learners,” he says.
In today’s times, he continues, handmade crafts like sgraffito carry a special value because they preserve the human touch. “Every scratch, texture and mark is unique. These processes encourage patience, focus, and a deeper connection with making,” he says. “In a fast-moving digital age, handmade art remind us of the beauty of imperfections and importance of craftsmanship.”
