Abdul Ahad thesis report

National College of Arts, Lahore Department of Ceramics Design

Thesis Report BLOSSOMS OF THE SOIL

Abdul Ahad 2021-NCA-CERA-261

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Advisor: Javaria Ahmad January, 2025

Abstract Blossoms of the soil

By
Abdul Ahad
Thesis Advisor: Javaria Ahmad

As we observe our surroundings, it becomes evident that flowers are deeply intertwined with our culture and traditions. They are an integral part of our heritage, enriching our lives in countless ways. Flowers can be found everywhere—in our weddings, seasonal celebrations like Basant, art, architecture, moments of grief and mourning, and even in the everyday objects we use, such as clothing, bedding, curtains, furniture, cutlery, and jewelry. Without flowers, our culture and traditions would lose much of their vibrancy and essence. Flowers have inspired our designs, patterns, and artistic expressions, becoming a defining element of our identity as a people and as a nation. My thesis celebrates flowers and their inherent beauty. Through my work, I aim to pay tribute to these natural marvels that have shaped our identity, culture, heritage, and traditions. To embody this celebration, I have crafted flowers in clay and used intricate linework to depict their elegance and allure.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the Dean of our department Erum Zia for her guidance and support, Madam Shazia Mirza the head of department for her unwavering support and the staff of ceramic design for their help

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor Maam Javeria Ahmed for their exceptional guidance, support, and mentorship throughout my thesis journey. From the very beginning, his insightful advice, constructive feedback, and unwavering encouragement have been invaluable in helping me refine my ideas and approach

I would like to thank Ali Raza for his immense help, i would like thank my peers for their unconditional support and motivation , without them i would never have reached this far

I would like to thank my Parents and my family for lending out a hand whenever i needed it lastly i would specially want to thank Laiba Babar and Nabeel Gujjar for their immense motivation and support and help, this would not have been possible without these two people

Table of contents

Abstract.....................................................................................................1 Acknowledgments.........................................................................................2 Introduction.................................................................................................3 Research............................................................................................................................7 CaseStudies......................................................................................................................11

Design.............................................................................................................................14 LineWork........................................................................................................................18 Glaze Testing...................................................................................................................18 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................22

INTRODUCTION

Flowers have held a prominent place in human history as symbols of beauty, purity, and cultural identity. Across civilizations, they have influenced various aspects of life, including art, architecture, ceremonies, and daily practices. Their aesthetic and symbolic value transcends mere decoration; they embody emotions, beliefs, and traditions. In South Asia, particularly, flowers have become deeply embedded in the cultural fabric. They are central to joyous celebrations like weddings and festivals such as Basant, where they signify renewal and prosperity. Conversely, flowers also play a role in moments of grief, serving as symbols of peace, remembrance, and respect during funerals and memorials. This intimate relationship between nature and culture has long been a source of inspiration for artists and craftsmen. Floral motifs are seen in architectural marvels like the intricate carvings of the Mughal-era mosques and palaces, in traditional textile patterns, and in decorative items like pottery and jewelry. They serve not only as aesthetic elements but also as carriers of cultural narratives, connecting people to their heritage. By examining this interplay of nature and culture, we gain insight into how flowers have shaped artistic expressions across generations. They represent a harmonious balance between the natural world and human creativity, influencing designs that celebrate beauty and evoke a sense of identity and belonging.

Problem Statement

Flowers are one of the most beautiful creations of nature, bringing color, life, and meaning to our surroundings. They have been a part of human culture and traditions for centuries, symbolizing emotions like love, happiness, and peace. From weddings and festivals to art and daily life, flowers play a significant role in making our experiences more vibrant and meaningful. Despite their importance, we often overlook the beauty and value of flowers in our busy lives. They are present all around us—in decorations, patterns, and designs—but we rarely stop to truly appreciate them or understand how much they contribute to our identity and culture. This lack of acknowledgment leaves a gap in how we value the simple yet profound elements of nature.

Aim

The aim of my work is to celebrate the beauty of flowers and showing their importance in our lives. It seeks to honor their presence and give them the recognition they deserve. Through ceramic art and creative expression, this project aims to bring flowers into the spotlight, allowing viewers to appreciate their elegance, charm, and role in shaping our culture and heritage.

Scope and Limitations

My work focuses on the symbolic use of flowers in our culture and their representation through ceramic art. It does not delve into the botanical study of flowers or their scientific properties.

RESEARCH
Cultural Significance of Flowers

We can find flowers almost anywhere, i observed to see in how many objects and traditions i can find flowers. after reviewing i found flowers to be everywhere

Seasonal Celebrations

Many cultures celebrate natural cycles like harvests, solstices, and lunar phases. Example: In Pakistan, the spring festival of Basant used to celebrate nature's renewal with kites and blooming mustard fields.

Art and Architecture:

Nature inspires motifs in design and construction. Example: Mughal architecture, like the floral frescoes in Lahore's Wazir Khan Mosque, reflects a deep connection with flowers and gardens.

   

Marriage and Festivities:

Flowers are central to weddings and festivals, symbolizing beauty and new beginnings. Example: Jasmine garlands are common in Pakistani weddings, representing purity and love.

 

Death and Mourning:

Flowers like rose are used in rituals to honor the dead. Example: Roses are laid at graves during Islamic remembrance rituals.

Clothes

Jewellery

Bedding

Furniture

Cutlery

Case Studies

Floral Symbolism in Islamic Art Reflection of Traditions and Culture

Floral motifs hold profound spiritual, cultural, and aesthetic significance, symbolizing paradise in various traditions. In Islamic art, these patterns are prominently featured in mosques, tombs, and other sacred spaces, fostering a sense of divine connection and bringing worshippers closer to the concept of paradise. The prohibition of depicting human and animal figures in Islamic sacred spaces led artists to embrace floral and geometric designs as symbolic and decorative alternatives. In regions like Punjab, local flowers such as lotuses, roses, and jasmines were seamlessly integrated into Islamic art, blending universal Islamic themes with regional cultural expressions and enriching the artistic tapestry of sacred spaces.

  

MASJID WAZIR KHAN

Location - Lahore Pakistan

The grand entrance of the masjid Wazir Khan showcases intricate floral patterns, creating a welcoming ambiance and setting a serene tone for worshippers. The ceiling, adorned with floral frescoes, symbolizes celestial beauty and paradise, while the floral tile work throughout the mosque reflects the deep appreciation for nature inherent in Islamic culture. These designs not only emphasize the spiritual and aesthetic significance of flowers but also serve as a source of inspiration for creating ceramic wall panels, highlighting their cultural importance in Pakistani art. By blending universal Islamic themes with the regional identity of South Asia, such as incorporating local floral motifs, these artistic elements celebrate the symbolic meaning of flowers and their profound role in daily and spiritual life.

  

MULTANI KASHIKARI TILES

Location - Multan Pakistan

Flora, as an integral part of nature, is viewed as a reflection of God's creation and is extensively used in art and design to celebrate the divine in a non-figurative manner. Flowers and plants symbolize life, growth, and the beauty of the natural world, carrying deep meanings that resonate with spiritual and cultural significance. They hold a central role in daily life, rituals, and festivals, embodying concepts such as harmony, peace, eternal beauty, and paradise. Through their symbolic richness, floral elements bridge the earthly and the divine, offering a timeless celebration of creation's splendor.

  

DESIGN

Flower selection

In this phase i moved on to selecting the flowers to start constructing my designs. I chose 9 flowers which are, Hibiscus, Bougainville, Tulip, Rose, Jasmine, Sunflower, Cosmos, Kaner, and Petunia.
I mainly used photographs to observe the flowers, as i needed to see the flowers very upclose and get into the details which the is difficilut to see from a real life physical flower itself

    

  

i started off making sketches for each of the flowers. i kept the sketches to the point where they would not entirely change their form and shape and totally become a new thing, As i wanted to depict their beauty which could only be done if my designs were similar to the original flower. But at the same time i could not directly replicate the flowers as that would be too simple, i struggled keeping a balance between developing the designs but also keeping them close to the original so they are recognizable and will hold the beauty and essence of the flower, this was by far the greatest challenge for me as i could only add small twists in the design to maintain a balance between the development and the originality

SKETCHES

         

After finalizing the sketches i moved onto trace the designs in AutoCAD (software). after tracing the designs on AutoCAD i printed them on the desired size i wanted. After this i made clay slabs and put my printed design on the slab so it could get transferred onto the slab (as the clay had moisture and when i rubbed the print with my fingers on the clay it got transferred and i started working further on it)

  

LINE WORK

 

Glaze Testing Base Glaze Recipe

80%frit
5% China clay 5% Quartz

  

  

  

CONCLUSION

My work was dedicated to celebrating flowers as symbols of beauty, identity, and culture. Flowers, integral to human traditions and emotions, have long inspired art and design. Through the exploration of their significance, the following key points emerged:

Cultural and Artistic Importance:

Flowers are deeply woven into the fabric of human culture. They symbolize emotions, enhance traditions, and inspire countless forms of artistic expression. My work reaffirmed their value as not merely decorative but as carriers of cultural meaning and identity.

Role of Flowers in Heritage:

By studying their use in rituals, festivals, and crafts, the research highlighted how flowers contribute to cultural heritage. From ancient patterns in architecture to their presence in contemporary art, flowers remain timeless and relevant.

Translation into Ceramic Art:

The process of crafting flowers in clay involved observing their natural forms, understanding their symbolism, and translating these elements into tangible pieces. The use of intricate linework and textures allowed the ceramic artworks to capture their beauty and significance.

Viewer Impact and Appreciation:

The ceramic pieces were designed to be displayed prominently as wall hangings, encouraging daily reflection on the elegance and importance of flowers. By bringing these creations into living spaces, the research aimed to evoke a sense of appreciation for nature’s artistry and its cultural relevance.