## Maya Chandra: Sculpting Stories in Clay **Background:** Born and raised in a bustling coastal town in India, Maya Chandra's artistic journey began in the sand. As a child, she spent countless hours shaping intricate figures and castles with her bare hands, captivated by the transformative nature of sand. This early fascination with the tactile world laid the foundation for her chosen medium: clay. **Education and Influences:** Driven by her passion for sculpting, Maya pursued a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in ceramics. During her studies, she was deeply influenced by the expressive forms of ancient Indian terracotta sculptures and the minimalist elegance of Japanese ceramics. She found inspiration in the way these art forms conveyed emotion and narrative simplicity through their form and texture. **Artistic Style and Themes:** Maya's sculptures are characterized by their delicate balance between figurative and abstract elements. Her figures, often depicting women, are elongated and graceful, their forms imbued with a sense of quiet contemplation and vulnerability. The surfaces are textured and layered, reflecting the complexities of human emotions and experiences. One of Maya's most compelling series, titled "Whispers of the Shore," features fragmented female figures emerging from the clay, their expressions hinting at untold stories. The pieces evoke a sense of loss and longing, reminiscent of the impermanence of sandcastles washed away by the tide. **Future Aspirations:** Maya's work has garnered recognition within the Indian art scene, with her pieces being featured in several local exhibitions. She aspires to showcase her work internationally, hoping to connect with a wider audience and spark conversations about the human experience through her evocative sculptures. **Fun fact**: Maya finds inspiration in the rhythmic sounds of the ocean and often works with headphones playing traditional Indian music, creating a space of mindful focus while she sculpts.