AMAN PODDAR

STUDIO NAAM

Naam is an artistic pursuit — an expression of my ideas and craft. I have always found immense joy in creating things, and so choosing to be an artist felt like a natural decision. After exploring a few different mediums, I had the privilege of interacting with the works of a master jeweller and was deeply inspired. And thus, my journey with jewellery began and Naam was born.

My passion for detail has always guided my work. With an initial focus on engraving, my earlier pieces highlighted the intricacies of making thousands of tiny cuts into each piece of jewellery. Over time, my approach has evolved into more sculptural forms, meticulously crafting microscopic elements from gold wire or sheet, and soldering each one by hand. The time, concentration, and patience that goes into crafting each piece – sometimes only an inch wide – forces me to slow down and be fully present, and I hope my work invites others to do the same.

A wooden table topped with lots of office supplies.

With a focus on authenticity, I choose not to use machinery and instead make everything by hand. Using my hands as the primary tools feels personal, engaging, and deeply enjoyable, but also is also a reminder of the connection between me and the work.

People often ask me where my ideas come from, and in all honesty, the source isn't always obvious. Sometimes an idea is born from an object, sometimes from a drawing. Often, an idea is born from seemingly nowhere – perhaps it comes from either the subconscious or someplace beyond our usual perception. The pool of ideas is bottomless, and so each piece I make is one of a kind.

A man sitting at a desk working on a piece of wood.

The Chinese philosophy of ‘Li’ captures my aesthetic sensibility quite perfectly. Philosopher Alan Watts translates ‘Li’ as organic order – the ‘asymmetrical, non-repetitive, and unregimented order which we find in the patterns of moving water, the forms of trees and clouds, of frost crystals on the window, or the scattering of pebbles on beach sand.’

Art, through all its various forms and mediums, offers countless possibilities. Over the last few years, I have discovered that jewellery allows me to make the most of the philosophies and aesthetics that I so strongly believe in. I am certain that playing the role of an artist is my calling, and I hope to fulfill my potential both for myself and those who interact with my work.  