Mr. Daroz: Terracotta is like the human skin to civilization. It contains and defines the very sap that characterizes the civilization. While studying arts in MS university, Vadodara in 1972, I got an opportunity to assist my Professor K.G. Subramanian to make the Bangladesh Terracotta Mural Series with slabs. This is when I realized that one can be inspired by traditions and combine it with contemporary concepts like combining ancient and time-tested technique of pot making with modern sensibilities.

CJ: Creative architecture in public spaces can give cities and localities a definitive aesthetic appeal. Can Indian cities use more of this appeal?

Mr. Daroz: Fortunately we have a rich tradition of creative architecture in public spaces. The terracotta temples of Bengal is the biggest example, a great inspiration; they appeared to me as glorified containers, with demarcated areas of specific acts. If the monuments of Mandu were absorbed in space, these terracotta temples created and appropriated their own ambience. They have the strength of giving an integrated statement of their surroundings of social, economical or political structures. We have to be proud of our legacy and realize it as our departure point in creating the modern architectural works of art in public spaces by means of fusion through our contemporary sensibilities.

One can see a tremendous competition in today’s upcoming building projects; the architects are daringly trying diverse designs and materials as a mode of their expression. I am certainly optimistic about the realization of understanding the importance creative architecture in public spaces.

CJ: Architecture-wise, do you think India has come to have a 'commissioning culture'? Or do we still lack architecture consciousness?

Mr. Daroz: From the beginning of my career I was offered various large scale commissions, so the culture of commissioning was always there. Architectural space is challenging, both in function and in structure, if carried sensitively we can celebrate them.

CJ: Which is your favourite way of expression?

Mr. Daroz: Primarily my medium of expression is ceramic; I enjoy the medium in all its aspects by creating pottery, sculptures, jwellery or murals.

CJ: How do you balance between personal perception and collective experience in public art as well as in your personal work?

Mr. Daroz: In this collaborative project, an architect delivers the space to the artist only till the extent of allotting area and size. Without any forced theme specification, an artist is free to conceptualize. This freedom of expression often results in good work of art. As for me I enjoy on a big scale and visualize my works in big space.

CJ: Art does not pay. Do you think this sentiment and reality is still prevalent today?

Mr. Daroz: It is a taboo, genuine art pays.

CJ: In global art which artists have inspired you the most?

Mr. Daroz: I have great respect for MF Hussain

CJ: What do you do when you run out of ideas while working on a project?

Mr. Daroz: I go in hibernation.