Kala Curry Radio at Zhalkesi's Studio

1. Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you do, and how art became a part of your journey.

I’m Maria, the founder and designer behind Zhalkesi. I create jewellery that’s inspired by Tamil culture, memory, and everyday rituals. Art has always been a way for me to hold onto stories and emotions, so starting Zhalkesi felt like a natural way to translate that love into something people could carry with them.

2. Art isn’t just something we see—it’s something we live with. How does art seep into your daily life? And what does art mean to you?

Art isn’t something I step into and out of—it’s part of how I exist. It shapes how I express myself, how I connect with others, and how I carry my identity. To me, art is a mirror of who we are and a reminder that creativity is inseparable from being human.

3. Why do you think handcrafted art matters today more than ever?

Handcrafted art matters because it carries the touch of the human hand—something no machine can replicate. In a world of mass production, it reminds us that beauty takes time, and that every piece has a story, a maker, and a soul

4. How many years have you been practicing this craft?

I’ve been practicing this craft for about 4 years now ,though my relationship with art and design has been a lifelong journey.

5. What makes an artist an artist? (like who can call themselves an artist/what counts as being an artist)

I think an artist is simply someone who chooses to see differently—and then shares that vision with the world, whether it’s through clay, paint, words, or movement. What makes an artist an artist is sensitivity—the ability to feel deeply and translate that emotion into form

6. What does being an artist/brand that sells art mean to you? 

Being an artist and brand that sells art, to me, means offering people more than an object—it’s giving them something to feel, remember, and carry with them. Every piece becomes an offering of story and memory.

7. How long does it usually take to create one piece from start to finish?

Depending on the design, anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. Some pieces, especially the intricate ones, demand time and patience.

8. What drew you to the medium(s) you work with?

I was drawn to polymer clay because of its incredible versatility—it allows me to sculpt, paint, and play with form in ways that traditional jewellery mediums don’t. Jewellery has always been my medium of expression, and polymer clay gives me the freedom to translate the textures, colours, and stories of culture into pieces that can be worn and lived with every day.

9. How do you see art products being perceived in an Indian market?

There’s a growing curiosity and respect for art-driven products in India today. People are beginning to value stories, craftsmanship, and originality more than just utility.

10. Zhalkesi is deeply rooted in Tamil culture but also aims to be global. How do you wish for someone outside Tamil Nadu to feel when they wear one of your pieces?

I’d love for someone outside Tamil Nadu to feel curious and intrigued, to see the piece as a doorway into another culture. For me, jewellery becomes a way to start conversations, to exchange stories, and to discover how much beauty lies in our differences.”

11. Polymer clay is a very unique medium. What have been some of the most surprising lessons (or even mistakes) you’ve learned while working with it?

Polymer clay is humbling—it teaches patience. Sometimes a piece breaks, sometimes the colours cure differently than expected. But each “mistake” has pushed me to find new textures, finishes, and ways of telling a story.

12. Many of your designs carry strong symbolism, like protection, resilience, or community. Has creating these pieces ever felt like a personal healing or grounding practice for you?

Yes, absolutely. For me, the act of creating is very grounding. The moment I start working with clay, I slip into a kind of zen mode where the process feels almost meditative. Shaping and refining by hand gives me a sense of calm and clarity, and in many ways the jewellery becomes a reflection of that state of mind.

13. Your collections highlight both grand traditions (like Chola jewellery) and simple daily joys (like filter coffee mornings). How do you balance these two scales of storytelling?

The Kapaleeshwarar temple speaks of  timeless heritage, while filter coffee mornings speak to the rhythms of daily life. To me, they aren’t separate scales but two expressions of memory and belonging. Jewellery becomes the bridge that ties them together.

14. Is there a song that captures the spirit of your work or something you love listening to while creating?

I often prefer silence while creating — it helps me stay in that meditative flow with the clay. When I do listen to music, it’s usually something soft and rhythmic

Obsessed already? Same. Shop Zhalkesi's art and bring a piece of their world home on Kala Curry.