Earlier in my life, I had largely dealt with tiny objects on a smaller scale. My designs were majorly tableware, bar accessories, home décor collectibles and private installations. But this time I wanted to experiment on a larger scale and create something that connects with masses.
I wanted to see how my creation makes an emotional and functional bond with people. This is the reason why I decided to do Ma Belle, a sculpture in human form that actually is a bell and makes ringing sound when moved. In French, Ma Belle means ‘My beautiful’.
Continuing with my philosophy to experiment, I decided to move towards a bolder direction while conceptualising this piece. I wanted to do a public piece that is an expression of freedom and gaiety, and invites engagement of the audience.
I instilled this philosophy in Ma Belle. It is an expression of emotion; emotion of feeling good when sitting on a swing. Also, it is a bell that does not restrict itself at just being a static sculpture. It is movable and invites reactions from the onlooker.
A clear-cut deviation from my earlier work, Ma Belle is made of cast brass in lost-wax casting and is patinated to give it a beautiful tone. It stands tall at 11’ height and a 6’ by 6’ base and is given traditional finish.
If you ask me who inspired me to create Ma Belle, I would advice you to check the installations by Alexander Calder, an American sculptor best known for his mobile pieces. My sculpture is not a replication of his work, but it is inspired by his philosophy, that is of engaging with people effectively. I believe Ma Belle should be able to do that, after all public sculptures should make people feel good.