We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Archana Iyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Archana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a polymer clay artist and sculpting is my passion currently. But it wasn’t always like this. I came to know about this medium called Polymer Clay accidentally.When I came to USA from India in 2012 I wasn’t even aware that there is something called as oven bake clay! I wanted to continue my painting hobby and hence visited a local craft and in one of the aisles I discovered Polymer clay.I brought some home try just for fun.And one thing led to another and soon I was so addicted to claying that I would spend hours experimenting.

I learnt this art mainly from online tutorials by other experienced artists.The first thing I made was a cartoonish style mouse figurine.I remember making a white mouse holding heart.Once it came out of the oven I proudly displayed it on my shelf.
Like with any type of craft it is important to keep practicing. So I also researched online regarding the clay more and brought books from my local library. I made some projects following the written tutorials.I feel one of the best things that happened to me was I found there is a local polymer clay guild where like minded clay artists meet once a month and exchange ideas, craft together. I was hesitant at first to join because I didn’t feel that confident about my skills but my husband encouraged me and eventually I became a member. I learned so much about Polymer clay from my fellow members who themselves are excellent artists.

One day while browsing the internet I saw an image of miniature pancakes stacked and drizzled with syrup. They looked so realistic that I was amazed to know they were made out of clay. It was so thrilling and exciting to see real food in its tiny form! And this led me to explore the world of miniature food. After making miniature waffles, tacos, and pizzas for a while I realized why not experiment with my own cultural Indian cuisine and that’s how I started making miniature Indian foods too like Dosas, Naan, and Curries, Biryanis, and even an assortment of traditional delicacies served on banana leaf.

The skills that helped me the most were definitely practicing my art on daily basis,It’s not that you will create a masterpiece every time but you will definitely learn a lot in just the process of making art.
I also realized for sculpting miniature food your hands are the best tool you can have .Simple everyday objects like toothbrush,toothpick,safety pin and a ceramic tile work wonderfully.

What obstacles you faced and what could you have done better looking back?

Life happens and since I was also pursuing my degree in animation it wasn’t feasible to clay everyday.Looking back I feel I could have managed my time better. Time management is something I struggle till today.I hope I can improve on that in the near future.I also feel apart from Facebook I should have explored more forms of social media to showcase my art. It would have definitely provided more exposure and learnings along the way.

My biggest obstacle is my striving for perfection every time I am making clay art and I find at times I waste my time a lot in doing so. If I unable to sculpt in a certain way I will keep trying till the point of getting frustrated and then giving up. I feel like I should finish everything at one go.

If you are like me the I would definitely recommend to take a break and come back with a fresh perspective and continue your project.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Hello my name is Archana and I am a polymer clay artist .I create clay art using various techniques and sculpting miniature clay food is what I enjoy the most. But sculpting was not something I did since childhood.Growing up I always loved art in various forms like dancing,singing,performing on stage and drawing etc.Maybe it was something I inherited from my artistic mother.Also she used to encourage me to participate in any kind of creative extra curricular activities.This led to me enjoying the process of creating/ performing arts.

I picked up this clay bar in a craft store and was so intrigued when i read it hardens once baked in an oven.I brought some home and kept playing with it and soon got hooked.
It was very creatively satisfying for me to make art, immediately bake it and display my creations as my home decor, And receiving appreciations from friends and family was like the cherry on the cake!

I create creations sculpted using polymer clay such as miniature food magnets, charms, customized gifts like photo frames, return gifts for festivities, wall decor, and jewelry. I specialize in making realistic mini foods that look just like real food but will fit in the palm of your hand.

Achieving realism while sculpting clay food is what excites me the most and I believe sets me apart from others. My biggest compliment is when people mistake my clay food as real food and are eager to give me catering orders!!! My miniature clay foods make one-of-a-kind souvenirs, magnets, and collectibles. They are perfect cute gifts for anyone who loves food.

My most proud moment was when I got a request to make a traditional banana leaf meal magnet from a daughter as a gift to her mother who was moving to USA from India permanently. The daughter said that my creations stir something ancestral in the soul! And that the gift would make her mom feel bit more at home. I felt so happy to hear that. Nothing beats the happiness and creative satisfaction I get each time when I see my art bringing joy into people’s lives. And I am so glad I have this opportunity to represent my culture through my miniature Indian clay food.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started out in 2014 I only shared my creations with my friends and family through my Facebook page.Looking back I think I should have explored more forms of different social media platforms to gain more exposure and more eyes on my art.

When the lockdown happened in 202o I began sculpting more to de stress. At that time I also began posting frequently to my Facebook page and Instagram feed.And I noticed that on Instagram a simple hashtag gets your work noticed by so many people .
I realized the reach was definitely better there .I watched videos of how to use Instagram more efficiently as a creative.Your art matters and you get so much good feedback.The criticism is also equally necessary so one can improve.Also you get to connect with so many artists just like you and at the end it’s all about learning through caring and sharing.

I would advice for anyone just starting out to make your presence on social media.As an artist do not be shy to show your art. Always remember you are your competition and try to be the best version of yourself everyday.Research about more platforms to showcase your art.
Post good quality photos that sets you apart. Learn about basic photography skills etc.
Get inspired but do not compare your work with anyone else. Your uniquenesses is your strength.
Also always engage with fellow creatives. Always be courteous and respectful.

Personally social media has helped me reach larger audience globally.I am so happy to have made friendships online that always motivate me to do my best.The joy my creations brings in people lives is what makes me keeps going.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I mentioned earlier I was always interested in pursuing something creative. But back then in 2002 India when I finished my high school pursuing a creative career didn’t seem feasible.Will it support you financially was the question.Although I feel I should have just stuck to my instincts and pursued something creative professionally.

After Art,Science was something that fascinated me so I pursued that and soon finished my Engineering too.Life happened and I started working with an IT firn.But I soon realized that although I did work hard finishing my duties as a software developer, I wasn’t happy in doing so.I found myself to be a misfit in that world.Around the same time I found the world of 3d movies and hence found away to
combine my technology and art skills.

So in the morning I did my course at a local institution and rest of the day coding at my workplace.
After marriage I headed to USA and that’s when I had to pivot career wise.I decided to quit my IT job and pursue my creative ambitions.It definitely wasn’t easy but due to the support of my family I took the step.
Soon I finished my degree in Animation in Texas and now apart from being a clay artist I am also a 3d artist.
I do face challenges from time to time but I have managed to overcome the obstacles.
Advice to someone trying to focus on their creative abilities is that always have some sort of stable income and pursue your passion on the side. And it’s all right to choose what feels right for and not to anyone else.You are your best friend.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/archcreations136/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArchClayCreations
• Other: Email : [email protected]