Sculpting Memories

Reshma Kadam makes 3D sculptures of hands and feet of babies to preserve memories of moments

When Reshma Kadam had her first baby in 2006, she was looking for innovative ways of making a memoir. It was then that she recalled the artwork she had come across on her earlier visit to the UK. She remembered 3D sculptures that were a fad in London to preserve memories of moments. After some research on the internet, she decided to learn the art. "A relative helped me find an artist in Amsterdam who teaches this art form and has been in the business for over 20 years. It takes a lot of time to learn and also depends on how fast you grasp the knack or how skilled you are," says Kadam, who initially learnt the art as a hobby and made 3D sculptures for her friends and family. In 2007, when she felt she was ready, she launched Impressive Memoirs, the brand under which she showcased her works at the Finders and Takers Bazaar, held at Malaka Spice this weekend.

Over the years she has made over 600 3D sculptures of hands and feet, sometimes, even of two-hour old babies. The material she uses is imported from Amsterdam. It is a custard-like substance that comes pre-packed. "I take the impressions of the baby's hand or feet by dipping them in the substance. It dries quickly and captures all the fine details. The material is non-toxic and skin-friendly, even for the newborns," says Kadam. The impressions are made into 3D sculptures and plated with either gold, silver, bronze or copper, according to the choice of the client.

Dealing with babies is not an ordeal for her. Having two daughters — Ira and Kyra — she is aware of the patience required with babies. "Even though the process is very quick and gets over before the baby realises what is happening, I take time to let the babies be comfortable so that they are relaxed and the impression comes out perfectly," says the 31-year-old artist.

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