"From Earth to Home: Bringing Terracotta to Life"
A creative practice rooted in terracotta, where earth is shaped into sculptures that become lamps, vases, and décor pieces and inspired by both nature and modern design. Vikas, founder of MittySitty shares a belief that design should carry warmth and meaning, allowing people to live with pieces that are not just decorative but deeply connected to the spaces they inhabit.
Why did terracotta become your medium of choice
How did the idea for Mittysitty first come to life?
Terracotta has always felt natural to me, earthy, sustainable, and timeless, carrying traces of both history and modern design. I also share a personal bond with it, coming from Nizamabad in Azamgarh, a place known for its unique black terracotta and special baking process. Even during my academic years, I found myself returning to this medium, it felt closest to me and the most honest way to express myself.
The idea began with a simple thought, I didn’t want my sculptures to remain confined to galleries, seen by only a few. I wanted them to live in everyday spaces, in people’s homes. That’s how Mitttysitty was born: to create sculptures that are both functional and artistic; lamps, vases, décor pieces that blend creativity with daily life.
How do you transform a simple utility object into something that also feels like sculptural artwork?
My process always begins with the sculpture itself, I see it as a form in space rather than just a functional object. Once the form takes shape, I adapt it into a lamp, vase, or décor piece that can blend into daily life. This way, the art stays true to itself while becoming something people can use and connect with. A lamp, for example, isn’t only about light, it’s a sculpture that adds presence, atmosphere, and a touch of nature to a room.
Which piece from your collection feels closes to your heart and why ?
That would be my “Shifting Horizons” series. The pieces have suspended, delicate elements that connect like branches, crowned with a glowing globe light. It was technically challenging and deeply personal for me. What makes it special is how it captures fragility and strength coexisting within a single form.
What have been the biggest challenges in running a handcrafted brand like Mittysitty from scaling production to educating customers about the craft?
The hardest part has been balancing art with business. Each piece takes time, patience, and handwork, so scaling up without losing the soul of the craft is challenging. Transportation adds another layer because the works are delicate and handmade, moving them safely means extra care, special packaging, and sometimes even rethinking logistics. It can be stressful, but it’s also taught me that protecting the craft takes as much effort as creating it.
How do you manage the financial aspect of this business?
It’s always a balancing act. Working at a design firm gives me financial stability while allowing me to keep experimenting with terracotta. Alongside that, I take on commissions and collaborations. Since handcrafted work isn’t about mass production, I focus on people who value quality and sustainability. It’s not always easy, but staying true to the craft has helped me connect with clients who genuinely appreciate the effort and detail in each piece.
If you could go back and give your 12-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Finally, how do you personally define success as both an artist and an entrepreneur?
Mitttysitty was always on my mind. In Varanasi, I thought I’d start once I moved to Delhi. In Delhi, it felt too overwhelming, so I considered going back to Varanasi. Then I told myself I’d begin once I had a job. In waiting for the “perfect time,” I lost 3–4 years.
I’m not in a position to give advice or claim great success, but if I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: don’t wait. There’s never a perfect moment. Every small step counts, and what feels uncertain today can grow into something much bigger tomorrow.
For me, success isn’t about sales or recognition, it’s about connection. When someone brings home one of my lamps and it feels like more than a product, like a presence in their space, that’s success. On the business side, it’s about building a sustainable path for handcrafted design, where art and livelihood coexist without compromising meaning. Honestly, I’ve just begun this journey. Real success, for me, will come gradually, step by step, as I keep learning, creating, and exploring what terracotta can become.