Sun City resident Elaine Kadakia’s passion for art has been a lifetime journey.
“As a child, I was always drawing. In high school, my drawing got some recognition and I took Saturday classes at the Art Institute. It was so exciting. I decided to apply for the Bachelor of Arts Program at the Art Institute and I was accepted and earned the degree with an emphasis in art education,” she said.
Elaine Kadakia with her pieces depicting women who have fought for women’s rights. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
Then, Kadakia married her husband, Jayant, and established a home in Springfield, Illinois.
“I kept drawing as I was raising my two daughters. It was there that I joined the American Association of University Women. I have remained an active member, believing in women’s rights in the workplace, gender equality, and reproductive rights.”
Kadakia marched with her daughters in 1976 at the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Rally in Springfield. By 1977, 35 states had ratified the ERA. Illinois ratified the ERA in 2018.
Kadakia combined her passion for art and women’s rights into magnificent ceramic pieces expressing her beliefs in the form of ceramic art.
Kadakia said, “When we moved to Huntley 21 years ago, my sister Josie was taking classes at MCC and I enrolled, taking ceramic classes.”
Kadakia has been taking classes at the college for 15 years as a non-traditional student. She credits her instructor, Tom Vician for the influence on her artwork.
Vician said, “We have a wonderful mix of students in the department and at the college. The mix of students creates an environment that is comfortable for students of all ages. Elaine has combined 21st-century technology with ancient pottery techniques to create spectacular pieces. She used a 3D printer to create a figure and build on that base. The women displayed are those who fought for the ERA. They are ceramic decals that are fired onto the piece.”
“Some of my pieces are influenced by the beautiful colors of India. My husband was from India and we took many trips there. The bright colors of the clothing inspired some of my pieces. The sculpture, Hidden Women, expresses my concern for women who have to wear the all-concealing burkas,” Kadakia said.
Kadakia continues her support for women’s rights; participating recently in the reproductive rights rally in Woodstock and the ME Too protest in McHenry.
For her art, Kadakia incorporates a variety of methods.
Kadakia said, “I used different techniques, like under glazing, and relief carving to express myself about some of the things that were important to me, women’s issues.”
Kadakia’s artwork was selected by the faculty for a solo exhibit. An artist’s reception was held and her work was displayed at the gallery on campus on Thursday, August 25. Her work was on display through the end of August.
Kadakia plans on continuing her classes at the college.
“It’s a wonderful way to express yourself,” she said. “You start with a lump of clay in your hands and it’s a great feeling of satisfaction when you complete a piece that captures your message.”
