Ulb Art Studio-Chetan Vality

Chetan Vality here from Ulb Art Studio. We are located at Survey No.12, right near Sumit Balwan School in Nimbalkarwadi, Katraj. It’s a bit of a trip to get out here, but it’s worth it for the space we have. The school is a good landmark, though it gets quite noisy when the kids are out on break. Our studio is more of a workshop than a gallery. We’ve got materials scattered around and projects at different stages of being finished. Katraj has a lot of dust because of the new construction, so we are always cleaning the windows. It’s a very local feel. We don't have a receptionist or a waiting room. You just walk in and see us working. The studio at Survey No.12 is where all the actual labor happens. It’s not a polished environment. We have paint stains on the floor and the smell of clay or wood is usually in the air. Nimbalkarwadi is growing fast, but it still feels a bit like the outskirts. We like being near the school because it keeps the energy up. I spend my days mostly in the back, making things. It’s practical work. We don’t spend money on fancy marketing or brochures. We just do the work and let people see it when they come by. It is a simple life for us here, just focusing on what we create.