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Reimagining Bagh: A Young Artisan’s Fascinating Journey
The flowing waters of the Baghini, the chemistry of colors derived from nature and the wondrous craftsmanship of artisans who live the craft…the bold yet feminine Bagh print has had everything going for it. Except in the last few years when it’s had to grapple with challenges like eroding traditional markets, changing customer preferences and…
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A Revival Story: Kalakshetra Foundation reinvents the Kodali Karuppur saree
Everyone knows about (and possibly owns!) a vibrantly-hued Kanjeevaram, a Chettinadu saree or a richly woven Benarasi. But there are some gems like the Kodali Karuppur saree in this filled-to-the-brim treasure trove of Indian weaves, that are just waiting to be unearthed. The Kodali Karuppur evolved under the patronage of the Maratha ruler of Tanjore…
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Color Play: How Holi Is Celebrated In Different Parts Of India
Swathed in the pinks and greens of abir and gulal, in bright purples and blues and vibrant yellows with streaks of silver; gujiyas, dahi vadas and kanji; the mandatory and still fresh rang barse being belted out on dholaks in bhang-infused voices…could this be anything but Holi – the festival that celebrates the arrival of…
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This Women’s Day, Let’s Change The Lives Of Saree Weavers
A handloom lover’s delight, the Pochampally saree is a study in warp and weft. As delightful as the weave is, making each piece is extremely laborious and draining. Young girls and women weavers spend six to eight hours every day, making patterns (ASU) for the sarees, moving their hand 18000 times to set over 25…
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A Beautiful Yarn: The last ply split braider’s journey from designer to artisan
With a lush ponytail and what seem like a dozen gold rings, Erroll Pires Nelson certainly has some serious style. At 6 feet 3 inches, he also towers over almost everyone. That persona evaporates the second he starts talking in his gentle, dulcet tone, telling the story of how he, an ex-National Institute of Design…
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Helping the hands that make magic: Jaypore partners with Kala Raksha Trust
Suf and kharek – just two of the embroidery styles that The Kala Raksha Trust – a grassroots social enterprise does in Kutch – has helped revive. In its newest initiative, the trust plans to train 100 women artisans to becomes skilled in working on museum quality textiles (embroidery that’s exquisite but dwindling). The program…
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Why the ‘Living Lightly: Journeys with Pastoralists’ exhibition is important
Living Lightly: Journeys with Pastoralists is a special exhibition that is on at the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi till December 18th, 2016. Curated by Sushma Iyengar, it tells the story of pastoralism through craft, art, food, poetry and music. It creates a platform for intersection and interaction for pastoral communities from…
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Vankars of Kutch: Preserving Traditions Of The Loom
Once upon a time, the nomadic, pastoral communities of Kutch roamed the salted marshes and the wetlands and traded with others for food and clothing. The roaming Rabaris who were sheep and camel herders supplied the Vankars or the traditional weavers with wool to turn into fabric. The Vankars and their entire families spent days,…
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Re-Inventing Khadi: A New Design Direction
Breathable, rhythmic, textured, a blank canvas, versatile – just some of the words used by people who have fallen for the charms of the homegrown khadi. Not only does this handspun fabric come with an entire nation’s history behind it, it is one of the most conscious and environmentally friendly. After years of being weighed…
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India Inspires Global Design!
When elements from India find their way into the homes of top designers, artists and tastemakers across the world, it not just makes for a beautiful picture, but also makes you smile for the world finally takes notice of the immense beauty held in our subcontinent! Tell us which one you enjoyed the most! Australian…
Storytellers of Wonder 