Art is a procedure of appearance for people who love it. Though, for the artistes themselves, art is like living; it is to some degree that flows in their personality like blood. India has masses of gifted artisans who can showcase brilliant artistry. If you go the deserts of Rajasthan, you will find breath taking blue pots with the most precious designs. If you visit Assam, you will find the sturdiest communities. If you visit the capital of Uttar Pradesh in North India, you will find the laxest Chikankari cloth. If you go to South India, you find the most astounding temple construction. Who creates all this magic? They are done by our very own Indian artisans.
Needle and Thread
When it comes to “Handcrafted in India: Stories of Artisans and their Creations” there is a very popular artist called Fatima Ben who had an extremely humble beginning. She embroiders the most majestic designs on cloth. Although she is over forty five years old, her fingers can move swiftly without stopping. She began her journey after the earthquake in Gujarat which helped her in escaping financial loss and moving forward in life. She trusts that her nana, who trained her to sew, still leaders her as a soul.
Imaginings that are Interlaced in Pashmina
When it comes to “Handcrafted in India: Stories of Artisans and their Creations”, craftsmanship flows in a gentle form in the city of Kashmir. The region is well known for its pashmina shawls, which is so loved that some enthusiasts even call it the soft gold. The Kahmir Loom is an initiative that has provided jobs to thousands of Kashmiri citizens. The pasmina wool comes from the threateningly cool areas of Himalayas from the Changthangi goats. The artisans of Kashmir Loom spins this delicate wool very gently by hand and this task requires a lot of patience. According to various reports, a singular shawl can take many months to complete. However, the result is worth it because the pashmina shawl is the most luxurious shawl that one can ever possess. The craft of papier mache is equally interesting and it is prominent in Jammu. This was introduced in the fourteenth century by persian artists. In the process, the artisan needs to mold layers of paper pulp, dry it and then paint it by hand into whichever designs they like. Artists like Mohammad Ashraf face many market fluctuations because of the cold weather yet they consistently work and create the best pieces.
The Holy Touch of Bronze
In states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, craftsmanship takes on the form of spirituality because the people over there often associate craftsmanship with the carvings done on temples. In the city of Swamimalai near Thanjavur, there live a group of artisans and they call themselves the bronze casters. When we discuss about “Handcrafted in India: Stories of Artisans and their Creations” these people state that they are the heirs to the traditional Chola artisans and they are regaining the art of wax casting. The idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva that they create are almost breathtaking to see. Each step is very important to them. At first, they shape their wax model. Then they cover it in clay. Afterward that, they dissolve it so that it forms a deep mold. In that mold, they prudently pour in liquefied bronze and pause for it to calm. Later, they polish the statue with hand and give it good finishing and detailing with their tools.
In conclusion, all these stories of artisans deserve recognition because they showcase what kind of talent our country truly beholds.
Author
Shreeja Mukherjee