As a student at the National Institute of Fashion Technology working with the Ministry of Textile, Govt. of India. 2012
Team: Pankhuri Kanwar, Ridhi Brahmwar, Supriya, Uttara Garg, Veer Vaidya, Yakshit Goel
The Craft Cluster Initiative of the Institute is a carefully developed formula for integrating the crafts sector of the country with the mainstream. NIFT, with active support from the Ministry of Rural Development, Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts & Handlooms) and National Centre for Jute Development is developing and implementing a craft cluster initiative towards the overall progress of craft, the cottage industry and vocational activities. The intention of the project is to involve NIFT’s professional capabilities in the areas of design, technology, marketing and management along with external expertise, and synergise all developmental activities by various government and non-government agencies. http://www.nift.ac.in/ccini.html
A 200 year old craft in India, is still bursting with innocence and colours. Channapatna Craft from the state of Karnataka, India flaunts lathe turned wooden lacquerware toys using vegetable dyes. The cluster initiative involved learning the craft and understanding the lifestyle of the artisans by a 10 days in field interaction. It involved a documentation of the craft by carefully mapping out a SWOT analysis, the current paradigm and how we foresee change. It followed by introducing design interventions and making product collections that the artisans could incorporate in their craft practices.
A stop motion film explaining how the lac coloured wooden toys during the time of Tipu Sultan came from Persia to India. The movie walks through all the steps of making a toy and how it helps the locals and particularly women working with Self-Help Groups to earn their livelihood and that in turn positively affects India as a country.
Product Collection - Mirrors
A range of mirror products incorporating the traditional craft where a surface technique of multi-layer lac application has been experimented with. This experience left me more knowledgeable about the craft that dwells 70kms from my reach. The shortcomings and the specialties that make it a Geographically indicated craft of India.
This project is under construction...