ANNIVERSARY FOCUS

Celebrating creators, designers and makers who are blurring the line between design and art, and are reviving crafts by transforming them into something meaningful, modern and luxurious

A chat with creators, designers and makers who are transforming the world of craft raf

Niharika Rajput (Paper Chirrups)

“I believe in realism as it represents the subject truthfully. Nature has always been the most intricate and sophisticated mechanism and my aim has always been to be able to replicate that to the very last detail. Through my work, I also try to spread awareness of endangered birds around the world.”

Revati Jayakrishnan (Rare Studios by Revati)

“Inspired by geometric patterns, I think of these as a visual manifestation of intricately linked units similar to how events, people, experiences and memories interconnect in our lives. A pattern would be incomplete and non-functional if even a single unit was placed in a different order or removed completely. I also find the illusion of three-dimensionality and infinity intriguing. I have incorporated these ideas to create ceramic works that are interactive and also challenge the preconceptions about the fragility of the material and the methods of making and displaying.”

Sahiba Madan (Kalakaari Haath)

“I am inspired by one of the oldest documented tribal art Gond as there is a strong sense of story telling in this art form, which we closely relate to. In terms of style, the art form is created by putting together dots and lines. The imaginative use of the line imparts a sense of movement to the still images. This style of illustration is very close to our obvious aesthetic and almost naturally ties in with most of our work.”

Pravinsinh Solanki

“The minimal, simple and elegant traditional basketry craft of North East India has inspired me. The form, the function and the finesse of baskets are mind-blowing. My works with bamboo, especially hangers are more form driven. I have given a new life through designs to bamboo pieces that talk about luxury and have a class.”

Sarthak Sengupta & Sahil Bagga (Sarthak Sahil Design Co)

“We work with a wide range of artisans from different parts of India, but if we have to choose one, our favourite would be traditional metal craft techniques such as chasing and repousse, filigree and jali cutting, and bell metal casting. Our Kerala Sutra collection of lights and installations are inspired by the traditional metal crafts of Kerala, re-contextualised to create contemporary bespoke pieces, blurring the line between art and design.”

Priyanka Narula

(The Wicker Story by Prelab Design Studio)

“The art of weaving fascinates me. India is abundant in woven skills both in fashion and furniture and thus we have started adapting it to complex geometries and innovative space solutions. Our work is inspired by the nostalgia of the childhood memories, and is a reverence towards tradition and a reason to regenerate craft.”

Valay Gada (Cobalt Designs)

“Benarasi metal crafts that involve chasing and repousse have been my primary medium of expression. Our recent collection of planters are steampunk meets Ellora rock cut cave columns interpretations of tulsi planters from the Konkan coast. While modern in form, they involve the very same traditional techniques and tools.”

Nupur Kapoor (Neter Living)

“The aim is to change the way world views handcrafts by rejuvenating ecosystems of hand-making across the globe. Our collections are inspired by a heritage craft and we keep the core design elements of the craft intact and co-create directly with artisan communities to evolve the craft in forms that are relevant for a modern, global, eclectic audience.”

Nikieta Sharma (Nikkiesha)

“I started the venture with my mother Shashi Sharma with a penchant to revive the intricate and traditional art form of Phulkari by introducing it into home decor in aesthetically playful avant-garde designs. Our collection is rooted in tradition, yet has a contemporary and luxurious feel.”

Ankon Mitra (Hexagramm Design)

“I work with the Japanese art and craft of Origami, Kirigami, Gyotaku, Shibori and Yosegi. I love to find parallels in Indian craft traditions, which synergies and complement the Japanese arts, marrying them to create something contemporary where the East Meets Far East. What excites me the most is the techniques, which take a flat surface material and manipulate it to make it three dimensional.”