Ancient Futures: an Indian Perspective

The phrase ‘ancient futures’ suggests an interesting way forward. Recent trends in the interior architecture and design field (few illustrative examples are discussed in the latter part of this essay) indicate a growing concern to find the perfect balance between the ideologies of the past and the needs of the future. The quest is to … Continue reading Ancient Futures: an Indian Perspective

Marian Hosking–India with a silver lining

Travelling and teaching in India has been a very stimulating visual and cultural experience. The diverse and rich culture especially the architecture and craft practices have had a lasting impact on me and my approach to making. I had used pattern prior to visiting India and was also very interested in printed fabrics. Now I … Continue reading Marian Hosking–India with a silver lining

Roundtable–the need to get the story straight

In Delhi last year, Sangam – the Australia India Design Platformhosted a roundtable and forum to share concepts and issues in global craft and design partnerships. There are many opportunities to link artisans to foreign markets through designers. What are new models for this transnational product development? What are the ethical issues and how might … Continue reading Roundtable–the need to get the story straight

Better World Arts: Friendship calls, from Kaltjiti to Kashmir

[photofade order=’random’] Carolyn Wilson has created a remarkable path between Australia and India, finding a way to jointly promote cultural sustainability of Kashmiri artisans and Aboriginal communities. This unusual but successful conjunction arose partly from answering the call of a friend, twice. Carolyn is the founder of Better World Arts, an organisation that paved new … Continue reading Better World Arts: Friendship calls, from Kaltjiti to Kashmir

Sandra Bowkett–the Company of Potters

In modern times, Australians are more drawn to new technologies than heritage craft traditions. Inevitably though, there are still people who are born with an enduring impulse to make objects of beauty with their hands. Sandra Bowkett is one of those people. Given relative lack of recognition for traditional crafts in her home country, she … Continue reading Sandra Bowkett–the Company of Potters

Sara Thorn in India – how to follow your dream into the real world

Melbourne artist/textile designer Sara Thorn is a remarkable combination of artistic passion and hard-headed business mind. While she travels to India following her heart, she’s capable of dispelling illusions in recognition of the real world. As a pathfinder, she has learnt to follow her heart, but at the same time keep an eye on the … Continue reading Sara Thorn in India – how to follow your dream into the real world

Australia India Design Residency–Reflections by Trent Jansen

I arrived in Delhi late at night and having never spent time in India previously I was of course amazed by the apparent chaos of the place. For a very ordered and organised person, the sights, sounds and machine guns that greeted me at the airport were all a concern. I took a Taxi to … Continue reading Australia India Design Residency–Reflections by Trent Jansen

Thanks, Delhi

The first phase of the Australia India Design Platform concluded in October with a series of generative meetings and lively discussions. Thanks to Vik Kanwar and academic staff at the Jindal Global Law School for providing important research into the comparative use of codes in Australia and India. The reception hosted by the Australian High … Continue reading Thanks, Delhi

The Best of Both Worlds: International Collaborations in Craft & Design

Saturday 22 October 2011 5-7pm National Institute of Fashion Technology amphitheatre Green Park, New Delhi, India (see map) ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ considers the increasing number of transnational partnerships being forged between craft and design. How can we combine the free-wheeling possibilities of modern capitalist world with the grounded meaning of cultural traditions? Typically, … Continue reading The Best of Both Worlds: International Collaborations in Craft & Design

The making of Sangam

A few months ago, I found out about the Australia India Design Platform. This platform is meant to act as a catalyst for creative partnership between the two countries. I was contacted to give a name and identity to this three year program on craft and design. After much thought and consultation, we settled on … Continue reading The making of Sangam

Travelling Responsibly through India

Culture – General Be prepared to be surprised. India is a country of diverse landscapes, languages, customs, religions and cultures and it is home to more than a billion people. What is considered acceptable behaviour in some parts may not be in others. This contrast is probably best observed when you compare the cities to … Continue reading Travelling Responsibly through India