Chikankari–How to protect the fragile thread that connects generations

Minna Loft, a graduate from jewellery at Monash University, reflects on her recent experience learning about Indian crafts in northern India India never ceases to amaze me, continually impressive and unpredictable. The generosity that I have experienced in India is breathtaking. I recently headed back there for my own research and intrigue. With previous experience … Continue reading Chikankari–How to protect the fragile thread that connects generations

Carole Douglas builds partnerships for a less lonely planet

One of the greatest testimonies to Indian textiles is the deep commitment it solicits in others. Carole Douglas has dedicated many years of her life to honouring the craft traditions of Kutch – a remote desert area of NW India and sharing a border with Pakistan. For Douglas, her involvement with textiles and the arts … Continue reading Carole Douglas builds partnerships for a less lonely planet

Happy Hands opens a new door for craft in the city

Medhavi Gandhi from the foundation Happy Hands talks about the need to develop creative potential among craftspersons, particularly to connect to new urban markets. What made you interested in craft? At first, I did not even know how many types of crafts or arts our country could boast of – but as an intern for … Continue reading Happy Hands opens a new door for craft in the city

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

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

Packaging Bollywood for Downunder–The Zaishu story

In February 2006 I flew to India from Australia with camera man Mike Crowhurst, production manager Shalu Sood and my father Ken Butler to embark on a one month community art / design project that I had dreamt up the year before. My task was to see if it was possible to generate employment for … Continue reading Packaging Bollywood for Downunder–The Zaishu story