Kalamkari, an ancient temple art, has received a fresh breath of life through the patronization of
some popular fashion designers. From being the backdrops of deities in temples, it is now an embellishment
on exquisite designer wear. In the process, many artists would have received a fresh source of income and
support. This is probably a good case of a traditional craft undergoing some 'innovation' to evolve and
sustain itself.
However, it is not always easy to find contemporary design smoothly blended in traditional crafting methods. Most traditional crafts are closely linked to the lives, beliefs and customs of the people - with every motif, colour and theme having its own symbolism and purpose. Transforming them into articles of urban interest may dissolve the sanctity attached to their creation and use. Artisans employed for creating commercial products have often confessed that their best works were those done for their personal or community interests.
There have been other successful instances of Designer-Artisan interaction where contemporary needs and styles have been seamlessly integrated in a traditional craft, giving birth to beautiful, saleable products while providing a viable livelihood option for the artisan community. Still, such interactions are viewed with scepticism as the relationship, if not guided is the right direction, could work harm for the artisan in the long run. The book 'Designers Meet Artisans' showcases few successful case studies of Designer-Artisan interaction in India and Colombia.
One such case is that of the potters of Aruvacode in north Kerala who received the boon of new life through the guidance and hard work of K.B.Jinan, an Engineer and Designer. Jinan came as a Messiah to the lives of these impoverished artisans more than a decade ago, when their craft and skill were on the brink of extinction. Together, they gave birth to 'Kumbham'(meaning clay pots) which is now becoming a 'brand' in terracotta pottery and murals.
In Jinan's own words, "More significant, but also less visible to the outside world, is Kumbham's contribution to the rehabilitation of an entire community of traditional crafts persons. Their growing confidence in their ability to design and produce saleable terracotta ware without recourse to 'development consultants' or 'improved technologies' is a measure of their heightened self-worth and in all probability a change that will outlast Kumbham itself."
What has to be appreciated about Jinan's approach is that he never taught anything to the potters! He kindled their creativity and encouraged them to think freely about products and accessories that can be used in daily life. Jinan's creative senses helped Kumbham in launching wide range of architectural products like garden furniture, landscaping products and terracotta tiles. The most innovative product, however, is the Kumbham terracotta mural. Visit Kumbham to view their entire product range.
However, it is not always easy to find contemporary design smoothly blended in traditional crafting methods. Most traditional crafts are closely linked to the lives, beliefs and customs of the people - with every motif, colour and theme having its own symbolism and purpose. Transforming them into articles of urban interest may dissolve the sanctity attached to their creation and use. Artisans employed for creating commercial products have often confessed that their best works were those done for their personal or community interests.
There have been other successful instances of Designer-Artisan interaction where contemporary needs and styles have been seamlessly integrated in a traditional craft, giving birth to beautiful, saleable products while providing a viable livelihood option for the artisan community. Still, such interactions are viewed with scepticism as the relationship, if not guided is the right direction, could work harm for the artisan in the long run. The book 'Designers Meet Artisans' showcases few successful case studies of Designer-Artisan interaction in India and Colombia.
One such case is that of the potters of Aruvacode in north Kerala who received the boon of new life through the guidance and hard work of K.B.Jinan, an Engineer and Designer. Jinan came as a Messiah to the lives of these impoverished artisans more than a decade ago, when their craft and skill were on the brink of extinction. Together, they gave birth to 'Kumbham'(meaning clay pots) which is now becoming a 'brand' in terracotta pottery and murals.
In Jinan's own words, "More significant, but also less visible to the outside world, is Kumbham's contribution to the rehabilitation of an entire community of traditional crafts persons. Their growing confidence in their ability to design and produce saleable terracotta ware without recourse to 'development consultants' or 'improved technologies' is a measure of their heightened self-worth and in all probability a change that will outlast Kumbham itself."
What has to be appreciated about Jinan's approach is that he never taught anything to the potters! He kindled their creativity and encouraged them to think freely about products and accessories that can be used in daily life. Jinan's creative senses helped Kumbham in launching wide range of architectural products like garden furniture, landscaping products and terracotta tiles. The most innovative product, however, is the Kumbham terracotta mural. Visit Kumbham to view their entire product range.
