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Under AHVY (Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hasthshilp Vikas Yojna), a handicraft development scheme by the government of India, Industree Crafts Foundation (ICF) was given the natural fibre handicraft project for identifying artisans, skill upgradation, design development, formation of producer institutions, and market linkages all over India. The objective of my diploma project was to design handicrafts using natural fibre by involving artisans and also supporting their empowerment. Understanding the material, techniques, and producers enabled me to work with artisans, along with observing and studying the relevant consumer group, and arriving at appropriate design solutions. I explored the possibility of using the traditional techniques and skills. Details, forms, and colour palettes were worked out while unifying the traditional knowledge with the contemporary taste of the consumer. The end products were surfaces and bags for the urban rich. I also participated in exhibitions at Bengaluru and gained a market overview to understand the consumers’ tastes, preferences, and beliefs. The emphasis was on sustainability and the four Ps - profit, people, planet, and proactiveness. The aim was to develop simple designs which could be easily absorbed in one’s routine lifestyle, and sensitise the consumers about sustainability. This evolution was brought about by using methods such as apt value addition to natural materials, development of new techniques, introducing new forms and colour and other elements of accessory design. |
