The Artisans Blog

Art in the time of Corona

With Corona positive cases skyrocketing, small-scale and large-scale businesses facing losses, jobs being affecting, and people losing their minds due to the isolation, we are undoubtedly living in difficult times. But on the brighter side, we are creating history for it is not every day that a pandemic halts the entire globe from functioning normally.

This iconic period sure deserved to be captured in many art forms. Ranging from drawing rainbows on windows to thank NHS workers to graffiti on walls and illustrations/graphics on social media, artists are doing their best to capture this event in art.

Hence, we could not help but wonder if the role of arts and crafts in this time goes beyond solidarity and gratitude.
Research proved that art is not only a form of expression but is also a very effective therapy/remedy for releasing stress and easing anxiety. The lockdown, isolation, boredom, financial pressure, news updates, etc., could be a lot to deal with.

What better way to spend your time with your loved ones and/or by yourself than to get those paints, papers, scissors, glue, and everything you can find and get down to making art.

We have listed a few ideas for you. Read on!

• Watercolors are arguably one of the most easily available mediums that people with zero to professional expertise can use. Grab a nice thick sheet (preferably 300gsm watercolor sheets), brushes, water, and some colors and get started.

You can try your hand at traditional painting styles such as Warli, Madhubani, Tanjore paintings, Pattachitra, etc., for inspiration.

They have a sense of richness to them owing to their age’s long heritage.

While you are at it, teach your kid a thing or two about the history of the painting style. This will keep their interested, engaged while also helps keep the traditional art alive.

• Grab some jute ropes that come with packages, a pair of scissors, glue, and some paints of your choice (watercolors tend to get absorbed. We recommend acrylics or poster colors).

Pick one end of the rope and start rolling this to create a circular pattern. As you roll, make sure you apply generous quantities of glue so that it stays in place and the craft becomes rigid. Cut the other end of the rope and stick in it place for a smoother finish.

You can either color the craft or leave it as it is and use it as a coaster, wall hanging, etc. Get creative with your ideas.

• If you want to take up a bigger, more time-demanding project, consider giving your house/room a makeover or maybe paint a wall in your chosen style. You may have to purchase wall paints if you are considering repainting the walls.

Decide a theme, chalk a plan, and start having fun!

You can make some paintings, frame them, and hang them in your room. Spice up the space with some fairy lights.

Grab some old plastic bottles and paint them using acrylic colors. You can use them to place stationery, creeper plants, or just as showpieces, and they will instantly make the room look artsy.

Some amazing art channels like Iteeha, Kesh, and social media handles like Etsy India, and of course, Pinterest will help you boost your ever-expanding creative streak.

A Technique as Old as Time Finds Relevance Today

The Lost Wax Casting method dates back to almost 4000 years ago and the oldest artefacts were perhaps our first form of expression and art for early settlers, right after cave painting. There is reason to believe that the first civilization in Indus Valley used this technique extensively.

Now improvised and developed, it is used as a method to create many fine sculptures and is considered a heritage of the Dhokra Damar tribes of Eastern India (West Bengal and Odisha) and hence the name, Dhokra metal casting. Over time these tribes traveled far and wide to the north, west, and south making this style of craft popular across the globe. 

The traditional process of wax casting involves creating a wax structure of the final image. Beeswax is usually used for this purpose. The wax structure is then covered in a thick mixture of sand and plaster which are then heated until the wax inside melts away. This creates a negative of the image- meaning the mold. Hot liquified metal is then poured into this mold and left to cool down and set. The artisans then proceed to break the sand and plaster mold revealing the metal sculpture. The sculpture is cleaned and smoothened giving the final output. 

This method is famous for its tribal and primitive look owing to its stark motifs and forceful forms. 

Displayed here is a Dhokra brass work by our artisans depicting figures of a tribal couple. Tribes hold a significant place in India for their heritage and culture and yet live a backward and shielded life, finding themselves meager jobs to sustain their families. This statue stands testimony to their simplicity- we see a tribal couple frozen in time as they do about their daily chores. The nature of the art is visible in the intricate casting of their clothing and jewellery as well as the precision in the objects they carry.

In solidarity with the artisans of the east

It has barely been a year since the catastrophic cyclone Fani hit the streets of Odisha and the state received yet another major blow by cyclone Amphan. These calamities coupled with the COVID-19 lockdown have done no good to the local artisans of Odisha who are struggling to make their ends meet.

This eastern state is a heritage hub for the country as it houses the famous Puri Jagannath temple and the Konark Sun temple that have many tales, folklore, and legends revolving around them. They are also of immense religious significance.

Odisha is also home to the centuries-old Pattachitra painting style which translates to painting on cloth. Traditional Pattachitra artists, known as Chitrakaras, have been involved in keeping the art alive for many generations now.

However, due to lack of adequate patronage, such artisans, and other craftsmen all around the country often find themselves in poor financial conditions which forces them to look for other jobs.

What was already a pitiful condition only got worsened because of the many calamities and disasters hitting the country and world at large this year.

These are artisans that earn their day-to-day income by working in a traditional fashion of carrying their produce to the market and selling them. Because of the extensive lockdown to curb the Coronavirus from spreading, markets have been shut down and as a result, their sales!

While the government and the NGOs are doing everything in their capacity to offer relief and comfort to such small-scale vendors, it is about time that we view things in a larger scenario. An old saying goes, “If you want to feed someone for life, teach them how to fish.”

The Post-pandemic world is visualized to be digital. It would take a considerable time for the public to recover from the blow of the virus and many would not return to the streets and markets quickly.

It is therefore important that artisans adopt a proactive approach and take their art online. It would be a viable solution to help educate the artisans and acquaint them to the digital world so that they continue making art.

Artisans looking for jobs outside the arts and crafts industry poses the risk of the traditional art forms being lost in time. It is therefore our responsibility to stand in solidarity with the artisans and promote them, ensuring that they live a financially stable, dignified life.

We, at Artisanscrest are proud to be helping local, traditional artisans by giving their arts and crafts exposure on our website.

When you support our artisans, they can keep the rich culture and traditions of India alive. Shop #localart and be #vocalforlocal

How You Can Support Artisan Small Businesses During This Time

In the wake of the ongoing lockdown due to the COVID19 pandemic, many industries such as hospitality, transportation, apparel, food and beverages, manufacturing and construction, etc. have been hit severely. 

One industry that is also suffering a severe setback is the art and craft industry.

A vast section of the rural population is employed in this industry and many artisans follow these traditions for hundreds of years. They are almost completely dependent on their craft to feed themselves and their families.

Despite their significance, artisans in India are often not remunerated fairly and they have been facing a financial crisis for a long time. The lockdown only worsened the situation for them.

It is, therefore, necessary that in this time of crisis, we join hands together and lift them up.

1. Financial aids and donations

While the government does its job of providing financial aid and packages to the affected sectors, we can do our part by donating to NGOs that work for the welfare of local artisans.

2. Choose local products over imported goods

India is quite equipped and capable of manufacturing good quality products and merchandise. Indian art is also rich and vibrant. Unfortunately, there exists a fad for imported goods and artefacts.

It is time that we honor our Prime Minister’s appeal of #vocalforlocal. Let us choose to empower and lift our artisans instead of opting for relying on imports.

3. Promote them and their work

An old saying goes, “if you want to feed a man for a day, give him food. If you want to feed him for life, teach him to fish.”

In this digital era, everything is available at a click. Internet and eCommerce is a very vital source of income even for artisans. Local artisans hailing from rural backgrounds, however, do not have access and knowledge to sell online.

We as fellow citizens with access to the internet and social media can help them by promoting their works. Giving them a shoutout, shooting a documentary, writing a blog, etc. are ways one can contribute.

There are also websites that actively engage in hosting artefacts and handicrafts designed and crafted by local, traditional artisans.

We at Artisanscrest take pride in being one of them where we bring together exquisite pieces of handmade paintings, sculptures, woodworks, textiles, jewellery, and more.

You can also support the artisans’ work by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

4. Engage them in teaching

It is a sad reality that due to unfair and inadequate remuneration, more and more heirs of traditional artisanal families are opting for jobs outside the arts and crafts industry. If this curve continues, there will soon be a time when Indian art becomes history.

Schools and other institutes can organise paid programs where artisans engage in teaching students the traditional process of making different forms of art. 

This will ensure more income for artisans while also keeps the art alive in young generations.

It is our duty and responsibility that we uplift our economy in an effective and all-inclusive manner. Let us become #atmanirbhar and support/empower Indian manufacturers, companies, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

The Circle of Life as Depicted in Lord Buddha's Teachings

Around 567 B.C.E, a prince took birth in the Shakya clan. 12 years before his birth, it was prophesied that this lad would grow up to either a world-renowned king or would lead his life as an ascetic. To prevent the latter from happening, his father, the chief of the clan decided to isolate him from the rest of the world.

The prince, named Siddhartha Gautama grew up knowing only riches and luxuries. But as fate would have it, one day he witnessed a sick man, an old man, and a corpse. Having not been prepared to face the realities of the world, this sight made him restless. He was troubled with questions relating to the existence, survival, suffering, disease, poverty and more. 

He decided to find answers for himself and hence, at a young age of 29, the prince of the Shakya clan of modern-day Nepal Siddhartha Gautama left his kingdom, wife, children, riches, and luxuries to follow a path so unconventional that even now, hundreds of years later, he is remembered and worshipped by a number of people around the world as “Gautama Buddha” meaning “the enlightened one”.

He spent about 6 years of his life seeking answers to the turmoil in society. As part of this endeavor, he met a number of ascetics, scholars and more. He then meditated under a Bodhi tree for several days, concentrating on his thoughts. It is said that in his meditation he caught a glimpse of his life and his previous lives and also encountered a demon called Mara. Crossing the hurdles, he ultimately attained enlightenment and made it his life’s aim to preach and teach to the world.

An iconic feature of his teaching was his use of hands to form different poses (mudras), each conveying a deeper message. The Vitarka mudra shown here is performed by joining the tips of the thumb and the index finger together while the other three fingers point upwards. It is said that the joining of thumb and index finger to form a circle symbolizes the constant flow of energy and information.

In all its grandeur, our skilled team of artisans can provide this wooden sculpture of the Lord in your desired dimensions and specifications.

The Wrath of Mahishasura Mardini

Devi Durga, also identified by the name Adi Parashakti is the warrior goddess of heaven whose stories revolve around wars fought over evil to restore peace and justice.

The famous of all and the reason for her incarnation is the story of Mahishasura. He was a mighty demon who could take the form of any animal but most often appeared as a buffalo. Indian mythology narrates that Mahishasura performed penance for Lord Brahma to appear and grant him the boon of being invincible. He demanded that no man or animal can harm him. he believed that a woman cannot fight him.

As is customary, Lord Brahma granted him the boon. With the confidence of his new-found "immortality",  he soon began to conquer the universe and caused chaos in the Trilok (the hell, the heaven, and the earth). Unable to defeat him, the gods decided to approach Lord Vishnu for a solution and thus, to defeat him was created the incarnation of Mahadevi. 

She was bestowed with Lord Shiva’s trident, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Brahma’s Kamandalam, Lord Indra’s Vajrayudham,  Varuna’s Conch, Agni’s Missiles, Vayu’s bow and arrows and Lord Vishwakarma’s axe while the Himalayas gave her a lion to ride on.

Armed with divine weapons, Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura in a fierce battle that lasted for over ten days and hence the title Mahishasura Mardini meaning "the slayer of Mahishasura".  It is in this form of her defeating the demon, armed with weapons and seated on a lion that she is often portrayed and sculptured.

The story of Lord Durga defeating the buffalo demon is an often narrated tale in Shaktism- a cult in Hinduism where Shakti (the feminine power) is worshipped. It is also mentioned in their sacred scripture called the Devi Mahatmya. 

A historic city in the southern state of Karnataka called Mysore gets its name from the goddess. People of the place recall the killing of Mahisharura by Devi Durga during Navratri and Mysore Dasara where grand festivities are organized in great pomp to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. 

Our traditional artists with their fine craftsmanship manage to capture this divine moment on a piece of cloth. This style of art originates in Odisha and is called Pattachitra- literally meaning "art on cloth". Stark features of this art form include the usage of bright pigments that are often made using natural elements and an intricately designed border on each painting. 

This painting can be customized according to your needs. Find the link for this painting here: https://www.artisanscrest.in/products/painting-pattachitra-durga-09

Goddess Saraswati- Making Process of the Sculpture

At Artisanscrest we always strive to keep alive the beauty and grandeur of traditional Indian art. For this, we work with local artisans who are each skilled in their own style ranging from Pattachitra Paintings and Kerala Murals to Dhokra Brass Works and exquisite sculptures.

It is also our attempt that we cater to all the needs of our customers so they receive a piece of art that is customized to suit their requirements and one that will stay a prized possession to them for a very long time.

In our journey, it always motivates us when we receive kind appreciation from our customers.

Annapurna Dixit, a patron and art connoisseur, recently purchased a sculpture of Goddess Saraswati made out of black stone from us.

She said, “It is looking beautiful as it is- just what I imagined Goddess Saraswati would look like”.

Everything we create is with love and passion. Hearing such words of praise from art aficionados makes us twice as determined to continue the good work.

Our deepest thanks to the lady.

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The Eternal Banyan Tree

Mankind mainly derives the necessary elements for sustenance from nature and forests in particular. It is but no surprise that trees are widely worshiped and many mythological tales revolve around them.

Hindu scriptures say that just like humans and other spiritual beings, trees also have within their kind species that have achieved the highest rank of existence. Two such trees often took mention throughout mythology- Peepal Tree (Pippala Vruksham) and Banyan Tree (Vata Vruksham). 

The Vata-Vriksha or the Banyan tree has for centuries now been regarded as the most eternal form of existence. There is one particular tree called the Akshaya Vata on which many scriptures, tales, and mythologies are based.

It is said that the great sage Markandeya once asked Lord Shiva for an example of eternal existence in answer to which he received a divine vision from Lord Shiva where he saw terrifying destruction of the world marking the end. Floodwaters rose and submerged the entire world in them but one tree- the Akshaya Vata- stood tall and unaffected, after which it received the title of immortality. The sage also saw Lord Krishna cradled on the leaves of this tree as a baby signifying that every older generation (in this case- the world) will be replaced by a new one that follows.

Metaphorically representing this, the roots of a Banyan tree fall out of its branches and reach the ground out of which a new tree takes birth representing the flow from old to new. 

It is under these Banyan trees that great sages and hermits including Lord Shiva and Gautama Buddha are seen performing their penances and preaching.

This Pattachitra painting, meaning a painting done on a dried palm leaf called patta, depicts this eternal banyan tree as the largest of all, portraying its superiority and immortality. Around it, we can find animals, birds and other life forms flourishing in abundance while the waters flow in all their purity.

This handmade artifact, in all its artistic grandeur, reiterates the idea of sustainable development and reminds one as to why we need to protect and preserve our nature.

This beautiful piece of art can be customized to suit your needs and can be a great addition to your collection of paintings. 

Find the product here: https://www.artisanscrest.in/products/painting-pattachitra-eternal-banyan-tree-01-1

Tresses And Beauty

Shades of India- How the country celebrates the Harvest Festival

India is predominantly a land of agriculture and festivals. It is hence no surprise that the season of harvest is celebrated with much grandeur, with great joy across the country. The only aspect that varies is how each state welcomes the season in their own unique manner.

Tamil Nadu- Pongal

Pongal is a four-day long festival celebrated in the Southern state of India- Tamil Nadu. The word ‘Pongal’ literally means ‘to boil’. It is named so because on the second day of Pongal- Thai Pongal, people prepare a sweet dish by boiling rice and milk together (Kheer) which is offered to the Sun god.

The festival commences by honouring Lord Indra on the first day. People collect old household items and burn them in a bonfire made of cow dung cakes.

On the third day called the Mattu Pongal, people worship cattle as they play an eminent role in growing crops. Legend has it that once upon a time, Lord Shiva sent his servant Nandi on earth to inform people that they should bath daily and eat once a month. Nandi however, mis-informed people that they should eat daily and bath once a month. An angry Lord Shiva then sent Nandi on earth to help farmers grow more crops.

On the last day of Pongal-Kannum Pongal, people enjoy a mini picnic in their courtyard with left over kheer, betel leaves, etc.

Andhra Pradesh- Sankranthi

Andhra Pradesh celebrates the harvest festival for three days.

Much like Tamil Nadu, the people here honour Lord Indra on the first day by burning old, worn-out items in the Bhogi fire. This tradition symbolises new beginnings.

The second day, called the Makara Sankranti, is the main day of this three-day long festival when people prepare Kheer using freshly harvested crops.

On the third day, people honour and worship cattle for aiding them in agricultural activities.

During this time of the year, one can spot colourful kites in the sky as flying kites on this festival is a tradition widely followed in the country.

Punjab- Lohri

‘Punjab’ immediately strikes an image of lush green agricultural fields and a joyous, vibrant culture. Their harvest festival is also as colourful as their heritage.

10-15 days prior to the main festival, children of the town go around their neighbourhood singing folk songs and asking for wood logs. It is considered inauspicious to send them back empty handed. Hence, people offer sesame seeds, peanuts, jaggery, etc. These collections made by the children are called “Lohri”. This is then distributed during the celebrations at night.

The people here also light up a bonfire to which they add til (sesame seeds) and gud (jaggery) symbolising the end of old days and new beginnings. They dance around the fire as a tribute to the holy god of fire.

Many other states celebrate this season of harvest in a similar fashion.

Assamese call it Magh Bihu while people of Himachal Pradesh call it Magha Saaji and in Uttar Pradesh it is known as Kicheri.

In Maharashtra, a simple dish is prepared by mixing sesame seeds and jaggery and they distribute this sweet among their friends and family asking them to maintain cordial relations.

Despite differences in languages, cultures and traditions, India is united by its innate nature of being an agricultural country and hence, this festival is dear to one and all.

This festive season, we hope happiness and success find their way to you and your dear ones.

Team Artisanscrest wishes you a very Happy harvest festival.