Some recent adventures!: April 2013

Tuesday 23 April 2013

What have I been doing with my MA work ;)

The wall behind my bed is covered with my lovely wallpaper pieces

The wall behind my study table is covered with these

The piece cut-out left from the degree show, I so cherish it!

A combination of digital prints on silk which created this wonderful wall-hanging

Sharing some previously published posts.

http://mallika-portfolio.blogspot.in/

http://mallika-portfolio.blogspot.in/2012_11_01_archive.html

http://mallikatextiles.blogspot.in/2012/09/blog-post.html

Saturday 20 April 2013

Tribal fabric painting

Tribal Art hand painted onto Silk fabric, Godhna art from Chhatisgarh, India

Tribal Art hand painted onto Cotton fabric, in my house- a wall panel

Tribal Art hand painted onto Kosa silk with only black

Wednesday 17 April 2013

It has been rather challenging to not just view this process in Datia which is located near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India but also get each piece executed according to my own layouts, unique colour combinations and a the right finish.

The workshop did not comprise of a good collection of blocks and trained craftsmen, so it was indeed tricky to create and implement the designs. However, all prototypes created are distinct from each other and are composed out of various combination of block designs and colours. Throughout the project I was involved in meeting the concerned craftsmen, collecting their input and ideas, suggesting them new and innovative layouts for bedsheets, table napkins and pillow covers and various colour combinations, development of given designs and solving all the difficulties arising in the execution of the prototype including technical know-how like placing the fabric on to the print table, preparation of dyes, process of block printing, maintenance of wood blocks, demands of the consumer and market, etc.

Block Printing at Datia

Block Printing at Datia, Table Napkins

Block Printing at Datia, Double bed-cover

Block Printing at Datia, Single bed-cover

Block Printing at Datia, Double bed-cover

Block Printing at Datia, Single bed-cover

Block Printing at Datia, Double bed-cover

Ujjain Block Printing

This project is a part of the State Government’s initiative in development and promotion of handicrafts and handlooms of the state. As a professional Textile Designer I was given the opportunity of being the principal designer in this project. I was to look at the current

collections and designs already running in the market and make suitable changes in the existing designs and colour combinations by suggesting new placement of blocks and

attractive colour schemes in Chemical Printing keeping in mind the National and International market.

India has been renowned for its block printed and dyes cloth since the 12th century and the creative processes flourished as the fabric received royal patronage. Different styles of design have evolved in different parts of the country. It has been fascinating to view this process in Bherogarh, Ujjain located in Madhya Pradesh, India and get my own layouts and unique colour combinations implemented.

Every workshop has a separate collection of blocks made of seasoned teakwood by trained craftsmen hand carved by the block maker, are all distinct from each other and help create various combination of designs.

The complete process of printing has been intriguing in itself.

Preparing the fabric through washing, stretching the fabric onto the print table, preparing the pigment dyes, transferring of dyes onto the colour trays, dipping the block into the dye tray, printing on the cloth, drying of cloth and finishing.