Kalpana - Creations on Silks

‘Kalpana’ is an Ode to the rich crafts and weaving heritage of India. As a child, I often would accompany my mother to the Block printing units where Maa would get her sarees done. It would be a myriad world of experiences for me – sight, smell, sound, touch, feel – the smell of the dyes and oil, the wooden blocks neatly arranged on the shelves, carved so intricately by hand, the long table where the saree would be tied, ready for stamping, the busy-ness, the sound of stamping and the Hindi film songs being played on the radio as the artisans worked on the fabric accurately! It has been all so Fascinating! In my mind’s eyes, I would revisit the unit often, as I dreamt and imagined to create a Collection that would be aesthetically appealing, using Block prints! ‘Kalpana’ was thus conceived!!

Each saree, has been handblock printed with wooden blocks, carved so neatly and we have used handwoven pure mulberry silk from the looms in Bishnupur and Rampurhat, Bengal that I work with. Each saree has then being embellished with embroidery designs done by hand, by the artisans of rural Bengal and rural Bihar. We have used short running stitches, Herringbone stitches, long and short stitches, Satin stitches, Chain stitch, mirror work and mukaish/badla work. Each saree stands as a testi mony to the rich weaving and crafts tradition of India.

‘Kalpana’ is close to my heart. I hope this collection finds equal love from you and fetch a place in your wardrobe!