Material Explorations

As a Design Consultant for It's All Folk @itsallfolk, I explored new forms and product possibilities using the traditional wet felting technique practiced by the Brokpas. My focus was on diversifying the use of yak hair and refining the process to make it less tedious and more production-friendly.

Over four months, I worked closely with master artisan Sang Chojjom, experimenting with yak hair alongside materials such as bamboo, sheep wool, and eri silk. Together, we developed a range of prototypes, including bags, small bowls, and vases, that drew from traditional knowledge while exploring contemporary forms.

While documenting the village of Warak, Maharashtra, I spent time with the artisans of Aakar Pot Art, Indapur, learning wheel throwing and experimenting with terracotta through hands-on practice.

This exploration helped me better understand the material's properties, processes, and potential for form-making.

Bamboo dust is often treated as a waste material despite being generated in abundance during the production process.

This project explored ways of repurposing bamboo dust through material experimentation, seeking new possibilities for its use during my time at Uravu, Kerala.

This project was completed under the guidance of Mr. Mukesh Meenakar, a renowned artisan from Rajasthan, known for his intricate Kundan-Meena work.

The project explored the possibility of translating doodles into Meenakari. Often dismissed as mindless scribbles, doodles can be reflective, therapeutic, and deeply personal forms of expression.

Through this exploration, I sought to demonstrate how spontaneous doodles could be transformed into intricate handcrafted jewellery, bringing together contemporary visual language and traditional craft.

Inspired by the stone inlay work of the Taj Mahal, this table mirror was developed as part of a college design project under the guidance of master artisans from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

The design explores ideas of vanity and self-reflection, using traditional stone inlay techniques to create a contemporary object that pays homage to the beauty and craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal.