The Hindu Business Line : Promoting quality craft

Literally like a lotus that daintily spreads its petals even while encompassing them all in a unified whole, Crafts Council of India's (CCI) annual `Kamala' exhibitions have been blooming with a singular commitment to further the cause of craftspersons and quality craft.

Dedicated to the memory of CCI's patron founder, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, the exhibition in Chennai is open till January 25 at the Lalit Kala Akademi.

Being held in the city for the third time since its inception in 1992, the exhibition plays host to a plethora of intricate and enchanting crafts from across the country. "The general perception," says Sabita Radhakrishna, Executive Committee member of CCI, Chennai, "is that the CCI exhibitions are elitist and therefore the crafts on display, unaffordable. But that's not true. This exhibition is targeted at anybody and everybody who appreciates the sheer talent and sincerity with which a craftsperson creates a stunning work of craft."

And there's something for everyone. Bags, jewellery, beads, basketry, date-palm leaf bags, grass coiled baskets, durries, terracotta craft, Nagaland cane baskets, bamboo trays, Kinhal toys, traditional puppets, spears, utility items in cane and bamboo, dried flowers, stone products from CCI's Agra workshop, products of wood made by the master craftsman from Orissa, Ettikopaka lacquer ware, tribal jewellery, horn and bone craft and bamboo products finds space in the exhibition stalls. This annual exhibition is planned nearly eight months in advance. "The designs are closely supervised by CCI, although we are careful not to offend the sensitivity of the craftsperson," she explains. "This is imperative because the craftsperson needs to be aware of the changing design and fashion trends. So the designs that emanate as a result of a healthy interaction between CCI and the craftspersons are unique."

The products that nestle for space and garner attention, thanks to the sheer craftsmanship of their creations, are testimony to the gamut and potential of the country and the vibrant existence of a crafts culture. In addition to serving as a platform for showcasing quality craft, `Kamala' aims to "bridge the gap between the craft communities and the market, with the hope that the funds derived would, to a certain extent, contribute towards improving the quality of life of the craft communities" and also encourage a healthy interaction among craftspersons from across the country. "A few of them will also demonstrate the process of creating their unique crafts," adds Sabita.

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