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Indian Textiles rank amongst the finest in the world. Gujarat
and Rajasthan being the centres in India where many excellent
textiles have been produced for a very long time.
The work is
primarily produced on cotton as these states are major cotton
producing and cotton weaving centres.
India had the art of mordanting or fixing dye colours, brocading,
inlay and printing patterned cloth centuries before Europe. Fine
woven muslin was known to the Romans who likened it to "Dew
on the grass" and was described as being so fine it could
pass through a ring.
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Rabari Herdsmen
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India is a highly structured society where patterns, colours
and weaves have since time beyond been used as non-verbal statements
of social relationships such as caste and significant life events,
rituals and religious ceremonies.
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Today we are privileged to see some of these ancient disappearing
crafts still being practised and using the traditional methods.
The textiles are used by the local communities that they serve.
With these craft traditions is interwoven a strong embroidery
culture inherent in the village lifestyle which still survives
in Kutch.
The tour will visit and work alongside some of these master craftsmen,
seeing block printing by wax and two different resist methods;
tie and dye, wool and silk weaving. Mushro weaving a double layered
fabric cloth for Muslims, both double and single Ikat, bead work,
felt making many types of Embroidery and Applique.
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Double Ikat Weaving
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This tour is especially arranged for the textile artist and designer.
It is applicable for all textile artists ie. weaver, quilters,
multi-discipline, fibre artists, tapestry, printed textiles, embroiderers
and for both the amateur hobbyistand professional. I have taught
City and Guilds over the years and for those studying a wonderful
collection of textiles for reference plus methods and skills can
be acquired. The focus of the Tour is on textile pattern and design
while taking in the rich Indian Culture, and major monuments.
Throughout the Tour, ideas can be recorded through drawing or
photography, that should make a body of work for you to work with
on your return. A small sketch book and simple art equipment is
a good idea and I do recommend a good camera. If you are a non
textile person you are very welcome. This tour is a particularly
good introduction to India and is off the beaten track. |
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Flower Cotton Painting |
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