Global project explores India's handicrafts, sustainability

From Hyderabadi jewels-inspired kitchenware to a 3D chandelier influenced by the 'pookalam' (a traditional South Indian floral design), a new project prompts designers to use traditional crafts.
The 'Made in...India: Samskara' project, which opened here last evening, is part of a global initiative under the banner "Be Open" conceptualised by Russian philanthropist Yelena Baturina.
A total of 23 designers from across the country are presenting over 100 products, spanning furniture, tableware, textiles and garments that they have created focusing on traditional handmade craft skills.
Union Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch who opened the exhibition said, "I am extremely happy to know that the 'Be Open' project has been launched in India, which is home to such a variety of handicrafts.

"It is a difficult task to keep the ancient traditions of handicraft alive in our country and only way of doing it is by linking it to markets thereby making it self-sustaining," she said.
The project, curated by Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is set to travel to Japan and culminate in an auction in Italy in 2015.

Union Textiles Minister Kavuru Sambasiva Rao who was present at the launch of the exhibition was seen enquiring about the details and the material used in the various designs on display.
"All the designs are of high-grade. I am witnessing something of this sort for the first time. I congratulate the organisers and the makers of these amazing pieces of art," he said.

Yelena Baturina, who is currently based out of London said, "...We have developed a revolutionary infrastructure that will help young people evolve their practice and give them a first foothold on the professional ladder.
"With our support, creative thinking can thrive, business models can bear fruit and experiments can become realities," she said.
Ayush Kasliwal, one of the participating designers shared his take on "art going the global way".
"For me, art has never had any frontiers. I think the challenge lies in having a global viewpoint about what you are creating and still maintain the intricacies of your roots," Kasliwal said.

The artist said he based his studio "in the small town of Jaipur to work with the local artisans and create simple, everyday objects with them.