Workshops
These artistic creations are archetypal symbols of the human consciousness. They have been passed down to us from generations through trackless centuries and although the local people create them, they have the power and the pedigree of an entire tradition behind them.
Quilting Workshop
Colourful scraps of cloth are creatively sewn into attractive geometric patterns with simple stitches that weave a story of cultural diversity and lines that speak for a design’s originality. Not only are these quits eye-catching, but also speak for a whole community of people for whom quilting is a way of life, an art that gives expression to their dreams, desires, creativity and culture.
To offer each person the space and time to connect with their own memories and meanings through this art, we limit participation to 12 people.
Weaving Skills and Techniques
Mat and Basket weaving is an ancient craft that incorporates many materials and weaving styles. It is just as much a creative process as it is calming, social and meditative. Unfortunately, this tradition of handmade baskets and mats is ending. Any kind of artisanship on the verge of extinction leads to an irreversible void in history. For, it represents a culture and a community that has fostered it. Through this workshop, we attempt to throw light on this disappearing craft and hope to revive it.
- Mats
Interestingly the raw materials and techniques used for weaving mats vary from landscape to landscape within the region. The riverside tribes use river reed, the forest tribes use wild palm leaves and the sea tribes use thorny plant leaves.
For interested participants, we introduce these three kinds of eco-friendly mats and the varied weaving skills required for each. Working with this craft and the community is a great way to understand and nurture diversity.
- Baskets
Farmers mainly weave their baskets, containers and ropes with cane, foraging wild vines or fibres of plants. With the Forest Department banning the harvest of cane and plastic being the cheaper option, the raw form of basket weaving is disappearing.
We have the privilege of knowing and working with the last generation of skilled basket weavers. Eshwaranna teaches basketry to the participants at BuDa by coming up with new innovations to suit the taste of the contemporary world while simultaneously keeping the traditional essence alive.