Equipment from 100 Fingers’ 2024 version
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association
12 months after 12 months, the 100 Fingers honest is eagerly anticipated by all those that have a penchant for one-of-a-kind, specifically crafted curios, materials, house décor and equipment.
Based by sisters Sonia and Mala Dhawan, the Pageant of Handmade additionally known as 100 Fingers by common guests, started in 2010 as a initiative to provide artisans throughout the nation a platform to grow to be financially viable. In accordance with Mala, their purpose has been to foster “a way of collective and a group of individuals whose livelihood is dependent upon handmade.”
“It is usually about studying from one another and growing symbiotic relationships throughout the collective, no matter 100 Fingers’ involvement,” says Mala, including, “The concept is for artisans to develop, create and assist one another at a bigger degree.”
One of many hallmarks of this 12 months’s version is the revival of their Me2We idea which was launched round 10 years in the past. “Most craftsmen work in isolation. Our concept was to deliver them collectively, as a result of whenever you brainstorm, ideate and collaborate, it boosts your sense of creativity — each when it comes to design in addition to by methods to create higher. ‘Collectively We Create Higher’ is the Me2We theme.”
Handpainted crochet lampshades from 100 Fingers’ 2024 version
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
In accordance with Mala, this may be achieved by integrating two completely different crafts to create a brand new product altogether — one which might be offered by each events. She elaborates with an instance, “There was a line of painted lampshades and one other of crocheted flowers. Underneath Me2We ideation, now we have built-in crochet flowers on to the lampshade creating a brand new providing that neither occasion would have been in a position to do on their very own.’
These lampshades shall be accessible on the competition this 12 months. Another examples of collaborative work embody the usage of West Bengal’s Gamcha and Assamese weaves to create ready-to-wear clothes, applique work on Kanjeevarams, including smocking and crochet squares to make clothes for little women, board video games crafted out of Lambani embroidery with Channapatna cube and pegs, and Shibori tie-n-dye cloth with handpainted Gond work, amongst others.
“We’re showcasing round 50 such collaborations this 12 months. For such teamwork to achieve success, one has to have the ability to break limitations of self-discipline, language and conventional pondering; one ought to get out of their consolation zone and meet the problem of aggressive work. Such pondering pushes boundaries,” says Mala.
A Shibori and Gond work prime from 100 Fingers’ 2024 version
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
Whereas the competition is a commission-free program, the organisers imagine within the energy of constructive validation. “We would like folks to know the quantity of effort that has gone into the creation of a product, so we encourage guests to spend time speaking to the artisans to know their course of.”
This version of 100 Fingers shall be their largest present until date with over 200 artisans coming in. There may even be workshops on blue pottery portray, block printing, zine making and extra, in addition to a handloom trend present on October 2, titled ‘Stroll for Swadeshi’ helmed by stylist and choreographer Prasad Bidapa. “There may even be an illustration on methods to use the charaka. We not solely need to make Gandhi Jayanthi extra pertinent, however are additionally doing our bit to make sure Indian textiles keep related on this century,” says Mala.
100 Fingers shall be held at Jaymahal Palace from October 2-6, from 11am to 8pm. Entry charge ₹100. Workshop particulars on web site and social media.
Printed – October 02, 2024 11:57 am IST
