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Thursday, 21 November 2013

Colour, pattern and detail in Indian textiles.

I was lucky enough to visit India in September. This is a country that appeals to me on many levels. I love the food, as its one place in the world where being vegetarian is normal !!  I love the temples and palaces because of all the intricate detail. However the thing I am really drawn to, as an artist, is all the colour everywhere. The array of colour in the women's saris and traditional clothing is stunning. The fabric on sale is so detailed and intricate.


These are some typical examples of fabrics on sale in market places and shops. 



Everything seems to be done on a grand scale in the textile workshops. Piles of different fabrics seems to go on for miles, and piled right up to the ceiling too.


We visited a workshop where we saw the fabric being printed by hand. This is the same technique and materials they have been using for hundreds of years. Most of the dyes are made from natural ingredients. The printing blocks are hand carved wooden blocks.




The design is built up in layers. It is a very skilled trade, as total accuracy is needed at every stage. However it amazed me how quickly they worked, not just on one piece of fabric. They were doing several different ones at the same time, to allow the dyes to dry out between layers.



Here are some beautiful cushions in our hotel room.


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