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Crafted with care
IT IS a celebration of Nature: of grass, paper, wood, reed, leaf, shell, mud and metal by the group of rural artists at the SIPA Craftlinks Exhibition. Expressions in colour and creativity range from smart wooden trays, flower embellished hand-made paper bags, pencil boxes and grass mats, to carved rosewood panels and jhoolas, vegetable dyed Etikopakka toys, brass lamps and icons, handmade candles and jute products.
A high standard of quality in craftsmanship and concept is reflected in the items since SIPA works closely with the artisans in the areas of craft training, design and product development, quality control, as well as marketing in both domestic and international markets.
The exhibition tempts buyers in a myriad ways. The bronze lamps combine traditional motifs such as peacocks with contemporary designs. Also available are bronze icons.
One can also pick up vegetable dyed Etikopakka rattles, toys and storage jars, a range of Chennapatna toys and "kollu" items, marbled paper lampshades from Pondicherry and a number of other gifts such as dried flower embellished stationery and candles, well crafted wooden cutlery, palmrya leaf, baskets and terracotta Ganeshas.
"The Small is Beautiful" mantra of sustainable development can be seen in the shell work artefacts, which can be used for decoration in the festive season. Colourful and pretty, shells of various styles have been used to fashion trees, bouquets, floral wall hangings and frames.
The SIPA Craft Links Fair Trade exhibition-cum-sale is on at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, Alwarpet till August 31.
A slice of Orissa
The treasure of textiles from Orissa, in cotton and tussar are the main attraction at the Orissa Handicrafts and Handloom Fair, on at Sri Sankara Mini Hall, TTK Road, Alwarpet. An equally compelling draw is a range of icons and apsaras sculpted out of sandstone, in various sizes, and can be installed in hotel lobbies and verandahs as well as in landscaped outdoors, and within homes.
Ikat weaves and typical woven borders highlight the range of saris, dupattas and bedspreads, which come in striking colour combinations. A range of silver filigree jewellery is also on display along with appliqué work cushions and umbrellas, patachitra paintings and palm leaf paintings. The Orissa Handicrafts and Handloom Fair has been brought to Chennai by KARMA, a Bhubaneswar-based NGO. The exhibition-cum-sale will conclude on August 31.
PUSHPA CHARI
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