Once upon a time…

The story travels back 30 years when my love affair with Indian textiles began. My ma marched me down to Dakshinapan and layered my wardrobe with the Indian idiom. My wedding trousseau was resplendent with the colours and textures of India. Kanjivaram, Bomkai, Sambalpuri, Pochampalli, Maheswari, Chanderi, Patola, Bandhani,Leheriya, Zardozi, Kantha, Dhakai, Baluchari, Gadhwal, Mysore crepe, Assamese Munga, Benarasi, Jamdani, Tussars. I have them all.  I daresay the affair has become more passionate with time. I am one of a dying breed who unabashedly wears the six yards – EVERYWHERE! It is the saree which can aptly showxase our rich weaving traditions.

 

My journey at Qissaa has been focussed exciting wayward adventurous. My love for textiles prompted me to ask pertinent questions always and as a consequence my data bank was considerable. I wanted hand woven stuff imperfections and all. My dream was to curate stuff from all over the country like my ma initiated my love for this diaspora by getting me one of each kind for my trousseau. I decided to focus on Bengal as it is local and resonates with my environment, espousing the tradition of Bengal. I was always fascinated by Nakshi kantha which has fifteen stitches unlike the plain running stitch which most artisans make.

Textile traditions and ecosystems around weavers have succumbed to modernisation. Weaving as an occupation is Progressive efficient decentralised aligned with agriculture

 

A memorable journey to weaver’s homes. Interacting and learning the nitty gritties of the warp and weft. I am even more hooked than before. The sheer skill and artistry is mind numbing. The handmade traditions almost close to Godliness. My commitment has become firmly entrenched to do better and give to the weavers. Give back something to this rich diaspora.

Its a process of discovery everyday as i interact with artisans, their sheer genius which is about to die cos youngsters want to espouse mainstream professions. It is uncool to be in a village. I fear it will die away. I wear just these. I ask people to do so. Buy atleast one a year to provide incentives for kids to learn and stay back and continue.

Renew. Restart. Renewed vigour. Newer avenues. A pledge to substantially contribute to the cause!

 

 

My life did not please me so I created my life – Coco Chanel

The Qissaa albeit story of mine…

 

Foot note

Why “Sutradhar”… Sutra is the thread, the yarn, the narrative… “dhar “ is holding together, the knot, the weave. Together it is the raconteur, presenter. Hence the epithet!