Bamboo Weaving
The collection of six square-weaving artworks featuring unique geometric patterns is meticulously crafted using natural bamboo. They are made by Sheela, an artisan based in Malayattoor, who has been practising the craft for over twenty years since her training to create handicrafts with different bamboo weaving techniques. Kerala is home to multiple bamboo species, with the Kerala Forest Research Institute identifying sixty-eight varieties of the plant. Bamboo is used in traditional crafts, construction, pulp, and rayon industries. It is a versatile and sustainable material that offers multiple advantages, such as its rapid growth, durability, and ability to be moulded into various shapes, making it an eco-friendly choice for a wide range of craft projects. A star-shaped lantern with red and natural golden bamboo is one of Sheela’s favourite works with the craft. She enjoys working with the material, exploring products that flow between two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms with the foldable material. For this collection, the bamboo is precisely cut into thin strips and then woven by hand to create repetitive patterns that form a mat. The dyed blue bamboo is interwoven to create intricate designs. Sheela has gained expertise in the art of weaving the strips together, and her dexterous hands move with speed and precision to create bespoke pieces of art. Each distinctive pattern is skillfully made by her, from the raw material to the weave, using dyed blue and natural bamboo, resulting in rhythmic and harmonious designs. Bamboo remains an integral part of the craft and culture in the state. The artistry of these creations highlights the timeless appeal of bamboo as both a functional and artistic medium, celebrating its enduring role in Kerala’s rich tradition of craftsmanship.
Location
India, Kerala
Additional Details
Project Status
Ongoing
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AUDIENCE
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