Modern craft statement

VIKRAM SARDESAI'S creative journey has been an exploration of the pathways that have opened up before him. A product of Ahmedabad's National Institute of Design, Vikram Sardesai has worn many caps. He has designed trade fairs and the 'mela' at the Festival of India in Paris, he is also into interior and graphic designing and architecture.

And now he has a passion for crafts "in a totally contemporary context." According to Vikram, India's incredible wealth of crafts can only be saved by making them utilitarian.

Vikram Sardesai is currently in Chennai with an exhibition (at Apparao Galleries, 7 Wallace Gardens Road, 3rd Street) of design savvy lifestyle products by using traditional skills such as Etikopakka laquerware, Bidri and marble inlay work. He elaborates on the exciting challenges of taking Indian crafts into the future.

What led you to product designing?

A family in Mumbai asked us to create a craft-integrated architectural vocabulary for their home. For me, it was like going back to school! I worked on the project for seven years. No book tells you that stone cracks, chips and breaks when inlay work is done. Working with craftspersons and dealing with the nuances of their skills was a lesson in humility for me. I also realised that the only way our crafts can survive is by making it utilitarian and functional.

Did it also open your eyes to the immense potential for these crafts in the future?

Yes. I am now into crafts in a totally contemporary way... of separating the craft from the (traditional) motif...

What were the crafts which were integrated into architecture of the house you spoke about?

The house was totally contemporary in design, but we used traditional stone work, Madhubani art for the murals, Pethigarh craft, Bidri work as well as stone inlay. For the floor of one bedroom, we used inlay work featuring a scattering of jasmine and parijat motifs using mother of pearl, conch shells and burnt Jaisalmer. It was a floor like no other! The house showed us what could be done with crafts.

Could you elaborate on the product line and craft skills of your exhibition, which opens today?

I am working in three craft areas: Bidri, Etikopakka laquerware and marble inlay. Table legs, bowls, napkin rings and a variety of candle stands have been created in Etikopakka lacquerware. I have paid tribute to Hoysala architecture through the candle stands! I've used the delicate motifs of the Bidri art on trays, serving plates, candle stands - all in contemporary shapes. I've used inlay motifs on white and black marble dessert plates. In each of the products, the look is contemporary, the skills are traditional...

Is there a growing domestic market for the top-of-the-line, contemporary look in products?

I think so. The young want modern lifestyle settings spelt out in the Indian craft vocabulary. But my products are mostly exported. In fact, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has placed orders for my Bidri trays for their Mughlai Art exhibition..

How do the craftsmen working with you react to such innovative ideas?

Very well. I was touched when one of them said, "You are the first designer who has taken inspiration from our culture."

The exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafted lifestyle products designed by Vikram Sardesai will be on at the Apparao Galleries till July 20, and at Accessory Stop till July 31.

PUSHPA CHARI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Next     : New chapter begins