Kalamkari Work

What is Kalamkari? Literally means Pen Work Paintings done on textiles with vegetable or natural dyes Flourished in India from the 14th Century but gained popularity and the name under Muslim rule. Technique began to die out with intro of machine printed textiles Few artisans survived in southern states of Andhra Pradesh (two states as of 2014: Seemandhra & AP) and Tamil Nadu. Srikalahasti & Masulipatinam traditions of Kalamkari are both well-known. The Kalamkari Unit @ Kalakshetra uses methods based on both Srikalahasti & Masulipatinam Srikalahasti Tradition: Devotional strain developed in this tradition as the place is a pilgrimage site. Temple Kalamkari based on Hindu mythology. Kalam: is a thin bamboo stick with a sharpened point like a pen nib. Above the nib is a compact ball of hair that holds the liquid dye. Later developed techniques of painting textiles: perforated stencils and hand carved wooden blocks. Masulipatinam Tradition: Outline and main features printed by hand carved blocks details alone painted by hand Old traditional blocks Persian motifs * Kalakshetra Craft Education and Research Centre Weaving Centre set up in Sept. 1937 Rukmini Devi Arundale Kalamkari dyes are made of plant extracts, minerals like Iron, and Alum as a mordant. Good and fast but not bright Organic process Traditional methods of beaching and printing. Time consuming process with up to 15 steps. The Kalakshetra Weaving Centre and Kalamkari Unit

Kalakshetra Road, Chennai 600041, Tamil Nadu, India Shop timings: 9am to 5 pm * The Kalakshetra Weaving Centre and Kalamkari Unit offers Kalamkari classes. They run 20 classes per month. 5 classes per week. From Monday to Friday. Timings: 10am to 1pm They charge Rs. 500 per class. You can pay for a minimum of 10 classes (~ Rs. 5,000 for two weeks of classes) and attend. You can extend if you feel you need more instructions. She didnt tell anything about the structure of the course. For further details: (Outside India) 0091-44-24525423 (With only city code) 044-24525423 Source: The Kalakshetra Web site and the Administrative office in the weaving unit. Date: March 6, 2014, Thursday, 6:30 pm.