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Handmade toys

Thursday, May 14th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Toys are of great appeal to all tourists who love to carry mementoes for their loved ones. There are several exquisite works of art in toy making concept that is original and also a chief occupation of village artisans. Miniatures and also tiny pieces of dolls, animals and other carvings in wood make adorable toys. The work of art from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are very typical and the painting is unique in its nature. The rosewood is the typical form of toy making in the South and the carvings also relate to the idols represented in the temples there.

Wooden toys from Orissa and Andhra Pradesh are very famous and are authentic in their creativity. The toys from Orrissa are also about simplicity and molded for easy use. The puppet making art from Rajashtan is about unique culture here. The strings facilitate easy movement depicted by story telling or dance which is often staged in village shows. The puppets also form an interesting artifact for home interiors.

The wooden toys from Sawantwadi of the Konkan belt are another piece of art. The toys include wooden tops, vehicles, dolls which are painted in a raw style in simple colors. The wood is well molded to smoothen rough edges and is durable in nature. Clay toys are also a chief form of toy making in India. The toys are further painted in rich textures as per the image required.

Toys are also made of barks of wood, coconut kernels and textured banana leaves. This is often the handicraft work of tribal folk which is now seeing commercialization. The sticking of beads, shells and other common trinkets on toys sets them apart from regular ready made buys. There are also many toys made out of raw paper and cloth ones. Toys representing cartoons, Gods are also commonly found in many village shops.

Category: general, Indian art journey | Tags: clay, image, painted, wood | Leave a Comment

Mehndi art

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Traditions have followed the work of mehndi pattern in adorning the bride in Indian context. Henna is also herbally known for its healing properties. Originally used as a dye, henna is now also used for its decorative properties. The pattern is either on the palms or done on the feet. The recent bridal mehndi is also haute fashion and costs an astronomical price for its intricate designs.

The Arabic style of mehndi is also getting popular in India and is less time consuming. The Indian pattern goes to mango style, creeper or flower patterns in the hands. The artist is usually an expert in his or her work and has a unique sense of creativity that automatically develops with regular improvement. Mehndi art can also be learnt professionally from experts in the area.

Mehndi is also commonly used for hair coloring and known for its cooling properties. A regular use of mehndi mixed with amla-gooseberry and other herbal products is perfect to condition the hair. It also imparts a brown tinge which is akin to hair coloring. The mehndi art is also a chief craft of village folk who regularly partake in application of mehndi regularly.

The extract of mehndi is arrived by crushing the leaves of the plant and mixing the same with herbal properties so as to make the color stronger. The black mehndi is made of indigo dye and not the regular brown mehndi stain.

The North Indian style of mehndi design is intricate and rich in its variety. The South style mehndi application as used in dance forms is the circular centre on the palm with the finger tips adorned like caps. In many states the application of alta is also resorted to give a cosmetic effect to palms and feet. Mehndi owing to its temporary staining is much preferred in India as a tattoo art.

Category: Art Market, Indian Contemporary Art | Tags: bridal, coloring, henna, village | Leave a Comment

Mysore paintings

Thursday, May 07th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

South of India is famous for its temple architecture and grand display of colors that depict the various mythological tales. The gopuras or the towers of the temple are a striking feature. Apart from wood and exotic fragrant wood sculpture the state of Karnataka was the chief pioneer in paintings. The paintings were patronized by the Kings who loved art and had a passion for constructing palatial dwellings.

Social set ups had major murals depicting the culture of the South which was encouraged by the existing rulers. Rich traders and royals had a penchant for the paint work which was beautifully brought out by the craftsmen. The medium of paintings was also in gold and vegetable colors or extracts of leaves where used as a medium. Cloth paintings were also a major display. This was the true and original form of art which was later modernized with durable boards and dependable sticking formulas.

Gold foil painting was a rich form of art where the painting was done on the 24 Karat gold foil after it was treated. The typicality of the paintings from Mysore is about a a definite and prominent look. The colors are green, red and blue which is again common in all parts of South India. The main idea about Mysore paintings was the gesso concept which highlighted certain areas of the painting. This included areas where the jewelry or certain metal work related to the idols needed attention.

Finishing lines were done in the last stage where the lines or features of the painting were highlighted. The palace at Mysore bears a lot of testimony to the great work put in by the painters of the yesteryears. The galleries also have several collections of paintings which still require a lot of encouragement to be continued as an art form. The Wodeyars were lovers of art and the impetus received by them was great. Though the art form has gained recognition, there is still a lot of reviving to be done by offering support to the artists.

Category: Indian Art News, Indian Contemporary Art | Tags: gold foil, painting, support, Wodeyars | Leave a Comment

Rajasthani paintings

Wednesday, May 06th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

The land of sumptuous Dal bhati churma and kachori is also blessed with pleasant art forms that still bear a strong resemblance of the olden era. Whether it is the tie-dye pattern in sarees or dupattas or the intrinsic gota work in the cholis, Rajasthan of the present stage has gone through a serious of historic influences. Dynasty ruling and the prevalent culture change brought in by Moghuls has flavored the paintings from time to time.

Remarkable sketches and portraits seemed to be an important concept during the kingly rule. The life size paintings of the kings and queens, court room drama, palanquin travel were a common depiction. Udaipur citizens had a major patronage towards paintings where the canvas was decked with the minute description of the crowd as various activities, palace activities were drawn with great detail.

Typicality is certain in each form of painting though originating from a common state. This art is typical of Kota where the paintings had certain intrinsic qualities that has the calligraphy art which is prominent. There another quality seen in during the Bundi reign.

The Pichwas is an art of Rajasthan painting which has a major fan following. There are more descriptions of the various act of Lord Krishna which is also a typical trait of Rajasthan. The Chunar Ragmala which was famous during the Mughal times is another variation of Rajashthani art.

Rajasthni paintings continue to be in demand in the local scene and also have international audience. Lovers of art hold a lot of value to the fresco style of wall painting in the typical Rajasthan style. The grandeur of the palace routine is well captured in the gait and clothes of the court sessions. Similar vibrancy is seen in the paintings related to rural theme. Unique styles are seen in the gem paintings or the phad art which again the specialty of Rajasthan culture.

Category: Indian Contemporary Art, wall paintings in India | Tags: court, international, kota, phad | Leave a Comment

Markteting handicraft items

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Hobby ideas can be converted into entrepreneurship. A few skills and business sense is vital for marketing handicraft items. Investment is a necessary way of financing. Raw materials can be brought in bulk purchases to reap the benefits of bargain. Small scale start up business can be looked from home itself. As business picks up it would be necessary to employ people and also look for industrial galas or affordable shops.

Displaying the artifacts at prominent places is important. In case you have your own outfit at a mall or shopping arcade half of the advertisement is taken care of. Annual discounts or sale pricing will ensure good sales. Co branding is also a great idea and can be looked up during festive times. Interesting offers will enhance business.

Corporate gift items can also be looked into as an opportunity like candles, pottery work, minakari work or other clay art. Ensuring quality and novel ideas of presentation is a good way to promote business. Good will certainly assures increasing business opportunities and innovation is an important ingredient. Wrapping ideas and specification of bulk orders will also be necessary to adhere to formal standards.

Handicraft items like needle work on cushions covers, embroidery and tie-dye patterns are interesting show cases. Wood sculpture or carvings with aromatic sandalwood craft work is also a common inclusion. Idols are very common displays in handicraft shops especially of Ganpati, dancing Natraj or the childlike form of Krishna. Paintings or beaded jewelry can also be looked as an option to make the choice varied.

Fabric painting displays, glass works and pottery forms can also be arranged in a gift shop. Distribution of flyers for exhibitions or discounts is another way of marketing the items. Fairs and strategic alliance with mega shows works to be an advantage.

Category: Art exhibitions, Art Market | Tags: beaded jewelery, idols, needle work | Leave a Comment

Wood carving

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Wood carving has been an ancient art. Earlier wood was used as a chief instrument for hunting by prevalent tribes and later this was aesthetically explored by artistic people. Modern carving is easy with specially crafted automatic knives, engineered moulds and also scientific means of ascertaining proportions. There are several types of carving that is related to different countries.

Painting or giving color to the wooden art form like a bird, basket, figurine or a deity is also part of the art. There are several instruments like chisel, gouge, fish tail, carving knives and blades that aids the process of chipping wood. The works are different from various geographical resemblances that are typical like Africa, Italy or India. Utility items blended with aesthetic value are the remarkable feature of wooden sculpture.

In India, there are several idols or deities that are carved in wood especially in South India and this is a typical way of adorning the temples. Bangalore is famous for its sandalwood carvings that are aromatic and yet the miniature wooden sculpture makes a great gift item. Rosewood is also a part of carving deities. The southies refer the idols as ‘kachankurchi’ where in the idols cannot be bathed (abhishek) on a daily basis.

Wood variety like oak is of the thicker variety and needs a special hardener or chisel to get the form. Bowls, key chain holders, spatulas and also kitchen utensils can be artistically carved out of wood. The polishing is dependable to adjust to use. Wood carving also is a special handicraft work in Northern hilly areas. There are table tops, book stands and also miniature varieties to adorn a show case.

In many areas in India, the local artisans engage in the wooden carvings to eek out a means of living. There are several pieces that attract the attention of foreign tourists visiting India. Monuments also have huge doors infused with wood carvings. Wooden pillars are also common in the medieval age.Several books are also available to guide you on wood carving. This is splendid hobby and a very creative pursuit.

Category: Art Books and magazines, Art Market | Tags: creative, rosewood, wooden carvings | Leave a Comment

Bronze sculpture

Monday, April 20th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

bronz Sculpture is a great piece of art form. Marble, wood, clay and bronze sculpture has a certain element of definition of form. Various forms like human figures, modern art and aesthetic styles are depicted through sculpture. Bronze sculpture has a regal feel to the art form and a very authentic style. Bronze sculpture is prominently used as an interior decoration in hotels and many times it is an adornment in the living room.

Bronze works are usually cast in alloys. The ancient works of bronze sculpture were broken down during war times to make weapons owing to its ductile property and also strength. It is also a fact that the internal cast of a sculpture is worked on clay or other material and then the bronze cast is over-fixed on the same. This is a time consuming and costly job. The casting process is also done in lost wax form which is a common method.

Various forms of art are captured in bronze sculpture in India. There are figures of dancers, courtesans, horses and other animals depicted in an artistic form. There are also prominent displays of bronze sculpture as part of an ambience in corporate houses that is a remarkable part of the interior. Special cleaning agents are liquidized to clean the bronze items. It is also possible to engage a professional service to restore the luster of bronze.

Exquisite sculpture works are seen depicted in Indian bronze works like a Statue of a deity especially of Ganesha. The conch shell is again a marvelous piece of work. A dancing Natraj or Ganesh amidst a decorative background is another form of art. Indian sculpture or carvings in bronze have a ethnic charm that is well captured by the craftsmen. Lamps or diyas are a common inclusion.

Outdoor placing of statues or sculptures in bronze is also a common appearance in Indian bronze sculpture. There are several forms of Buddha and also other Hindu Gods with various emotions portrayed with chiseled sculpture work and embalmed with bronze.

Category: Art Market, Online Galleries | Tags: artistic, lost wax, sculpture | Leave a Comment

Ceramics

Saturday, April 18th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Clay art is about unique creations. Simple molding of clay and treatment transforms a simple hand crafted item as an interesting showpiece. In ancient times clay was molded with bare hands and with the help of a spin wheel. The mixing and molding was truly a pure form of art. The history can be traced back to the years of the art taking shape in India and also Mesopotamia. The art form slowly started improvising with many changes in vitrified, glazed, hand paintings, modernized kilns and hence resulted in commercial trade of ceramics.

The range of ceramics can be applied for home security appliances, dinnerware, aeronautical instruments, refractory, military use and many other industrial purposes. This refers to much commercial application of ceramics. Porcelain making was also the traditional chief art form of China. Bone china is an excellent item especially used for gifting and is famous owing to its component of delicate appearance.

It is interesting to note that clay has seen inventiveness in six dynasties that ruled China. One spectacular combination of colors was seen during the Tang dynasty. Human figures, tombs and animal pictures dominated this pottery section. There are various ranges in colors in Chinese pottery like black pottery, white pottery, green-yellow and red pottery. The pictures in the pottery definitely related to changes brought in by the dynasty prevailing at that particular time.

Splendor and regal touch exists in the urns, pots and unique decorative items like lamps, pen holders and other subtle items that can also be extended to corporate gifting. The industry is growing technically and this is also an important hobby. Classes are also conducted in ceramic making and pottery under reputed teachers. For many, collections of ceramics is also a hobby and now the range is more diversified with center pieces, tea sets and miniature representations with unique carvings and colors that can be used to adorn a classic show case.

Category: Art Market, general | Tags: bone china, dynasty, pottery | Leave a Comment

Tribal jewlery

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

Tribal art of India is authentic in its nature. The minimal presence of necessities in the tribal areas had actually made the inhabitants sufficient in their needs. Common use of available items like twigs, barks, shells, horns, wood pieces, stones were effectively used as adornments for daily wear. It is interesting to note that the tribal jewelry is a great piece of art and has much patronage from urban Indians and tourists abroad.

Also a common form of hobby, tribals used simple tricks of knotting with thread or barks to secure the beads in a necklace. The style is certainly not rigid and many times does not form a pattern. Raw aesthetic representation is the chief theme in many variations of tribal jewelry like a neck piece, earrings, nose piercing, finger rings, anklets, amulets and many other jewelry items.

The colors are magical like turquoise, jade green and also can be found in dull shades like tree brown or dull yellow in beads and designs. The stone jewelry again is a raw style which sets the stone by entwining the thread as a casing. The styles are inimitable in terms of their originality. There are also variations depending on the geography and many forms of tribal Jewelry are used in rural lifestyle.

Coloring a stone with natural dyes is an important aspect. The tribal costume is also a great effort with belly scarves, jackets and skirts that have a lot of trinkets around them. The waist band is a normal form of jewelry worn by tribal folk. This is a woven piece of cloth and intricate designing trinketsis employed with beads, metal works and mirrors.

Metal bracelets and wooden earrings placed in simple stone works seem magnificent in tribal art. Owing to deforestation and modern amenities reaching the inaccessible areas this art is slowly declining. Urban factories are also using the same art form and modernizing the art with the help of machines.

Category: Indian Art News, Indian Contemporary Art | Tags: belly scarves, wood peices | Leave a Comment

Mughal painting

Saturday, April 11th, 2009 | Author: kamakshi

The rise and fall of Mughal painting is an interesting story. The painting is a form of miniature painting that includes portraits and can also be seen in the form of pictures in select books. Humayun was a great lover of art and during his reign he noticed the special art form in Persian paintings. With his encouragement Persian art form came to India, was influenced also by other cultures in India and grew to be typically known as Mughal painting.

The following successors of Mughal empire like Akbar and Shahjahan greatly patronized the art form. Akbar The great extended his secular thoughts also to Mughal painting. During his time the mughal painting included stories from Indian epics. Court scenes, palkhi processions and the majestic portraits of rulers were the chief motifs. Jahangir highly believed in this art form and also added many illusionary skills to the same. The painting was modified with finer brush strokes and wide colors that the contemporary styles during earlier times.

It also became a penchant of many English rulers who loved this form of painting and the Mughal kings sent gifts in the form of their portraits or life sketch on canvas. Truly in the ethnic style, the painting also started gaining momentum with bold depictions and illusionary effects. The main theme of the painting exists in bright colors and a royal flair to its creations. It has a highly artistic tone in vibrant royalty.

Compilation of Mughal painting during the 19^th century was seen as an album that was contributed by the team work of many painters. The painting works were also embossed to secure the effectiveness. Mughal painting reached its zenith but also declined at a faster speed. Mughal paint works are rare and some museums show case the art work of noted painters with great respect.

Category: Indian Art News, Indian Contemporary Art | Tags: colors, court, embossed | Leave a Comment