28
A New Beginning
We started sourcing for different natural
ingredients to get different colours and also
worked with them to get varied tones of a
particular colour. Apart from traditional motifs
that generally appeal to the older generation,
we also printed contemporary-style motifs and
patterns that would appeal to youngsters. In
this way, we felt our craft would appeal to a
cross-section of clients across age groups and
thus the craft would have a higher demand
which would help keep it alive. We also started
printing on woollen fabric thus providing
textiles that can be worn throughout the year.
We soon started collaborating with Maharashtra
Crafts Council and in early 2000 we
participated in an exhibition organised by MCC
and Paramparik Karigar. Unfortunately, there
was a fire at the venue, and the craft of many
craftspersons was totally burnt and destroyed.
Our stall was also among them and our master
pieces were burnt to ashes. These included
many pieces with intricate motifs and elaborate
compositions which we had created only for
display and not for sale. These textiles had also
been appreciated by curators of museums. The
sight of our hard work being reduced to ashes
was a shock. However, I had complete faith in
