Kalamkari is an ancient Indian art that originated about 3000 years ago. It derives its name from Kalam meaning Pen, and Kari meaning work, literally Pen-work.The Kalamkari artist uses a bamboo or date palm stick pointed at one end with a bundle of fine hair attached to this pointed end to serve as the brush or pen.
The process of making Kalamkari involves 23 steps. From natural process of bleaching the fabric, softening it, sun drying, preparing natural dyes, hand painting, to the processes of air drying and washing, the entire procedure is a process which requires precision and an eye for detailing.
Most of the colors are prepared using parts of plants – roots, leaves along with mineral salts of iron, tin, copper, alum, etc., which are used as mordants.
The Srikalahasti style of painting draws inspiration from the Hindu mythology describing scenes from the epics and folklore. This style holds a strong religious connect because of its origin in the temples.
In recent times, two other types of Kalamkari patterns have also emerged, based on the states where it is created. Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are two prime states in India, where two different types of Kalamkari patterns are done.The Andhra Kalamkari borrows design inspiration from forts, palaces and temples of India, along with motifs of animals and birds.
The Gujarat Kalamkari depict motifs of mythological characters such as Krishna-Arjuna from Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Lord Buddha, and others.
Kalamkari work can be found at websites across the Internet.
He was a gem really, he was always relaxed, never angry and always happy to help.
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I think as an artist that is the attitude you need. You do what you love, improve your style, and stay young. Your teacher sounds like a gem.
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I had a teacher at artschool who made all his paint himself and he painted like Rubens, layer over layer over layer on a wooden palet, he said he didn’t care if his work took one year to finnish or more. He was “stressless” and young. We all admired him.
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Perhaps these days it is done on machines, or probably not 23 steps, but the original artistry was amazing. Talk about having patience….
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This is really pretty. It must have taken a lot of time to make something like this, and they didn’t have the tools we have now.
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
LOOK AT THE DETAIL AND PRECISENESS! A SKILL DONE WITH RELATIVELY SIMPLE TOOLS AND DYES! YOWZA!
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WOW—ALL THAT PATIENT WORK—PRODUCES MASTERPIECES !!!!!
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Yes I completely agree with you
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I’m glad this form of art tickled your fancy!
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You are so awesome to share. Thank you!
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All that work. That is true dedication to one’s art.
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I am in total agreement. I might not want this particular art hanging in my livingroom, but I am in awe of all the steps a true artist of Kalamkari goes through to make such beautiful art.
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really love this. thanks for sharing!
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Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
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Beautiful kalamkari art at its best. Superb too good, post.
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Wow, 23 steps. I have a lot of admiration for the patience required to make this kind of art. While the iconography of Kalamkari doesn’t speak to me, I adore the textural effects the artists achieve.
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