Meet The Makers

Take a peek behind the scenes as we salute the talent that brings raw materials to life... after all, nothing quite matches the magic of handmade.

- Tasneem Merchant

Since the last few years, the design industry has been booming with a revivalist sentiment centered around the craft. That Indian craft comes from rich tradition and heritage is no secret. However, its decline in the era of machine goods and a stiff competition from imported products has sparked a growing concern. More and more designers, not only local but also international, are making a concerted effort to preserve, replenish and rejuvenate age-old techniques, perfected by craftsmen in secluded pockets of the country. In this exclusive, we shine a spotlight on designers and brands who work tirelessly with talented artisans who are equipped with knowledge often passed down through generations.

CURATORS OF CLAY

For Bhairavi Naik and Rohit Kulkarni, the founders of Curators of Clay, their work is a literal labour of love. In this rare instance, the owners are also the karigars, producing the wonderful glazed, high-fired products seen on their Instagram. Their ‘alfresco office’ above Bhugaon Hill, Pune serves as the epicentre of their creative trysts. “We’d love to work with other craftsmen, but in our limited experience we find that potters are a vanishing craftspeople. Traditional potters often do not want to experiment with contemporary design and quality — something that we are very passionate about,” avers Rohit. On preserving this craft, he says, “It’s imperative for artisans to stay relevant by changing in terms of design and adapting to new forms and aesthetics. That is the only way of staying true to the craft while ensuring it is not forgotten or loses its relevance in a mechanised society.”