Impact Edge -Kotpad Handlooms

The project dealt with empowering tribal communities of Odisha in the contiguous belt

from Khandhamal to Niyamgiri and Koraput by creating new livelihood

opportunities though artisan ship.

Kotpad Handloom is a natural-dyed fabric woven by the tribal weavers of the Mirgan community of Kotpad village in Koraput district of Odisha. The fabric is known for the use of natural dye that is extracted from the roots of Al tree .

Uniqueness of Kotpad Handloom

Inspiration

My natural inclination towards craftsmanship and story telling drew me to Kotpad Weaving of Odisha. The fabrics of Kotpad are one such and make it absolutely unique is that these fabrics are completely non-chemical in terms of the material (yarn,dye) and the process (natural dye). It is hence eco-friendly and non-harmful to skin.

While doing my research, I realized there is a need for handloom textiles and fabrics and there is an awareness around usage of nontoxic and chemical free fabrics.

There was an observation that the amount of time that we spend or interact with the home furnishings(Living rooms and bedrooms) is more than the amount we spend with our outdoor clothing. But as compared to the research that we do for selecting our apparels, we hardly spend time to select our furnishings.

I felt this was a gap in the market and If I could do something around this and come up with a line of naturally dyed, nontoxic and skin friendly home furnishing range which is not just inspired from skin friendly techniques of kotpad weaving but also the minimalist language of Kotpad, catering to the urban, informed and discerning clientele.

Story Cushions

I really like the way the motifs are derived from the objects seen or used in the daily lives and the living beings in the environment. Each pattern has a name

and a meaning behind it for its use. Hence, each piece of fabric has its

own story to tell. Taking inspiration from this ,

I decided to create cushion and bedding sets which will showcase the stories of the Tribals through original motifs.

Inspiration/ Story 1

Final Design

Inspiration/Story 2

Final Design

Background of the Project :

This project was a part of Impact edge which was a joint initiative of Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology and Industree foundation which brings together business, design and design thinking with entrepreneurship and transformational societal change, mainstreaming the notion of a new kind of business where sustainability, inclusion and value creation are integral. The aim is to make the new generation of designers sensitized to the imperative of inclusive and sustainable business as a path to a sustainable future.