Meet & Greet

[Leanne]

Hi all, my name is Leanne, and although born in Zimbabwe, I live in Perth, Western Australia.

Having travelled extensively, it seems I am always drawn to places that are steeped in traditional cultural values, and art making processes – that celebrate the foundational crafts, with skills and knowledge – handed down from generation to generation. Within these lectures and with hierarchical distinctions aside, am always keen to explore stereotypical distinctions around the art vs craft debate. (Love the quote ‘if an activity has no room, either in practice or in principle, for new relationships or for new understandings, it cannot but be a craft, never art’.) I have worked as an arts professional for nearly forty years and have a very diverse multidiscipline practice. I inherited a rich history that drew me to India and created a very strong link to the Sir JJ School of Art during the Gladstone Solomon period.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  leanne-barbara.

[padmini]

Hello All,

I am Padmini, I finished my Masters in Interior architecture and Design from CEPT University in 2011. I am here to refresh my learnings about crafts . Good to be here. Looking forward!

[Shalini]

Hi, I am Shalini. My day job in Dubai involves leading writing, editing and design on white papers on various topics in Dubai – not related to any art.
I am also a PhD scholar studying handlooms at TISS in Bombay. This course is perfect because it helps give a grounding in art and design, while also rewiring the brain somewhat to think academically. It complements and updates my reading on the topic.
It’s been delightful so far. I loved the session on exhibitions, and was fascinated with the topic of Self Reliance and Swadeshi. . .

[Trivikram]

Hi everyone, This is Trivikram from Bengaluru. While not formally taught, i have a keen interest in craft, clothes, fabrics and art. by training i am an engineer with a career in the private philanthropy space. happy to be attending these sessions. thank you to MAP Academy, thank you Dr. Annapurna Garimella sharing some of your insights with us.

[Esha]

Hello everyone. Since I moved to Bangalore, I have been quite intrigued by MAP and thus was thrilled to find out about this course. I majored in Sociology and have been in publishing since I graduated. I specialized in children’s writing, but recently I have been working on technical books. As an amateur artist and doodler, art and craft never ceasses to enthrall me. With this course, I am hoping to explore new ways of thinking about art.

[SAKET]

Hello Everyone,

Before me, I want to express my deepest respect and gratitude to MAP and Dr Annapurna Garimella for providing this valuable platform and sharing this vast knowledge with us to support art enthusiast’s. Her presentations has provided me deep insights.

Its great to be here and sharing about me.

I am a design graduate from NIFT, New Delhi and had the opportunity to work at different organizations across India and abroad. Recently, I did Masters of Fashion Management from NIFT, Kolkata, where I also received Best Post Graduation Project Award & NIFT Meritorious Student Award. I believe that purpose develops the passion and passion takes us to performance. I have worked on Languishing Art of Bihar Known as Manjusha Art earlier under global issue in design. I have seen how artforms are forced to change in the name of been accepted and commercialized to stay relevant. I put forward this question to everyone here to guide me how to work and support our rich heritage without changing its identity. I love travelling, watching architectures, photography and collecting postal stamps. This courses has opened me to the vastness of the subject and beautifully presented to explore more and gain valuable knowledge in a systematic order. This is a great platform for everyone and I am so happy to find ppl from diverse backgrounds. Looking to learn from everyone here.

Best regards, Saket

[MEGHANA]

Hi, I am Meghana, and I am a design academic who finds joy in observing the world around me with a quiet curiosity. From my earliest days, I’ve been immersed in India’s vibrant craft heritage. After completing my post-graduation at the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design in Jaipur, Rajasthan, I’ve had the privilege of visiting numerous craft clusters across the country. Even now, I remain deeply moved by the richness of our traditional crafts and the profound knowledge held by artisan practitioners.

I hold a deep reverence for the meticulous processes, diverse materials, and innovative tools employed in these crafts—an appreciation I strive to instill in my urban learners. Exploring ‘a’ history of Indian craft through the enlightening lectures of Dr. Annapurna Garimella has been both captivating and enlightening. It’s a journey filled with insights, offering a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of our craft traditions.

[Rajani]

Hello, nice to meet you, my name is Rajani. I’m not connected to the formal aspect of the arts although I enjoy certain artistic pursuits. Sadly, I find that my capacity for internal appreciation needs to be developed and that it is quite a challenge for me to get into a more honest and deep appreciation rather than a superficial one. I also want to try to get a sense of Indian design if possible. So looks like I have plenty to sink my teeth into with you all!

[Hannah]

Hi my name is Hannah Sabapathy. I’m currently doing a practice-based PhD at The University of Leeds, UK. I’m researching British imitations and copies of South Asian textiles in the latter half of the nineteenth century. I trained as a printed textile designer and part of my PhD is to create visual work around the research. I’m particularly interested in South Indian textiles as my family is from Chennai. I’ve found the lectures fascinating and looking forward to learning more.

[Asha]

Hi Everyone, I know I am a little late in my introduction message. Still, I would like to re-emphasize that this was a beautifully curated series and an enriching experience. I am Asha Kumari, a communication professional and content strategist, I have an experience of 16+ years of working with Indian fashion and e-commerce. Currently, I am a Senior Manager of Branding & Communications at the Indian Institute of Art & Design. A Fashion Communication Gradute from NIFT, I am very passionate and have deep love for Indian crafts and rich culture.

[Mayur]

Thank you.

[sanjana]

Hi Everyone! This is Sanjana and I run an advertising agency based in Mysore. I have always wanted to explore and learn about art, I am an avid Mandala and Ganjifa artist. I am happy to be a part of this course and learn from each other. Thank you MAP Academy for such amazing content.