Greetings from India

My father recently was in India for two or so months on a work assignment over the Holidays. I have always been enamored with Indian textiles and art, and he brought me back a box of treasure from his adventures.

It was similar to when I was a kid. My dad would take off for a few weeks to work in different countries around the world, Mexico, Japan.. (dad, fill in the blanks here) and would always bring home gifts of toys or clothes from other-worldly cultures. It was a really special time, his homecoming, a renaissance  of family of sorts.

One of the qualities I adore about Indian art, textiles and crafts is the handmade quality.. Especially items made by women, throughout time in every country, their ability to pass down skills of handmade items has been a staple economic resource for women throughout time. Embedded in this skill is the keen sense of color, tactile experience, pattern and composition. I love this embroidered purse, it's detail is overwhelming (in a good way) and draws the eye immediately. Im curious about its origin, even down to what the artisan was thinking about while producing this. I wonder what the parallels are between our work and lives..

The three white motifs are carved wooden stamps. I cannot wait to experiment with these on paper or fabric.. Anyone who knows me even a little knows about my love for rubber stamps, I was so excited to see one of my favorite creative tools translated into such a unique, beautiful and simple realm. 

I keep the wooden elephant on my vanity to remind me of family and what it means to be a part of one. Have you ever researched the family hierarchy of elephants? 

The cobalt Buddha head, hand painted. A gem

Also there were two lockets, one made of silver and another of copper. Within them are very tightly wrapped papers with Hindi words and designs. Each had a different paper wrapped up inside. I dont know what these mean, are used for or what they are representative of, and would be interested to know if anyone has any insight. Their tiny-ness is so curious..

We have such an amazing collection of Buddha heads

Such detail in the wood carvings. I am amazed at the attention to detail and beauty. I love the smell of the wood as well, it makes me think of exotic places where I dont know the language and everything I see is new.