CRAFTS

Facilitating artisanal creativity has always been a longstanding passion of Ashwini. Craftspersons have been nurtured over the years and integrated into the mainstream. Ashwini believes that today, crafts are defined by their preciousness, and extraordinary value is attributed to handmade crafts as something unique and exotic. By providing platforms for artisans to showcase their skills, Ashwini has helped elevate traditional crafts to new heights, ensuring that these timeless techniques are preserved and appreciated by a wider audience. Furthermore, Ashwini emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and fair trade, ensuring that artisans are fairly compensated and their cultural heritage is respected and celebrated. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations with contemporary designers, Ashwini continues to foster an environment where artisanal creativity can thrive and evolve, blending the old with the new to create pieces that tell a story and connect people across cultures and generations.

Ceramics Workshop and Museum Visit to Terracotta & Textile Museum at Sanskriti Anandgram

Ashwini’s passion for the crafts is widely acknowledged. She has always strived to promote crafts over the last two decades, demonstrating a consistent dedication to preserving traditional art forms and supporting artisans through various initiatives and projects. Alongside her fellow Executive Committee Members, of CII IWN-Delhi Co- Chair Sushmita Aggarwal and Garima Jain, she curated and presented a ceramics workshop at Sanskriti Anandgram. A Museum walk of the Terracotta and Textile Museums was also conducted.

Ashwini has dedicated a section of her programming to the promotion and facilitation of crafts in ceramics. This includes showcasing crystalline glazes in Monica Agnihotri’s exquisite wheel-thrown vases, which highlight the delicate interplay of colors and textures. Additionally, bottles and temple-inspired organic shapes crafted from semi-porcelain represent an intricate art form that marries traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. By highlighting such detailed and labor-intensive processes, Ashwini not only brings attention to the technical skill involved but also celebrates the cultural significance and artistic value of these ceramic pieces. Her efforts ensure that these timeless crafts receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve, fostering a deeper connection between artisans and the broader community.