Don't Miss the Sculptural Textiles of India - Bandhani Silks
BANDHANI SILK
TINY DOTS
BANDHANI TIED ON SILK
SCULPTURAL SHAPED SHAWLS
The name “Bandhani” derives from the Sanskrit term meaning “to tie.” Tied resist is a traditional technique that has been practiced in India for centuries.
Each dot is the result of creating a tiny peak in the cloth and then tightly wrapping thread around the peak to resist the dye. Artisans work with precision as they slowly pattern the entire cloth - a lengthy process with an exquisite outcome. In Japan, this type of shaped resist is known as shibori. In the West small tie-and-dye pieces were widely traded and became known as “bandanas” - after the term bandhani.
To achieve multiple colours with this process requires skill and patience as each new colour needs either a new tie or a separate dip in the dyebath. The result of applying bandhani on silk is a sculptural textile with a unique life of its own.
Maiwa works directly with bandhani artisans working Kutch Desert of Gujarat, Western India. This year they are visiting Maiwa to teach workshops, give a lecture and present their work (see below).
Close up of the sculptural effect of bandhani.
The cloth develops a natural elasticity and a life of its own.
Bandhani sculptural shawls are also available at Maiwa on Granville Island
7 days a week between 10am and 7pm
Want to become a bandhani artist yourself? Join us for a
TRADITIONAL BANDHANI WORKSHOP
WITH JABBAR & ABDULLAH KHATRI
SEPTEMBER 12-15 (THUR-SUN 10AM-4PM)
Join brothers Jabbar and Abdullah Khatri as they teach the traditional bandhani techniques of resist tying cloth and the secrets of colouring the prepared cloth using natural dyes.
Bandhani tying is a process whereby a small portion of cloth is gathered and then wrapped tightly with threads to form a resist. In the Kachchh area of western Gujarat this technique has evolved to incorporate multiple colours. Pride is taken in forming patterns from the smallest dots imaginable. Students will learn the traditional methods as well as contemporary variations. In addition students will learn how patterns are designed, the aesthetic and repertoire of motifs, and how patterns are transferred onto cloth in such a way that the designs can be accurately realized over and over again. Students will also learn the dye techniques used to achieve gradations (ombre). Finally, the bandhani technique will be augmented by including some clamp resist methods. READ MORE...
Can't make the workshop? Make certain you join us for their lecture:
PATTERN RECOGNITION
NET LOFT, GRANVILLE ISLAND, VANCOUVER CANADA
Want to see some amazing bandhani close up? Come to the
FIVE ARTISANS EXHIBITION
MAIWA EAST, VANCOUVER CANADA
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