Sampoorn Santhe 2015: Giving Wings to the Indian Artisans to Soar High!

I just came back from Sampoorn 2015, an annual craft fair currently going on at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (Bangalore), showcasing the extraordinary talent of our artisans from all over India; no surprises there, I had to pen down this awesome experience. They say, a picture is worth a thousand words and I dare not disagree with ‘them’. So, let me take you on a visual tour of this annual extravaganza interspersed with a few words here and there (Just for your benefit):

Riding on the “Back to Nature” theme, this year’s Sampoorn Santhe is aimed at promoting art forms crafted out of natural materials.

My first stop was this stall of terracotta planters available in a myriad of animal shapes and sizes! You’ve got to check them out! These planters are a dream come true for passionate gardeners and beginners like me!

Just fell in love with these creative Giraffe-shaped planters!

The next stall was all the more interesting – beautiful blue pottery ceramics from Jaipur – key holders (lots of them!), blue tiles, mosaic lamps and lanterns – these guys had stocked everything right! Naturally, I had to buy something from them, and so I did! (a bright red key holder)

You might not wanna miss this next stop on Sampoorn’s tour – Vibrant, eclectic ceramic ware from Khurja, U.P. A mind-boggling collection of colourful table ware, vases, kitchen utilities, garden planters etc. was on display. Aren’t they just lovely?

Next on my list is this Dhokra art stall all the way from West Bengal. Beautifully hand crafted, these little artifacts and jewellery pieces quietly speak of the painstaking process of metal casting through the ‘lost wax technique’. Take a look at the extraordinary brass elephant stand and these exquisite Dhokra neck pieces that you can team up with any thing.

The next stall would probably get a lot of collective sighs and a few positive exclamations from all home decor lovers. So, without further ado, enjoy the next few images of these exceptionally hand crafted brass artifacts from Aligarh U.P. (expensive, but totally worth the price!) Whether its the gorgeous Radha-Krishna pair or the majestic Nandi Bull, all showpieces here were truly tasteful and a treat for the discerning eye!

So, moving forward…come on, lets go, I know your hearts are set on the brass Ganpati idol, but we have to go!

I moved on to the simple, yet elegant black stone pottery and cane and bamboo storage baskets at a stall from Manipur. Simple and so utilitarian!

Phulkari, Zardosi, Banjara, Kutch, Kantha, Mirrors and Beads – all embroidery forms displayed beautifully in rich, vivid colours in these bags, totes and clutches. Famous artworks of different states showcased in one single place. Ladies, grab one for yourself!

When your passions and dreams materialize into something as beautiful as Vaaso, you have every reason to smile! Revisiting Indian craft forms such as hand block-printing and creating artful pieces suited for the contemporary is something that Anita, Leena, & Surabhi (ex-college mates) do with aplomb! They have dished out really creative block-printed lamps, trays, cutlery, tissue, and key holders, table linen, cushion covers, gadget sleeves and other interesting products for beautifying your homes. Do check out this stall!

The next stall just took my breath away! Rarely have I seen such fresh, inspiring Dhokra art showpieces. Platters, towel holders, flower vases…this stall from West Bengal was a true representation of modern sophistication all the way!

These exceptionally talented craftsmen from Chattisgarh have proved that talent has no boundaries. They had a bunch of lovely wind chimes and planters crafted out of wood and bamboo. But what really caught my eye was these animal shaped planters! Just take a guess what material they have been crafted out of – wood probably…Actually its our very humble vegetable – Bottle Gourd!! What? Really?? That was exactly my reaction when the guy running the stall told me; I thought I misheard it, but it was true. See it to believe it…

My next halt: Simple, rustic, earthenware from Kerala – Simple and beautifully handcrafted

There are times when you are left speechless by the intricacy and sheer craftsmanship of some art works. I had that moment when I visited this Pattachitra painting stall from Puri, Orissa. And when it is Akshaya Bariki, a National and UNESCO awardee (awarded for showcasing the Chaushathi Kala or 64 types of arts that have been a part of India’s culture since the Vedic times) and a star Pattachitra artist himself at the stall, you have to stop and take notice! Take a bow!!

This Applique work stall from Pipli, Orissa was so vibrant and colourful that I had to mention it here. They had some lovely wall hangings, runners, and cushion covers.

Charma-Kalamkari or Leather Handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh had a unique appeal to them and so, I captured these images through my lens. A huge variety of lamps (floor, table, and wall-mounted), wall hangings, puppets were on display.

I love everything that looks ethnic, rustic, and most importantly hand crafted. No wonder then, that my heart skipped a beat when I glanced at this stall of beautifully hand crafted furniture (lots of brass) and colourful home decor accents from Jaipur!

Other attractive stalls at Sampoorn were those from Maharashtra (lovely figurines hand-painted on vases in varied shapes) and Madhya Pradesh (interesting metal wall hangings and key holders).

Folks, Sampoorn is a true reflection of the diversity of India – the finest art and craft forms from all over the country are on display till 28th June at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. More than anything, it would be our privilege to support the tremendously talented craftsmen of our country! Do visit this exhibition and let me know your experience in the comments below! Good Day!!