Her love for art is Incredible!
Extremely Talented and Well-Known Papier Mache Artist, Preeti Gupta worked on a very unique concept. Times Magazine India had an interaction with Ms. Preeti related to her Creative art and the hard work behind her success.
During an interaction, it was questioned how and when you started Aranya Earthcraft?
We started this venture under the name Aranya Earthcraft in 2005; and got registered in 2015.
The journey started with a passion for art and craft. Vivek Prasad, the co-founder and creative head, did his Ph.D. in chemistry. Having had his first love for art he always preferred art above any other interests. After his doctorate, he started his career with his first love.
I joined him later after my marriage, with my interest in art and design as well. It was a beautiful coincidence that our interests matched and we thought of starting our own venture, Aranya Earthcraft.
We were very clear about being sustainable and having all our products sustainable as well. Regarding this, we chose to use papier-mâché as a main medium along with waste wood, scrap metal, bottles, etc.
As; Art was our first choice, the idea was to incorporate our art into utility. Therefore, our work is arty designers. In today's world art is appreciated by many art lovers, but it is not on the list to purchase. But when we use art in a design, the final product becomes an essential utility product that can also be used as décor.
As you are the master of the paper Mache art form, so please tell, How Paper Mache Crafts are made.
Papier-mâché has an ancient history, it started in China and traveled through Japan to Europe to Persia, now Iran, and then to Kashmir, now in India.
Like many other crafts (carpet making, shawl making, naqqashi, etc.) papier-mâché was introduced by a large group of artisans, who came along with the Sufi poet Mir Saiyyed Ali Hamadani from Persia (Iran) to the Kashmiri artisans in the 15th century.
They were brought by the 8th sultan of Kashmir, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. The skill was introduced by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, along with his 700 craftsmen.
In India, there are a few states where papier-mâché craft is practiced regularly, like Kashmir, Bihar (Madhubani), and Rajasthan (Jaipur).
The process we follow is Rajasthani, mixing khadiya mitti with paper pulp and natural resin (edible glue) to make the dough, after this, we give the dough shapes as per our design requirements. Then we sun dry or air dry the product and finally paint them as per required.
The final coating is done by lacquer to protect from water or humidity (this is the only toxic ingredient used in making).
The complete-making process is extremely sustainable, as we recycle newspaper/egg crates/ carton boxes/old used notebooks/any unpolished paper. While making there is minimum usage of electricity and water, so no nature is harmed in the making. We are a zero-waste sustainable art and design studio.
Describe how this art is important to society.
Few people are educated about this very flexible material papier-mâché. In today’s time when we have wounded our nature in various ways, it is very important for us to become very cautious about what we design!
To know and research about the materials we use in our designing, the end result of it like where will it go at the end, is our product biodegradable, will it spread its harmful chemical once discarded? Papier-mâché is an unexplored material; its usage is limitless.
From making a small plate for dry snacks to a house interior can be made out of this versatile material. Instead of expensive and chemically treated wallpaper, papier-mâché can be used for walls; papier-mâché can replace veneer as well.
From where people can access your handicrafts?
We have our own website www.aranyaearthcraft.in or from our Instagram page.
Knowing about her Achievements…
She said; we did collaboration work, exploring new ideas and developing work with Mohan Prajapati, a Miniature painting artist from Rajasthan, Block making artist Tahir Mohammed from Delhi, Manas Ghorai textile and jewelry artist from Kolkata, and Samoolam (Usha Prajapati) an organization who works with women in Bihar and their craft is Crochet.
We have had the opportunity to participate in the Crafts Council of India Chennai for Craft Epreneur, India Design Delhi, Delhi, and Maison e Objet, France (Unique and Eclectic segment) as a craft person. And we have been regular participants at Dastkar Delhi.
What are the famous Papier Mache Items…?
Jewellery accessories, coasters, candle holders, dry snack platters, hanging and wall lamps, wall clocks, sculptures, and wall plates.
What factors influence the price of your work?
The cost is based on the design, manpower (we believe in paying the worth), and the fine material which we use to make the products.
Is this a sustainable art form?
This is a hundred percent sustainable art form. We highly work on sustainability only.
As your story of success is an inspiration for many women, say something for them so that their life can take a beautiful turn…
1. Faith in oneself
2. Real-life education is most important apart from academic education.
3. Success cannot be measured by others; it depends on my satisfaction level with the work I do
4. Honesty and dedication are always my keys.
5. I can grow only when we grow together.
We are a team of artists, creating some interesting arty products (made of papier-mache) which are environmental friendly.
Contemporary Art is the main theme of expression in every product we create, may it be in the form of sculpture, patterns, texture, and drawing.
We try to infuse them with utility as well as decor/fashion products. An initiative to conserve the aesthetic of nature in art and exhibit one's creative approach.
At the core, our belief is ‘Nature is the source of inspiration for our creativity.
We design and create ourselves, our designs are original but not unique, as nature has given us ultimate creativity, therefore, and we cannot be above that.
Times Magazine India wishes her good luck and thanks her!
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