Ever seen the Ramayana depicted on an elaborate piece of jewellery? Sounds fascinating, right? Bindhu Mathai, a terracotta jewellery designer, has done just that and what’s more she has won a National Award for this effort. The designer is now displaying different designs of her brand Aakaar at The Contemporary Window store.
“I was working with an NGO called Craft Council of India and in 1997, I was asked to send my thesis for the National Award. I sent three and the one that got me the award was the story of the Ramayana depicted on an elaborate piece of jewellery. There were Ravana’s ten heads, Sita sitting under the Ashoka tree, birds, peacocks, temples, Garuda and Hanuman,” said Bindhu.
Her vast collection, which brilliantly captures India’s rich culture, its myths and heritage. Kathakali, the theme of Narayana, Shiva, Basava, Krishna Gopika and Yakshagana are all depicted on her pieces. What makes Aakaar’s jewellery even special is that they are hand-made terracotta, developed by skilled craftsmen.
“In the initial days, I hired local people from a village called Venkatala in Yelahanka district. Neither did they have background knowledge nor did their ancestors know the craft. I trained them and some still work with me now,” she said.
Bindhu herself had no experience and training in jewellery designing until after 10 years of marriage. “I had my degree in Commerce and only after a long period did I attend an advanced course in the Regional Design and Technical Development Centre for four months in Bengaluru,” she said “It just happened. My mom used to design so I guess it was in my blood,” she added.
Thus, Aakaar was established at Yelahanka in 1995. From a humble beginning, Aakaar has now risen to a level where it has built a reputation even in international markets.
When CE asked her why terracotta, she said, “My husband had a factory of stone wear and pipe products. His grandfather had a tile factory. So, 11 years into marriage, I had learnt the techniques involving clay and that’s how terracotta was the obvious choice,”
Her collections include chokers, short and long necklaces, danglers, bracelets and earrings.
Bindhu has undertaken the task of recreating her award-winning Ramayana masterpiece into a miniature version which can be worn on occasions.
Her collection at The Contemporary Window showcase her creative skills and highlight the skilled craftsmanship of rural workers. Her works will be on display till August 14 at The Contemporary Window between 10 30 am and 8 pm. For more details, contact: 9841032822.