UDAIPUR: To live a wonderful life, one has to discover one’s natural flair. Archana Kaushik, an art teacher, is an example. Based in Udaipur, she has mastered the various art forms such as Madhubani, Lippan and Kitsch. In a conversation, Kaushik narrated how she wishes to spread these traditional art-forms to children.
Kaushik has opened a studio to spread the traditional art-forms in society. She trains children in these art-forms through a practical approach.
She learnt Lippan from Kutch in Gujarat from an artist. Lippan art, popularly known as clay art, is mostly done by the ladies to decorate their homes. It is made from blending mud with cow/donkey dung.
The dung acts as a binding agent as it is rich in fibres. An equal proportion of dung and clay are mixed and kneaded to make a dough used for lippan work. Later, different art pieces and patterns are made, which is decorated with stones and mirrors. Also known as Chittar Kaam, it is a traditional mural craft on Kutch.
She has also learnt Kitsch, which is classy and eye-catching. Kitsch art is popular among the young generation. The art form focuses on society and culture, making it into an original work. As a result, it can attract as well as repel viewers.
“Both these art-forms enhance creativity, concentration, designing accuracy and precision in a child. It would also help a child to know about the combination of various earthy colours,” says Kaushik.
For her, involvement with mud and creating artefacts from them is a kind of meditative process as it requires a lot of focus and patience. One gets lost, which at the end gives an immense pleasure.
