"I believe handcrafts enable a cultural link across genders and generations”

I am Shaila Anand Abhyankar and I was born in Nagpur India in 1942. For the first 25 years of my life I lived happily with my parents. After marriage I continued to stay in Nagpur (Maharashtra, India). I recollect learning my craft skills from my mother who was a national award winner artist. I would constantly draw, paint and make dolls. All of my life, I've been creating new things.

 

I have fond childhood memories of making crafts and playing creative games with my brothers, sisters, cousins and numerous friends.  For instance a favorite past time for my mom and I was make dolls for “Bhatukli” (a game where kids develop creative stories and narrate these with dolls and miniature household items).  Our Bhatukli stories led us to many adventures and the hand made dolls were heroes of our journeys.

 

My desire to share this joy and excitement motivated me to teach doll making skills to other kids in the neighborhood.  Kids have a unique ability to question the status quo and I discovered teaching was a valuable source of learning for me. This motivated me to improvise and try new ideas.  “Thaki” doll is an example of this leanings and inspiration.  “Bhatukli” game was traditionally played with a wooden doll.  My students questioned this status quo and motivated me to think about dolls that they could play with, travel with and would be light weight. Thaki addresses these needs and includes a few more features like hypoallergenic synthetic stuffing.

 

As I grew up I continued teaching crafts and doll making to the next generation.  In addition to doll making I learned various art forms including oil paintings, classical vocal, classical dance and sculpting.  I studied and trained in commercial art. I took painting lessons from Mr. Athavale a humble and talented painting teacher, classical dance for 12 years from Mr. Shukla (Tagore Kala Niketen), classical vocal music from Mr. Ram Marathe, vocal light music from Mr. Yeshwant Deo (music director for marathi movies) and hand embroidery from Mrs. Indutai Amberdekar & Dhia Bhai. This journey brought me recognition as a master craftsmen from “All India Handicrafts Board” and recently a book I authored for craft making for young kids was recognized by Maharashtra state (India) government.  I have received various awards and I teach art to underprivileged ladies via “All India Handicrafts Board” (ministry of textile) master craftsman programs.  I regularly hold crafts exhibitions and teach crafts at local schools. This gives me a platform to interact with young generation and help link their ideas with traditional culture.  I hope to continue this journey with you all and I would appreciate your thoughts and feedback. I can be reached via whatsapp in Nagpur at 7558264700.