I have always craved the idea of painting a beautiful impression. We have elements of wonder all around us in our everyday lives, in the antiquity of our culture. I love being amidst such marvels, basking in the glory of our heritage and to bring forth the same to larger spectatorship in any form of art. Like the many in our developing society, an engineering path loomed large and I made peace with it while harboring fulfillment in ornamentation. – Monalisha Manna
Tell us about your label. When and what inspired you to start your business?
Here at EARTHAMENTS, we relive stories, tales from the yesteryears. We gently pick up the fragments, from days gone by and caress them into a contemporary nutshell. Our work is hand crafted from scratch and we take pride in the constant strive towards a greener and sustainable society.
How would you define your label’s aesthetics?
Our love for vintage is unsavoured, never dying as we venture into the unspoken paths scripting stories out of the memory fragments. We celebrate the essence of our tribal culture and steer ourselves along indigenous aesthetics. Down to execution, we are committed to handcraft, as each piece is provided its due time and effort.
Why is making jewellery so important to you?
Jewellery has been the most intimate form of embellishment in society for ages throughout history. It gives soul to the character within and has traditionally been the identifier for every human personality. The artistry involved in infusing the architectural influences of great heritage into pieces of fine jewellery is enthralling as an artist, as a woman and as a lover of Indian history and culture.
What goes into creating a piece of jewellery?
Every collection paints the story of a certain era. It reflects upon the vast and rich history of India and its mythology. The intricate patterns that adorn the majestic architecture of our country provides for ideas to recreate the same, over and over again, each time with an enriched perspective. We live to explore the nation at all its levels and procreate jewellery for each of its shades.
About your work space.
We work with karigars owing to West Bengal’s craftsmanship, distributed throughout the state. Our desk work is carried out at the heart of Kalighat, home to Maa Kali, in an old Kolkata architectural where all the magic transpires.
Your favourite tool and technique.
Each unit of an EARTHAMENTS is handcrafted with care and precision to give life to the thought behind every design. No machines are used during the process. Techniques like hand-beating, cutting tools and other hand-carving elements form the crux of craftsmanship by hand. The intricate work that is replicated every time is unparalleled craftsmanship from the famed Bengal lineage of Karigars.
What’s the biggest challenge and lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
We hope to cultivate awareness in the market on craftsmanship and the efforts involved in a handcrafted piece of jewellery. In the contemporary times of machine manufacturing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between the two and an arduous effort goes into the Education towards the same. Apart from the many challenges naturally faced by small indigenous businesses, the poisonous practices of “copy and mass production” take a huge toll on business.
We love all your works; do you have a favourite pick? And why?
While all homegrown designs have a very special place at heart, the Peshwari choker stands out for it’s intricate work and unique design having no precedence in the silver marketplace. The mental investment for the “IBTIDA” collection was huge as this beauty was rolled out as one of the earliest collections under the brand.
What are you showcasing at By Hand from the Heart?
The display would encompass handcrafted silver and copper/bronze collections. Thread work would be also set down complementing contemporary mixed media collections.
What will be your advice and message to aspiring jewellery designers?
The world is full of intriguing patterns and ethereal influences. One must develop the eye for them and learn to draw influence from such muse and not indulge in blatant incorporation from existent pieces of artwork.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand from the Heart: Makers Market
11th December 2021 – Saturday | 10 – 8
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.
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