On the blog today, we feature artist and jewelry designer Arathi Rajagopalan of House of Kalart. She shares in detail about her label, inspirations and her debut showcase at the By Hand From The Heart Makers Market in Coimbatore this February 2018. Her story… 

Can you tell us a little about yourself and describe what you do –

I am a graduate from NIFT & have done few courses in jewelry & metalsmithing from SINGEM. My passion for art & design started as a child; an aunt of mine used to teach us all sorts of craft from clay modelling to foil work to almost every craft during vacations which turned out to be an inspiration & stepping stone for my Career. Growing up I used to dream of creating embellished clothes and was always an artist in some respect.

My experience in the International & Domestic fashion/Retail industry and my fascination for jewelry has made me venture into starting my own label. I have always made time to make mixed media jewelry & styling for family, friends and TV / corporate commercials, so starting HOK is only a natural way forward.

Why is making so important to you?

Colours & textures not only inspire me, it also instigates a play of design in my head and to be able to actually touch , hold and add character to something that was just an idea is an immense joy.

What goes into designing a piece of jewelry?

Every piece of jewelry undergoes various processes of design, expertise of craftsmanship, quality checks and finally comes to me for the hand setting of the ornamented miniatures.Making a piece of jewelry or a painting is a way of expressing my soul through colours.

Any design story you would like to share?                             

Every design has a story to tell. I had faced challenges in R&D with the idea of marrying art or a surface ornamented fabric with metalsmithing, replacing art in place of a stone and creating a well-crafted fashionable jewelry. HOK jewelry is not just a wearable art; it is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship & global aestheticism.

What are you displaying at By Hand From The Heart Makers Market in Coimbatore.

An extremely exciting event for me as this will be the launch of House of Kalart. Earrings, few bracelets, necklace and Mixed media Abstract paintings will be at display.

Meet the Maker at By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – 22nd Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 2nd – 3rd February, 2018
Time: 10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m

Venue: Jenneys Residency – Ruby Hall & Art Houz Gallery
Address: 2/2, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641014. India.

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