KHATRI, Sufiyan Ismail
Age, 24
Ajrakhpur, Kachchh
Ajrakh Block Printing

Sufiyan created a narrative art panel for the KHAMIR-sponsored New Voices, New Futures Exhibition.  His block print panel is an interpretation of a sustainable village.  Reflecting on lessons learned while working with KHAMIR on this project, Sufiyan says he now realizes that,

“We must find ways to reuse Water, Dye Solutions, and Extra Fabric.  We must reduce waste.  I am now working with handloom and organic cottons and looking for ways to turn waste fabric into quilts and bags. This is the least we can do to sustain our craft and future generations. ”

VANKAR, Murji Hamir
Age, 35
Bhujodi, Kachchh
Handloom Weaving

Murji has been working with KHAMIR for 2 ½ years.  He has created products for KHAMIR’s brand, has participated in KHAMIR and the Weaves of Kachchh exhibition in New Delhi and has developed trade partnerships through KHAMIR.   Murji believes that,

“My father was an extremely talented weaver who gave me a strong foundation of handloom weaving techniques and skills.  When my family started our own business, many of the business skills we needed were new.  KHAMIR has helped us to improve quality, experiment with new raw materials, relate with buyers, and increase our capacity.  We used to operate one loom, now we have three.”

For more information about Kachchh craft traditions,livelihoods,challenges and opportunities, visit our Creative Industries pages or read about KHAMIR's Impact.