Decoding Sustainability
Vijaya, an artisan from Bengal, who grew up in Murshidabad, has turned her lifelong passion for art into a thriving business in eco-printing. With a background rich in traditional crafts, she now creates beautiful, sustainable pieces that have gained recognition far and wide. In an interesting interview with Vijaya we will take an in-depth look into her journey.
1. What inspired you to start the business?
Vijaya: After my marriage, I noticed my husband collecting leaves from the forest and experimenting with eco-printing. I was fascinated by the process and saw it as an extension of my childhood love for painting and home decor, so I decided to join him in this creative venture.
2. Was there any specific incident that motivated you to start this business?
Vijaya: I’ve always loved creating things. Even before marriage, I was constantly making art. Seeing my husband pressing leaves between books, sheets and fabric to create prints was the moment that sparked my involvement. I immediately wanted to contribute and explore this unique art form.
3. How popular are your products, and where do you source the material from?
Vijaya: My products are quite popular, especially through online orders and at exhibitions such as those held in Shantiniketan. I source my materials from the local forests and trees around my home, ensuring that each leaf I use is naturally collected.
4. What aspects of traditional techniques are highlighted in your products?
Vijaya: The process involves washing the leaves and carefully placing them between paper sheets or fabric for printing. The patience for arts I developed while growing up, helps me immensely in this delicate art form, allowing me to add a touch of tradition to every piece.
5. Who are the primary buyers of your products?
Vijaya: Most of my buyers are exhibition visitors and customers who place online orders. Their appreciation for handmade, eco-friendly items has supported my business growth.
6. Where did you get the idea to start a sustainable and eco-friendly business?
Vijaya: I have always leaned towards creating sustainable crafts. However, my marriage to an artisan deeply involved in eco-printing gave me the push to turn it into a full-fledged business.
7. Is this business profitable in the current times?
Vijaya: Yes, I’m satisfied with the income I earn. Knowing that my hard work brings joy to my customers and supports sustainable practices makes it all the more rewarding.
8. Can you tell me about your creative process?
Vijaya: I begin by collecting leaves from the local forest and trees, specifically those with colorful flowers, as their leaves often yield vibrant impressions. After washing and boiling the leaves, I press them between fabric or paper, which captures the natural patterns.
9. What challenges have you faced in your craft, and how have you overcome them?
Vijaya: The biggest challenge is sourcing the right leaves, as not all types leave a clear print. It requires patience and trial-and-error to find suitable materials, but I’ve learned to work with what nature provides.
10. What's a common misconception people have about your craft?
Vijaya: Some people assume my prints are created with artificial colors rather than actual leaves. To address this, I sometimes leave the physical leaf attached to the material so that customers can see the authenticity of my eco-printing process.
11. Can you describe a memorable experience you had with a customer?
Vijaya: During one exhibition, a customer was captivated by a handmade diary featuring tiny, colorful leaf prints. Their genuine admiration and immediate purchase left a lasting impression on me, reminding me why I love what I do.
Vijaya’s story showcases her dedication to sustainable art and how she draws on tradition and creativity to create unique, eco-friendly products.