Monday was all about colours, prints and fun for city school students. Victoria Memorial Hall and Sutra Textile Studies organised a block printing workshop for school students aged between 10 and 16 years on September 26 at the museum campus. The students learnt the basics of this age-old printing technique and tried their hands at making some samples.
Around 33 students from schools like Sri Sri Academy, Delhi Public School Ruby Park, Bharat Academy and Sciences, Pareshnath Balika Vidyalaya, Modern High School for Girls and Calcutta International School took part in the half-day workshop. Santosh Gupta, textile artist and Paromita Bhattacharya, printing expert from Sutra Textile Studies conducted the session.
Students who attended the workshop showcase their work
What might seem like a simple technique of printing has age-old art, science and principles working behind it. Gupta said, “The introduction of hand block printing to our new generation will create a new wave and new path to keep this craft alive. This is not only a craft, this is the life of a community. This small detail should be understood by our children. The time, labour, passion will help our children to apply these in their lives.’’
The session began with a presentation that introduced the students to the idea of block printing and how it is in vogue today. The participants were then provided with materials like tote bags, handkerchiefs, newsprint, cotton clothes, jute cloths, wooden blocks, spatula, pigment colours, binder, water and all other necessary items to make their own samples through the block printing technique. The block printing was carried out under the guidance of professionals who explained the various stages of the process.
Participants try out different blocks and designs
The students picked up the surface they wanted to block print on. Then they chose their preferred design blocks and dipped them in colour. Carefully, they placed the colour blocks onto the surfaces to get the desired design. This process was repeated until the design was complete. Once done, the coloured surface was left to dry off completely.
Freshly block-printed fabrics left out to dry
By the end of the session, the students had learnt not only about the basics of this technique but also went home with much more. “During learning block printing, they [the students] are using their eyes, mind, and hand coordination which boosts concentration and also helps in developing a sense of composition. If children like block printing and appreciate craftsmanship and artistry, they might do many innovative things. They can also choose it as a career option.’’ added Gupta.