Hand block printing has been prevalent in India since the 12th Century. Though it has been widespread all over the country, the earliest documentation of the process seems to have originated in Gujarat. There are different kinds of prints that are indigenous to different parts of India.
In Gujarat, Sodagiri prints are popular. Its a form of mud-resist printing process with intricate wood blocks. Dhamadka village in Gujarat is known for a block printed fabric called Ajrakh which are geometric. The artisans use natural colors such as red from the madder root, black from a rusty iron solution and blue from indigo.
Andhra Pradesh has Kalamkari prints which is artwork (kari) created with a pen (kalam). It is a combination of hand painting and block printing.Last week I attended a fun workshop- probably the most fun one in a very long while! I learnt so much about the artistry behind the process of Indian Block Printing.
PROCESS
The fabric to be printed is first washed free of starch.
It is ironed out in order to be crease-free.
The fabric is stretched over the printing table and secured with pins.
Color is mixed separately and kept ready. Depending on the need one could use natural or synthetic dyes.
Choose and keep blocks ready and dry.
When printing begins, the color is first evened out in the tray. Then the block is lightly dipped in the color.
The block is pressed down hard on the fabric, to make a clear impression. Make sure the block is not moved around during this stage to avoid smudging.
Once the fabric is printed, it is dried in the sun.
Workshops like these always bring to light the amount of art that is not very obviously seen in our lives! So, thanks
to anyone who takes the initiative to conduct these kind of events.
Cheers! Madhu x
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