We hadn't given too much thought (or any at all) to sustainable leather craft and Indian folk art until this recommendation, what a shame! But Life In Abstracts by Artist Sneha helped us correct this. Her Instagram page pays homage to Tholu Bommalata (literally translates to dance of leather puppets), a 2000-year-old craft from Andhra Pradesh through the home decor she creates. Leather puppets and story-telling through leather puppetry is the hallmark of Andhra art and crafts and these puppets are stylised with the art.
Life In Abstracts extends this technique and art to lamps and other home accessories. The nature and folklore inspired designs are tough not to look at and keep looking. They are intricate, exquisitely hand-painted and seem like Kalamkari motifs but this is a different type of Kalamkari, shares Sneha, native to this particular ancient folk artform. She sources parchment leather lamps and wall hangings from craftsmen in Andhra Pradesh and paints each one of them individually using drawing inks.
Presently, in her collection of traditional home decor she makes Leather Tealight Holders, Lampshades, Tholu Lamps, Wall Clocks, and Door/Wall Hangings. Sneha plays with colours; from monochromes, dual tones to a full blown multicoloured to make her art standout. The lamps when lit look especially alluring. Life In Abstracts alao takes orders for bespoke lamps that are designed with Kalamkari, and Madhubani motifs.
Prices start at INR 1,300 and goes up to INR 4,500 depending on the size and intricacy of the piece. Connect with Life In Abstracts by clicking on Enquire Now and place your orders. Pan India shipping is available.