The Art of Kantha Online Class
with Ekta Kaul, Tuesday 30 & Wednesday 31 March 2021, 4-7pm BST
Join us to explore ancient hand-stitch Indian embroidery techniques with award-winning London based artist, Ekta Kaul. Kantha has a rich history, its ethos of respect for materials and sustainability is deeply rooted in the Indian way of life. It has been handed down through generations of Indian women - Ekta herself learned to stitch from her mother and grandmother and later her honed skills at design school. Kantha is steeped in a tradition of renewal - giving new life to the old where worn and discarded fabrics are layered, embroidered and repurposed into practical textiles or artworks.
If you’re new to hand stitching or you’re interested in learning the core Kantha stitches, these two online classes are perfect for you. Not only will you get an overview of the creative possibilities of Kantha stitch, but you will also learn how to develop and stitch a personal motif under Ekta’s guidance.
In the first session, following a short introduction from Ekta where she will show artworks from her private collection and share their history and meaning, you will embark on learning the individual stitches and create a dictionary of techniques. There are many variations of Kantha stitches and Ekta will take you step by step through six of them. As the first session draws to a close Ekta will introduce the next session where you will hand stitch a personal motif using a template provided or you can choose a design of your own.
In the second class on Wednesday 31 March, you will put your learning into practice when under Ekta’s gentle guidance you will develop and embroider your motif, weaving in ideas of repurposing, sustainability and storytelling through stitch. Your finished piece can be used as the centrepiece for a larger textile, as a patch for a garment or home textile or as the inspiration for future designs.
Throughout both classes, Ekta will offer individual help and encouragement to help you make the most of your time with her. She will share rich visual inspiration including museum pieces as well as textiles in her own collection and encourage discussion on cultural context, tradition and contemporary directions through work of artists and makers.
The materials, including the linen and cotton threads, will be sent to you in advance by post. All you need to bring along is and a small pair of scissors.
Essential information
Kantha Stitch Masterclass with Ekta Kaul taking place over two 3-hour online sessions.
Dates and Times
Tues 30 March 2021, 4-7pm BST
Weds 31 March 2021, 4-7pm BST
Times are listed in British Summer Time, also known as Daylight Savings Time. If you are joining from outside the UK, please check your local time.
This class will take place on zoom so you will need a computer or tablet to join the class. We will send you a link once you have signed up to the class.
Materials
All materials are included. You will need your own embroidery needles and a small pair of scissors. We will send you a skein of embroidery floss in charcoal and red. You are welcome to use your own stranded cottons if you have them so please bring them along. If you are not sure, Ekta will be happy to advise.
Price
£160 per person
Postage for UK customers is included
Postage to Europe is £15
Postage to Rest of the World is £20
Register by 12 March to receive the materials in time
Payment
Payment by credit card (all major cards accepted)
Cancellation
Places reserved on the workshops are not refundable if you decide to cancel within 2 weeks of the workshop. Cost of materials and postage is not refundable if already sent.
EKTA KAUL
Ekta Kaul is an award-winning artist. Her practice is focused on creating narrative maps that explore places, history and belonging through stitch. A pared-back aesthetic coupled with a highly considered use of graphic marks and lines form the core elements of her work. These are underpinned by a thoughtful approach to making with meaning, a deep interest in heritage and a firm commitment to sustainability.
Ekta’s work is held in several collections including Crafts Council, Liberty’s of London, the Gunnersbury Museum and Chiswick Library. She works from her studio at Cockpit Arts, Bloomsbury London. ektakaul.com
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