5 ways one can empower the local artist and ordinary craft

As digital worlds and AI tools take over arts and crafts, local sellers and vendors are most at risk of losing their livelihoods. From the tailors who used to think of and stitch through unique designs, to the painters and sculptors whose artworks adorned homes, the crafts that required time, love, and precision, are now slowly fading away owing to the 20 minute deliveries of jewellery or the ‘commissioned’ paintings for the home. And at this time, it is important that we help keep the local arts alive and thriving with simple purchases and some awareness.
Here we mention 5 ways one can empower the local artist and ordinary craft.

One of the most beautiful and simple examples of local crafts in India are the clay pots, vases, and decor items that people bought from the roadsides. There used to be clay pots to cool water in, small ‘gullacks’ made of clay, and even tiny camels and elephant figurines for the home decor. But now, instead of buying from the local shops, people prefer buying copper vases, or glass decors online for the sake of ease and to eliminate the bargaining. But, it is high time that we circle back to the local crafts and ways, and take up buying local to promote their livelihood and be kinder to nature.

Ceramic pottery and crockery are more than just kitchen essentials, they are the epitome of beauty and art possible with human hands. Handmade plates, bowls, and mugs have a certain uniqueness to them, unlike machine-generated designs, and something made with hands can very rarely be replicated. And over time, by investing in local ceramic crockery, people do not just buy a product, but they also preserve a certain art form whose importance and beauty is diminishing over time.

In a time when high-end fashion brands and their bags are ruling even thrift markets, there is a certain charm in the jute bags. There are brands that make people wait for years before handing them a tiny bag and charge exorbitant prices for the same just for the name and tag. And in this time, the Jute bags are like the perfect alternatives to these fast fashions. They are eco-friendly, cost less than half of most brands, and can be used for years before finally recycling them into something else.

While not as stylish or glamorous, handmade jewellery goes a long way when it comes to sustainability, uniqueness, and preserving someone’s livelihood. Be it the small patterns made on cut-up rocks, or the unique colouring and finishes on stones and rubies, handmade jewellery has a certain charm. Be it the lac bangles one can personalise in Jaipur, or the designs of the Guloband that can be customised in the markets of Uttarakhand, nothing screams beauty like handmade jewellery.

We live in a digital-first world, and whatever is seen in digital media is what sells the most. Be it rugs or even thrift clothes, when it comes to digital advertising, the sales boom. And so, the best way to empower a local artist is to bring them to the online world. A small digital shop, an advertisement on marketplace, or something similar that can get their craft to the larger audience will help them in more than one ways.