Barefoot College. We have arrived.
After many days spent adjusting to the time, seeing some incredible sights, and learning more about craft and design in India we have finally arrived at our destination -The Barefoot College. What an amazing place.
Indian Institute of Design (IICD)
Greetings !! Much has happened since our last post. We’ve travelled to Jaipur and one of our fist stops was the Indian Institute of Craft and Design. It’s a small campus – 200 students but they’ve got amazing studios in ceramics, wood, metal, textiles (of course) and fashion. We met the director, toured the campus and gave an impromptu presentation (good job students!!). They do phenomenal work in the small villages around Jaipur, collaborating with local craftspeople and working towards improving social conditions. Looking forward to further conversations with this forward thinking school.
A sum of what we’ve done, week one!
How do I even begin to describe the beauty and astonishing things that we have seen in the first week of this trip.
Here’s the quick version:
Arrival in Delhi
Hello!
So we are five days in with intentions to write the first blog post on the first day. I volunteered to write the first blog and haven’t had the energy to get to it till now! Apologies for not getting to it sooner.
Whirlwind First Days
Apologies! We have been non stop since hitting the ground in Delhi. Though days have been long and hot, our senses are full with so many sights and sounds. The amount we have all taken in, in such a short time is staggering. We have so much to share -but just haven’t had the time to do so. In short -we hope you forgive us. We promise to make up for it soon. Please do follow our instagram @codesignabroad. And in the meantime feast your eyes on this…
Bunker Roy, founder of the Barefoot College
This Ted Talk video by Bunker Roy is so inspiring. We look forward to meeting him and working with his amazing organization.
Welcome! I’m Emma…
Welcome!
I’m Emma and I am an avid textile enthusiast (and student) studying at Sheridan College within the craft and design program.
I discovered textiles by accident while trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had been traveling/working as a nanny when I came across Sheridan’s program and, as they say, the rest is history. I’m two years in and couldn’t be more thrilled. In those two years the areas of textiles that I have come to love and focus on are natural dyes, and sustainable functional objects (clothing, home decor etc.). Sustainable textiles are important because there is a huge disconnect between the things that we buy and what we know about them (how they are made, who made them, where they come from etc.). Learning about the craftsmanship behind the objects that we value, the skills and labor that was put into them, and the importance of quality, makes them even more special. It needs to be acknowledged and can make us feel more connected to the things we surround ourselves with which in turn could change the way in which we consume.
This is a huge reason why this co-design program was so attractive to me. We are getting to see first hand the work and skill that goes into everyday objects by people who have spent their entire lives perfecting them. Watching Bunker Roy’s TED talk got me thinking about wealth of knowledge. There is no better way to learn about something that to see it live, and grow, and breath. To be able to witness these artisans firsthand and go to a country who’s history is rooted in craft is an opportunity that I couldn’t ignore. Not to mention, India has been a starring role on my bucket list in the past few years. As I looked into the program, I couldn’t help but feel like this was such a rich opportunity. I can’t wait to see the relationships that form over the next three weeks. Whether it is with the community or the craft itself, I’m anticipating it to be life changing
Emma
You can follow my Instagram and see all the exciting things I get up to!
Hello! I’m Juliana
Juliana Scherzer
Craft & Design – Textiles
I am particularly drawn to hand techniques in textiles, which ties to my passionate interest in history. These techniques become sources of inspiration for my work.
It is important for me to study the different methods that cultures from around the world use to create their textiles. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible about this variety of techniques, and their histories, making this trip to India very exciting for me.
As I now prepare for my thesis in fourth year, I am excited to learn and be inspired by the art and life of India, and to meet its artisans. I know that experiencing India’s history of art, craft, and handmaking, and their unmatched quality of textiles and textile techniques, will be astounding. I’m sure they will leave a significant effect upon me and my work.
See more about my trip experience and my work here!
Meet our Students
Please meet the five fantastic and talented students who will be joining us on our first project.
Hello, I am Samson
Wanxing Samson WangCraft and Design Furniture, Sheridan College
I am always passionate about woodworking, and I am pursuing my career goal to be a woodworker and designer.
I am from China, have stayed in Canada for 8 years. I have spent many years study and work in Aviation fields, and I am currently 2nd year student at craft and design furniture program. I have relatively wide range of skills, such as woodworking, sheet metal work and circuit soldering and troubleshooting.
I am fascinated with work with hands. I feel calm and excited when I could alter natural materials into different art forms. Luckily, my artistic instinct could help me finalizing proportion while executing the design. I like to use organic form and soft lines to present my design, and bringing harmony and logic are my ultimate goal.
India has very long craft history, it is very exciting for me to have this chance to see all the interesting traditional craft skills in person. In addition, religion culture is wonderful to explore, and many different architecture styles will definitely be inspiring and opening the mind.
Here are some of my work:
