September 13, 2024
An Interview with Thaikulam from Porgai Artisans
How travelling internationally for the Stitching Stories Exhibition has inspired Thaikulam to reach further into her personal art practice.
Thaikulam is an artist and embroiderer from Porgai Artisans Association in Tamil Nadu, rural India, a communtiy reviving traditional Lambadi Art. She recently visited Perth, Australia as a representative for Porgai's First international showcase in collaboration with The ANJELMS Project, Stitching Stories.
Pictured above left to right: Dr Lalitha Regi, Thaikulam, Vaidesh, Anshu Arora on stage at the Stitching Stories Opening Night
As part of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, Thaikulam was exposed to textile art from all over the world and made personal connections with the artists - an experience that has deeply impacted her perspective on her own artistic practice.
What was the inspiration behind your embroidered artwork, Berries?
As a child I used to go very often to the forrest to collect firewood and pluck berries. It was very nostalgic to be embroidering berries as it reminded me of fond childhood memories.
The berries are intentionally placed in rainbow order, and each berry tells a story.
For example, the blue one only fruits once every 10 years, we actually have a poem that tells of this, called the berries of Sittilingi.
Thaiklulam with her artwork "Berries" In Sittilingi Valley
What was your process in making the piece?
My daughter, Evangaline, drew up the berry shapes for me and I embroidered over all of them. We had embroidered this design previously on a range of bags so we were already familiar with the shapes.
What was been your experience in coming to Australia for Stitching Stories?
I would never have dreamt of coming to another country, and I realised it was only possible because of all of this artwork we have made. It has been a great experience meeting and sharing with everyone, talking to different people. Gaelle looked after us so well at her house.
Seeing other amazing artists from all over the world from different countries, and to be considered one amongst them is a very proud thing for me.
How do you think this experience will impact your practice as an embroiderer going back home?
I have realised that it is not the difficulty of an idea that is most important, but rather the outcome I would like to achieve. Previously, in regular production, I would try to take the easiest design to embroider - but I do not think like that anymore.
I want to prioritise the final design even if the process is more time consuming.
After visiting other artists homes and seeing their dedicated work, I feel that I should be doing more. I wonder until what age I will embroider, I am only 40, so now seeing an 84 year old embroider I think wow, I have so many more years to be working and growing my practice.
Group photo of the all artists who exhibited at Stitching Stories
The interview is translated in conversation by Dr Lalitha Regi, and transcribed by The ANJELMS Project.
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