A teacher by profession, Theresa Almeida gave up her job post an illness and took to knitting to calm her mind and banish her worries away. Celina Fernandes who works for the National Association for the Blind attempts to promote student Tessie's arm knitting as well as her own artistic passions which she indulges in to get away from the harsh realities of life. Revathi Sansgiri returned to her motherland after 17 years of being overseas. Her work is based on various foundations from wood to twine. Her unique work is inspiring and somehow manages to bring out the artistic streak within you. Her never ending passion for ceramics and painting was the reason that backed Shruti Masacrenhas to take up pottery as her profession. She joined NAM to promote this art form among women of the state as it is a soothing activity which helps ease the mind.
Crochet, tatting, knitting, spool knitting, tricot, quilting, decoupage, quilling, macramé, silk thread embroidery, ribbon embroidery “ the exhibits on display at Institute Menezes Braganza in Panaji are many. And the stories behind each are varied.
Organised by the Nari Artisan's Movement, an initiative by three-like minded women who believed in the strength of their gender, Handcrafted in Goa is a surprising blend of traditional and contemporary works.
The concept behind this movement is not to make maximum profit but to give women a platform to stand strong. "It is very important for the women to see that their work is being appreciated or else they refuse to broadcast their work in fear of rejection or other unknown reasons," says Aria Mirchandani, one of the three women behind the movement. All artistically inclined, they noticed that women across the state had unique talents, most of which were usually limited to the four walls of their home.
Active for the last three years, NAM aims to promote the work created by these women thus giving them a chance to earn their own living. This is NAM's third exhibition and saw as many as 22 women exhibit crafts that are rarely seen in the open market.
It's a nerve wrecking thing “ to suddenly break free and be master of your own destiny, showcasing your talents and proving to the world that they are capable of making decisions for themselves. NAM gives these women the courage to break free and become independent.
"By exhibiting the work done by single mothers and wives of alcoholic husbands gives them a chance to stand on their own feet and earn for themselves,” says Rashmi Mathias who is representing the NGO at the exhibition. Mathias also provides education facilities in slums while teaching them various crafts that can help them earn a living.
Presila Barreto, on the other hand, is currently helping a family comprising of a mother and two daughters, all HIV+ earn their daily bread by selling handmade cloth bags. She purchases the material required and personally teaches them how to make the bags.
Sr. Ricardine and Sr. Valencia of Sisters Adorers pursue women from red light areas to focus on a brighter future by educating them and teaching them tailoring through their outreach programs.“It is a tedious task to get these women to come out of their current situation as they are closely knit and do not let one another go,” informs Sr. Ricardine.
