Buy Recording: Online Paper Mache Christmas Decor Workshop with Riyaz

Riyaz

Riyaz Ahmed, born in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1972, is a renowned Kashmiri paper mache artist who has mastered the art of working with recycled paper. With a deep passion for his craft, Riyaz's sculptures intricately portray traditional Kashmiri costumes, jewelry, and architecture, as well as mythical creatures from Kashmiri folklore. For Riyaz, art is not just a creative expression, but also a source of peace ("Sukoon"). His sculptures reflect the natural beauty of Kashmir, painted with vibrant colors that breathe life into his creations. Through his work, Riyaz seeks to preserve and promote the rich culture and history of Kashmir, inspired by the influence of Mughal miniature painters and the Islamic art tradition. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Riyaz is also a philosopher who advocates for unity and rejects the establishment of differences. He also discusses the futility of establishing differences, citing a Bengali incident from his stay in Kolkata. 'Sabka jawab, Howrah jaana hai janab, sabse poocho kidhar jaana hai.' 'Ab koi plane se ja raha hai, koi car se, koi train se, aur koi chal ke- par pahunchenge, sabhi Howrah hi na!' (When you ask anyone where you want to go, they all respond Howrah. Someone is flying, someone is driving, someone is taking the train, and someone is walking, but they are all headed to the same spot! For him, this incident symbolizes the futility of divisions in society. Riyaz's talent has earned him international recognition, with his sculptures being exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Notably, he has received accolades like the National Award for Excellence in Folk Art from the Government of India, the Award of Merit from the World Crafts Council, and a Special Mention from the Prince Claus Fund. As an artist and part philosopher, Riyaz Ahmed's work stands as a tribute to the beauty and heritage of Kashmir, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and inspiring young artists in his homeland and beyond.

Kashmir Paper Mache

Kashmir Paper Mache is a traditional craft from the Kashmir Valley in northern India, renowned for its delicate and intricate designs. This craft involves creating beautiful decorative items, such as boxes, vases, trays, and wall art, using papier-mâché, a material made from paper pulp. The vibrant colors and detailed hand-painted motifs make Kashmir Paper Mache a unique blend of art and craftsmanship, embodying the region’s rich cultural heritage. Kashmir Paper Mache has two distinct styles- Naqashi and Sakhtsazi. Naqashi refers to the intricate painting and decoration process, where fine details are added using vibrant colors and gold leaf. Sakhtsazi is the process of molding and shaping the objects using paper pulp. The combination of these styles results in decorative items that are not only visually appealing but also lightweight and durable. Each piece of Kashmir Paper Mache is a testament to the artisan's skill, as it involves precision in both the painting and the construction. History The art of Kashmir Paper Mache has its roots in 15th-century Persia and was introduced to the Kashmir Valley by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who invited Persian artisans to teach this craft to the local population. Originally used to create lightweight and durable objects, the craft evolved over the centuries, blending Persian influences with local traditions. Traditionally, it was a decorative art form for royalty and nobility, but today, it has become a symbol of Kashmir’s artistic heritage, passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Kashmir Paper Mache is characterized by intricate hand-painted designs, often featuring floral patterns, birds, animals, and scenes from nature. These themes are inspired by the beauty of Kashmir’s landscape, including its famous gardens, lakes, and flowers. Islamic art influences, such as geometric patterns and arabesque designs, are also prominent. Additionally, motifs from Persian miniatures, Mughal art, and Hindu mythology are sometimes incorporated into the designs, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and religious symbolism. Materials and Methods The process of making Kashmir Paper Mache begins with creating the paper pulp, typically from discarded paper soaked in water and mixed with adhesive. The pulp is molded into various shapes, such as boxes, trays, or figurines, and left to dry. Once the base structure is ready, it is coated with layers of glue and tissue to achieve a smooth surface. The next stage is the painting process, where artisans use fine brushes to create detailed designs with natural pigments and gold leaf. After painting, a lacquer is applied to give the items a glossy finish and protect the artwork. Significance Kashmir Paper Mache is not just a craft; it is a symbol of the region’s artistic heritage and cultural identity. The craft has provided livelihoods for artisans in the Kashmir Valley for centuries, and each piece represents the patience, skill, and creativity of its maker. In addition to its economic significance, Kashmir Paper Mache holds cultural and historical value, as it reflects the blending of Persian, Mughal, and local Kashmiri influences. Today, this art form is celebrated both in India and internationally, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote it, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive in the modern world. Kashmir Paper Mache remains a vibrant expression of artistry, representing the harmony between nature, culture, and craftsmanship. FAQs What makes Kashmir Paper Mache products unique? Each Kashmir Paper Mache product is handcrafted, making every piece unique. The combination of detailed hand-painted designs, natural colors, and traditional craftsmanship ensures that no two items are exactly alike. Are the colors used in Kashmir Paper Mache eco-friendly? Yes, traditional Kashmir Paper Mache uses natural pigments and materials, ensuring that the products are environmentally friendly and safe. Can Kashmir Paper Mache items be used for practical purposes, or are they purely decorative? While most Kashmir Paper Mache items are decorative, many, like boxes, trays, and vases, can also serve practical purposes. However, they should not be used for holding liquids or heavy objects, as they are primarily designed for aesthetics. Do you offer international shipping for Kashmir Paper Mache products? Yes, we ship Kashmir Paper Mache products internationally. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your location. Please check our shipping policy for more information.

Product Details

Title	Buy Recording: Online Paper Mache Christmas Decor Workshop with Riyaz (with materials)
Vendor	Riyaz
Art Style	Kashmir Paper Mache
Difficulty Level	Beginner To Intermediate
Workshop Type	Recording
Audio Language	Hindi/English
Materials Included	Yes
Date	0 Days

Customer Reviews

FAQs

What is the difference between Masterclasses and LIVE workshops?

Masterclasses are complete pre-recorded courses of 7-8 parts that have been researched and recorded by us at the Master artists homes. LIVE workshops happen in real time over zoom along with the Master Artist and a small group. Live workshops have different levels. We only have a few Masterclasses right now - Lippan art from Kutch and Pichwai art from Nathdwara, Rajasthan and are producing and adding more every month. While we cover more than 60 heritage art and craft forms in our live workshops already.

I am a beginner, which class would you recommend for me?

You could attend a beginner friendly live workshop (or even a masterclass if its Lippan or Pichwai you are interested in) and then join the foundations or advanced LIVE workshops. The different levels for the LIVE workshops are- Beginner, Foundations and Advancedyour store.

Are materials included in the masterclasses and LIVE workshops?

Materials are not included in the masterclasses but you can order from our list of authentic art kits and materials in addition to the masterclass. For the live workshops, materials are included in some of the live workshops as part of the workshop and it would be mentioned in the workshop description.

What is covered in the different levels of the LIVE workshops and in the Masterclasses?

Beginner Friendly- These are usually 1-2 classes of 2 hours each and one of the simpler artworks and motifs of that art style are covered in the beginner friendly workshops as an introduction to that art form.
Foundations- In the foundations live workshops, the workshops are structured to teach you the basic motifs and foundations of that art style , the focus is not on completing a painting but the elements taught in each class are incorporated in a painting and a few different compositions are also taught
Advanced- in the Advanced live workshop, usually the focus is on completing a more elaborate and intricate painting - no basic motifs are covered in the advanced workshops.
Masterclass-A masterclass is structured as 7-8 pre-recorded classes covering introduction of the artform, introduction of the artist, introduction of the different traditional materials used in that art and then 3 artworks are usually taught ranging from beginner to intermediate.

Do I get a certificate for completing a LIVE Workshop or a Masterclass?

Yes, going forward, our platform will automatically award you a certificate on behalf of MeMeraki for completing a workshop with us and being a patron of the arts. This will be accessible via the ‘My Workshops’ section under each workshop that you have attended after Nov 2021.

I do not live in India, can I still attend a LIVE Workshop? Will you ship materials internationally?

Yes, we have many patrons attending our workshops from across the world. We ship the art kits internationally for the workshops where materials are included. International shipping charges are INR2000. Even if you are ordering an art kit separately in addition to a MASTERCLASS, we can ship internationally.

Will I have access to the recording of the workshop after the workshop?

Yes, you will be able to access the recording of all the workshops you have attended through the ‘My Workshops’ section to be able to practice at your own pace later.

What happens to the recordings of the previous workshops I have attended?

The previous workshops recordings will still be available to you via google drive as earlier. But going forward for all new workshops post Nov 2021, the workshops will be accessible through our website and platform only.

Buy Recording: Online Paper Mache Christmas Decor Workshop with Riyaz (with materials)

Out of Stock

Online Paper Mache Christmas Décor Workshop with Riyaz