This 16'x14' mural was done for Purkal Stree Shakti, an organisation based in Dehradun, India, that has been empowering local women through handwork (quilting, applique, patchwork, etc.). From here came the idea for the mural 'Purkal ki Pipalee' (pipalee being the commonly used term for 'applique').
The concept for the design came from observing the women at Purkal Stree Shakti themselves. The story, intense work and thought behind each product that is created here, inspired the mural 'Purkal ki Pipalee'. Depicted here is a popular product for PSS, the moonbeam quilt, with a variety of motifs found in PPS products- The Waterlily, Frida, wild animals and rockets, among others. The mural starts from a needle and thread on the left, moving into the tag line 'Patching Lives, Quilting Joys' and finally, the eyes move to the lady and the moonbeam. The time and intensity taken over each product is mirrored in the kantha stitch work done on the wall, all around the motifs on the moonbeam quilt.
It was especially lovely to work with Purkal Stree Shakti not only because I respect so many of the values they adhere to (patience over slow-produced work, sustainability, and focus on traditional work) but also because they were super loving and supportive throughout the project!
