Degree Project- "A COLLECTION OF GLASS JEWELLERY IN FLAME WORK".
Sponsor- Aadikara Glass Jewellery, Ahmedabad.
Guide- Neelima Hasija.
Project duration- 6 months.
National Institute of Design.
Paldi, Ahmedabad.
The core idea of my project was to deliver a range of jewellery or accessories using glass as the primary material, with the help of the skilful artisans at Firozabad whilst following the language of Aadikara products. The primary reason for taking the project up was its interesting brief as well as the challenging proposal that it brought along with it. Combining craft and design, I have tried to explore and prepare jewellery ranges for men and women using flame/torch work as the main technique, something which Aadikara had introduced earlier through it’s products. This exploration with Aadikara was an attempt towards adding a newer option for the consumer and to spread awareness about glass and its advantages, the wonderful properties it inhabits which allows more than just an admiration for the wide range of arsenal of flat glass sheets, casted glassware and various packaging materials. The project not only deals with executing a new range of jewellery but to break the pre-conceived notion of glass being fragile and cheap.
This project in Glass, with the artisans of Firozabad, gave me an opportunity to understand the scenario of the predisposition of the masses towards ‘Glass’ in India and the global market as well, its industry and the material in depth. To understand the factors that influence each other in a system, I carried out discussions, did extensive mind mapping, and also faced difficult challenges in taking a proper direction to deliver a feasible design for the consumers. Simplifying the process and production, whilst making the piece at the same time to add a high perceived value was the biggest challenge to face. An experimental choice to Men in terms of jewellery in glass with a good user experience and comfort was of utmost priority in the project.
Offering a newer process of material to jewellery for men and women, this project contributes to a collection for men as well as one for women, which celebrate the nature of glass, push on its identity and properties to carry forward to a unique fashion trend.
