Lack of projects implies challenging times ahead for the artisan who conducts word-of-mouth business.
Due to the pandemic, getting close to nil projects means that the 10-year-old business of 28-year-old Ravindra Vedge has been struggling. A Warli artisan from Santacruz, Mumbai, whose work has otherwise been consistent, has been facing many hits during this pandemic.
“Most locals from my village do Warli to their own houses as a form of decoration,” says Vedge. It all started with Vedge’s grandmother’s constant renovation and decoration of their house with Warli all through his childhood. He looks upon the memories of his grandmother imparting her Warli knowledge and skillset to him fondly. He attributes his embarking into this art style as a form of livelihood to his grandmother’s and, later on, his father’s passion.
Instead, Vedge has had to resort to farming at the farm his family owns. He speaks about how his father, his wife, and he produce rice and vegetables on their farm. This, however, is not a source of income since they make just enough for the family’s consumption. “In farming, we have not struggled as much since the climate, and other such conditions have been feasible,” says Vedge.
Initially having small pieces of his art displayed and sold on canvas, stands, and short magazines, now Vedge’s only ongoing project is currently assigned to him by an NGO called “Mumbai Project.” Although he has not received much help from the government directly, this project is backed by the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). He and seven other such indigenous artisans have been tasked with painting a few train stations in Mumbai. However, this proves to be taxing since they do long hours of work but receive payment only after the entire piece is done. One can find their beautiful and expansive Warli art on platforms 1 and 3 of Borivali, Andheri, Santacruz, and Malad. “Just appreciate and look into more art forms like Warli so that we can continue to have a sustaining business,” says Vedge.
Vedge does not wish to overextend his business since he enjoys making art within his terms. However, he hopes that his children continue his legacy, and people start appreciating his work and this beautiful art form.
With the rise of consumerism, so much art is simply overlooked. People have started going out of their way to appreciate “high-end” art in galleries, and in the process, we forget to appreciate the art we see every day. Artisans like Vedge can be found in every corner of India; all we need to do is stop and look and remember that everything has art if only we give it our time.
