Artisans by Design: Judy Frater’s Journey to Empowering Textile Artisans

“If we have art, we can learn design,” she reflected. “Craftsmanship is the ability to do. An artisan is someone who can do everything, can design, do any work, compose. That’s an artisan - we can do it all.”

Harkhuben Bhojraj Rabari, Chapter 4, Artisans by Design (2024)

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Judy Frater’s Artisans by Design: An Odyssey of Education for Textile Artisans in India is an inspiring exploration of traditional Indian craftsmanship reimagined for the modern day. The book chronicles Frater’s groundbreaking work with artisans in Kutch, a region in Gujarat, India, known for its rich textile traditions. With over 35 years of experience collaborating with artisans, Frater has dedicated her career to empowering craftspeople and preserving their heritage.

Frater, a Fulbright Scholar and Ashoka Fellow, has long been an advocate for Indian crafts. In 2005, she established the first design education program for artisans in Kutch, an initiative that would redefine the role of traditional crafts in the modern marketplace. This program was unique in its philosophy, emphasising co-learning and co-creation between artisans and designers. Her focus on collaboration and mutual respect has nurtured artisans’ creative autonomy, and encouraged them to innovate within their traditions. Frater’s efforts helped artisans move beyond the role of producers to become designers and storytellers in their own right.

She sees artisans as equal partners in the creative process and this philosophy of shared learning and co-creation not only transformed the lives of the participating artisans but also redefined how traditional crafts are perceived globally. Through Artisans by Design, she challenges readers to rethink the role of artisans in the global marketplace, emphasising the importance of preserving heritage not by freezing it in time but by allowing it to evolve and thrive.

Artisans by Design tells this story through the experiences of 19 artisans. Each artisan’s journey is profiled in the book, accompanied by a unique textile they designed and crafted as part of the program. The book also delves into the cultural and social significance of the crafts in Kutch, highlighting the deep connection between artisans and their communities. Frater’s narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by craftspeople, from economic pressures to the erosion of traditional knowledge, and how education can be a powerful tool for addressing these issues. 

This thoughtfully written and visually rich book is both a celebration of India’s textile traditions and a call to action. For anyone interested in crafts, design, or sustainability, Artisans by Design offers a powerful reminder of art’s ability to connect, uplift, and transform. Frater’s work stands as a testament to the enduring value of tradition and the possibilities of reimagining it for the future.

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For more information and book stockists:

www.schiffercraft.com/products/artisans-by-design

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Images: www.textileslive.com