How to Incorporate Kalamkari Painting in Home Decor?

Kalamkari is a conventional Indian art form, retaining a notable place in both historical and modern backgrounds. Its origin takes us to the 17th century, which has been continuously adorning our homes through generations. Kalamkari symbolizes the timeless connection between art and well-being. The stretched canvases bring a blend of cultural significance and tradition, epitomizing the classic heritage of India. Kalamkari Art bridges the gap between past and present in a distinctive way. Intensely embedded in Indian culture, Kalamkari is closely knit with our religious thoughts and mythologies, further enriching its value. Incorporating Kalamkari paintings into your home decor is a classic idea. It will provide an enhanced look to your residence with a glimmer of time-honored Indian artwork and dignity. This popular Indian art is characterized by vibrant shades and elaborate motifs. It is available in hand-printed or block-print styles. In this post, we will discuss how to incorporate Kalamkari paintings in your home decor gracefully.

What is Kalamkari Art?

Kalamkari paintings from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have adorned our homes and dresses for many decades. In ancient times, artists used this art form to depict tales from religious scriptures such as the epic Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatam. Besides, Kalamkari paintings were part of the background decorations in temples, illustrating the tales of Gods. As the name suggests, the Kalamkari style involves Kalam or pen for its intricate hand painting. This art form has two distinct styles, namely Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. The first one is a freehand sketch style, while the second style involves a block-printing technique. The most popular motif in Kalamkati art is the Tree of Life, where artists display a profoundly rooted tree rising toward the sky. This motif symbolizes the connection between heaven, earth, and the underworld. Besides, it indicates nourishment as the paintings include many animals having tree leaves, lying under its shadow, and birds resting on the tree branches.

What is the Process of Creating Kalamkari Paintings?

The technique of making a Kalamkari painting is as decorated as soothing and intricate. There are 23 detailed phases in this art, including bleaching, softening, and sun drying the material; organizing and combining natural dyes; laying each color separately; and washing out the fabric after applying every different color. Like several other conventional Indian arts, Kalamkari art involves only natural ingredients. These basic materials include cotton fabric, dried unripe fruit, and milk to produce the ‘mordant,’ black Kasimi liquid, alum solution, charcoal sticks, and natural red, yellow, and indigo dyes.

Materials Used in Kalamkari Paintings:

Fabrics - The first step in creating this painting includes making the fabric ready for soaking dyes. For this, you need to wash the cloth to remove starch, then sun-dry it completely, and apply mordant as a fixative of color. Pen - After outlining the main object with charcoal bars, the artists draw the details with a finely pointed kalam or a bamboo pen. They dip the pen wrapped in wool in the black Kasimi liquid. Thus the wool retains the black liquid that the artist squeezes slowly. The wool discharges the ink that creates the painting. Once the black color dries, the artist applies a mordant with alum to the cloth and starts applying a red shade to the fabric. Dye - Kalamkari artists use only natural vegetable shades in their paintings. They wash the cloth after each application of dye, either in a bucket or in the running water. Colors - The primary colors used in the Kalamkari paintings are red, blue, green, and yellow. However, artists can make secondary colors by mixing different colors.

How to Incorporate Kalamkari Painting in Home Decor?

Kalamkari paintings can provide a blissful glimmer to your home that will make you more vigorous and delighted. However, this traditional painting style includes a wide range of concepts, styles, and techniques. So, you need to choose a painting based on your home interior and personal style preference. Here are some creative ideas to decorate your home with Kalamkari paintings.

Decor Your Home With Kalamkari Wall Paintings:

Fixing Kalamkari art on the wall is a great way to decorate your home. You can use a framed art piece or hang the fabric in your living room, bedroom, or other areas.

Use Curtains With Kalamkari designs:

Give your window side a classic look with Kalamkari curtains or drapes. Choose the design based on your preference and the color of the wall. The colorful designs can bring an inviting and vibrant ambiance.

Get Throw Pillows with Kalamkari Designs:

It is a common way to add a vibrant touch to your home interior. You can place the Kalamkari design throw pillows on your sofa, chairs, or beds for an impressive look.

Get Kalamkari Table Runners :

Kalamkari table runners can add a traditional touch to your dining area. Get a piece matching the design of your table.

Choose Upholstery with Kalamkari Designs:

Consider Furniture with Upholstery so that you can use Kalamkari designs on the cover, which will make them stand out.

Get Kalamkari Bedsheets and Quilt Covers:

Incorporate Kalamkari bedspreads and quilts into your bedroom for a stunning and cozy look.

Spread Kalamkari Rugs and Carpets:

Get Kalamkari-designed carpets to spread in your living room, bedroom, or even the hallway to add a distinctive touch to your flooring.

Consider Kalamkari Decorative Items:

Look for Kalamkari decorative items like lampshades, vases, and wall hangings to subtly introduce this art form into your decor.

Buy Kalamkari Furniture:

If you prefer rich decoration, consider including Kalamkari art in your furniture, such as a Kalamkari-painted cabinet or side table.

Decor Walls with Kalamkari Murals:

You can hire a Kalamkari artist to create custom artwork on your wall matching the style of your home's interior.

Use a Combined Design of Kalamkari and Other Artforms:

You can combine Kalamkari with other matching design elements. The elaborate designs and rich shades of Kalamkari often complement varied design styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Conclusion:

The key to the appropriate integration of Kalamkari paintings into your home decor is balancing it with the rest of your decor elements. If you use too much of this design, it can dominate a space. So, you must use it strategically to make a balanced and visually attractive surrounding.