About the Artist Helen Sill
[21 Oct – 01 Nov 2023]
Helen Sill's artwork is informed by drawings of her surroundings, connections between communities and cultures and narrative art traditions. She has just completed a Masters Degree in Fine Art where her research involved studying textiles from different communities including that of the North East of England and communities of North East India. Helen was selected to be part of the Embroiderers' Guild Graduate Showcase and was also awarded a scholarship by the Guild. Helen is involved in a number of community art and stitch projects and is currently continuing her research as well as teaching stitch workshops.
At a Glance:
The traditions of Indian textile crafts are some of the oldest and diverse in the world. They represent a unique and continuous ethos and aesthetic sensibility right through thousands of years –that has seen a remarkable ability to assimilate, remake, re-shape the incoming styles, ideas, artists and techniques and yet retain the core essence. Indian textiles are a riot of color, textures and motifs, materials and mediums that changes with each region, village and community having its own distinct style and history. The history, weather, geography and economic condition also have a great effect on the types of textile art & technique. Normally the techniques and skills are passed down families, fathers to sons, mothers to daughters or within communities or schools. Traditionally there have always been guilds –in the past, one’s caste decided the crafts and arts one could practice.
Learn the art of Block printing
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Day 1: DEPART UK
Depart UK
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Day 2: ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival in Delhi: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting. Amongst them will be Aahilya Holidays representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.
He will assist you with your transfer to your hotel and assist you with check in.
Standard check in time at all hotel is 1400 hrs.
Lunch will be at local restaurant followed by visit to Craft Museum.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel
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Day 3: DELHI
Morning breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast visit Sankriti Museum.
Later visit to Block store to buy your favourite blocks. It is a perfect place to buy wooden printing blocks and cotton fabric.
Lunch & Tea will be served at their residence.
Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy independent activities.
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Day 4: DELHI TO JAIPUR
Early morning today, you will drive to Jaipur [255 Kms: 5.5 Hrs] enroute visiting Dera Amer and spend time with Elephants followed by Lunch.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 5: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel, excursion to Sanganer [approx. 45 mins] and participate in a block printing workshop with the artists or block printers to learn the traditional technique of block prints. Also visit Handmade paper factory and visit a place where blue pottery is made.
Now drive back to Jaipur & visit Birla Temple and rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 6: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for the Jaipur Sightseeing tour covering Amber Fort with a Jeep ride, You will also visit the Anokhi Museum and will Drive Past Hawa Mahal, Visit Anokhi Museum and later ''Explore mount road and visit the Satguru store, there you have an option to customize your clothing''.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy independent activities.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 7: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel, excursion to Bagru [approx.01 hr drive] and participate in Bagru and Dabu block printing workshop.
Also see the process of Indigo dyeing.
Light snacks will be provided during workshop
Now drive back to Jaipur &come back to Hotel.
An evening visit to the home of an Indian family to learn some traditional Indian & Rajasthani recipes. After cooking class, you will enjoy hot & freshly cooked dinner with the family.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 8: JAIPUR
After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the Jaipur city palace and drive past Jantar Mantar. Later you will be taken to Maniaron ki gali to witness the making of Lac bangles and stroll at Bapu bazaar.
Afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 9: JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, you will be taken for the Puppet Making workshop for approx. 02 hrs.
Followed by visit to narrow streets of Old market (approx. 400-500 meters of walking) to experience the Aari-Tari workshop and learn how the fine threads of silver are woven into saris. (Workshop will be for approx. 01 - 02 Hrs).
Witness Rangoli making activity at hotel.
Rest of the day is free to explore on your own,
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 10: JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning workshop with the artist and afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 11: JAIPUR TO DELHI
Breakfast at your hotel and then drive back to Delhi (approx.5-6 hours’ drive), on arrival check-in at hotel.
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Day 12: DEPART DELHI
After breakfast, at an appropriate time you will be met by Aahilya Holidays representative who will assist you with your transfer to Delhi airport to board flight to London.
Tour Cost
| Price Proposal | Learn the Art of Block Printing |
|---|---|
| DATE OF TRAVEL | 21 Oct – 01 Nov 2023 |
| Based on stay in a twin share Room | GBP 1790 per person |
| Based on stay in a Single Private Room | GBP 2390 per single |
*International flights are not included in the above cost.
