Sharmini Candappa and the love of fabric
Most women struggle when it comes to dressing up for a special occasion. The choices, the need to wear something interesting and unique. Which saree? Which accessories? Finding inspiration in these everyday situations, Sharmini Candappa has been creating printed fabric jewellery that is original and distinctive.
This is not Sharmini’s first creative effort. Until the late 90s, she worked as a saree designer at Ceylon Synthetic Textile Mills, before being joining Unichela Pvt as a lingerie designer. Today her fascination with fabric sees Sharmini designing incredibly creative jewellery, wall hangings, sarees both Indian and Kandyan, and cards, all based on fabric.
Her fascination with nature is well transmitted in her art, where she uses motifs inspired by landscapes and birds. Her wall hangings which are rich in colour and imagination are meticulously put together after hours of hard work.
Sharmini is intent on using all sorts of fabric, from silk to basic cotton. Recycled materials are put to good use- she transforms them into original bits of art. It could be a piece of cord originating from a hand bag which she ingeniously metamorphoses into a necklace, or some discarded fabric given by her friends which will be transformed into a piece of fabric jewellery as well.
Sharmini enjoys the support of two brothers and her mother. Her mother was probably the one who initially gave her the love for fabric, as since her childhood, she involved her in fabric and art. In the same way, both her brothers have helped: Ranjan, by offering his sister her first iron, and Lakshman, by giving her her first pair of scissors. In addition, Lakshman has incredible skills in carpentry and adds to Sharmini’s art by framing her wall hangings.
Sharmini has held succesful exhibitions in England and Australia. Her next exhibition ‘Love of Fabric’ will be on at the Gandhara Gallery Red, from July 26 to July 28 from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
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