Decorative Wall Hangings

Wall hangings re used as a form of decoration to beautify our homes, schools, even work places. They serve primarily as a decorative element although in some cases it can also manage to be functional as well. Such an example is a KEY HOLDER wall hanging or a Mail wall hanging.

  An example of a Functional and Decorative Wall hanging        Key Holder

In class, we looked at examples of decorative wall hangings and we spoke about the various materials which can be used to help embellish your designs and we also looked at some tools often used in decorative art.

You were all given the task to source an old piece of cardboard (from your old sketch pad or note book) and use it as the base for a decorative wall hanging reflecting the  East Indian Culture as we celebrate 169 years East Indian Arrival or another of some flora or fauna. I am very impressed at the level of craftsmanship, the various designs and the originality of your work. Keep it up!!

Examples of Students' Work. 

 

 

 

REFLECTION 

Please reflect of your development of skills in this area of decorative craft. 

1. What was most interesting during the lesson? 
2. What did you discover on your own as you were designing or decorating the piece? 
3. How can you use this art form in your life? Give examples if possible. 

The Art of Mehndi

The Art of Mehndi

During this period of  Heritage Month and as we approach Indian Arrival Day, the art of Mehndi will be displayed on the hands of many individuals throughout the country. This art form which uses the human body as its canvas is part of the East Indian tradition in beautifying the body for celebratory functions.

In Trinidad and Tobago there are some misconceptions about male using mehndi. 

A groom waves showing an intricate mehndi pattern

The purpose of mehndi is to beautify the body, primarily for a wedding(dulha/dulhin) or for other celebratory purposes. In this present time, we are also seeing the use of mehndi being used as a modern fashion/style. 

Amitabh Bachan getting mehndi done prior to his son's marriage in India. 

Males also decorate their hands with mehndi for marriages and even create mehndi artwork on their bodies as temporary tattoos. In India, the UK and parts of America it is not uncommon to see males keeping the tradition alive by donning their hands with this art work. 

Abhishek Bachan's palm is decorated with a mehndi pattern. 

This is a beautiful art form which uses the henna paste to create different types of lines, in a repetitive manner, resulting in a splendor of motifs and patterns on the human body. Mehndi artists can be both male and female. 

                                          A male mehndi artist at work. 

Simple Mehndi Video Link

Intricate Mehndi Video Link