Swati Srivastava is a Fashion Designer, Indian Plus-size model, Actor, Influencer and has started her new career as a Professor at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, India.
Transcript:
Vanshaj -As you know, I’m working on research and I’m working on a research question that how can we create a bridge between Indian artisans and fashion and film industries.
So, I just want to know your views as you are a very prominent personality from India and you are very active on social media on Instagram and you are influencing people in many ways. Personally, I have seen your work also as you are from a fashion background and you are a fashion designer as well. So, first of all, I want to know how you manage these all things and then after that, this thing I will move further towards my question.
Swati – I thank you for the question. And thank you for always encouraging me and appreciating whatever I do. The thing is probably I’m able to do a lot of things at one point in time only because I am passionate about it otherwise if I was not that inclined towards whatever I do, I wouldn’t have been able to do so many things. For me, these different things that I do are kind of an experience that I always wanted to experience. So, this is why I do what I want to do. And coming back to your question that ” how can we help artisans and use their artwork in the industry”, it may be creative industry, maybe films or design in my opinion, I feel that we have a lot of creative people around the globe and they should be using them.
In most creative firms, we design shows wherever we can display their work. So if I precisely talk about the entertainment industry, everything every movie, every theater, every play has a story to tell. And every story has a background story. So we can use the related artwork in that particular art form there they can also present their work as well as they can. The other people can share the show with their replays and on budget.
Vanshaj -Swati, I know that you have done many fashion shows as well as a model. So what do you think, like, if someone will give you a chance to like, promote and wear something made by hand. And as you know, India is a very creative country, and there are so many artists who are struggling to find work and they are not getting enough wages in return. So I just want to know your views like would you like to walk on a ramp for them?
Swati- I feel we should do something for them. Reason being. As a designer, they should be responsible enough. As a creator, we should be responsible enough to showcase their work on the global platform or maybe on the platform where we can reach out to many people. The reason is we have a plethora of arts that are still under the carpet which most people don’t even know. So in order to bring them in front of many people and in order to bring that art to this world . As a responsible Designer as well as a responsible model creator or anyone we should do or organize events specifically for them. So that is what I feel very positive about this particular move. In fact, I remember the day when we were studying in our design, in my design college, and they organized a cluster program therein , we went to the artisans, and they taught us their art. And we really defined them that conventional traditional art into the modern day of, you know, kind of redesigning or revamping it. And that is how we were able to bring those dying art. I would say and give those artisans a chance and we all should do our little bit to revive that art that is not in the market. Everyone should know that we have something like this art already.
Vanshaj – Wow, good inputs and views. And I also want to know your views that how can we try to connect these artists, to film professionals or film stylist,s or fashion designers?
So what are your opinions about this research question, how do you feel is this feasible? Or is this not feasible? can we connect artisans directly? with the film industry professionals, is this possible or not?
Swati- I think this is very much possible and also, I feel that this should be the way instead of outsourcing or sourcing products that match the people should directly get in touch with the artisans. So, the scene will look more authentic, as well as it will give a great platform to the artisans to showcase their work. And that is how we’ll be able to encourage them. And this can be one of the areas of opportunity and earning opportunity for the artisans. That is how I can we can motivate them to work more towards it. Because, you know, in last few years, what we are seeing is that most of the artisans and most of the dying art are among the artisans those changing their profession and joining something else in order to earn more money.
And that is the main reason that there are so many art types, which we don’t know even know. What was the art, I mean 10 to 20 years ago, we don’t even know them because they did not get enough exposure to what they deserved. So I think yes, they should get in touch with the artisans instead of sourcing the similar-looking product that we need for that particular team.
Vanshaj – So you think that the art that is vanishing and the artisans joining some other industry to earn wages is a threat to Indian art?
Swati – Definitely. And like I said in my previous answer, there may be a lot of art forms that we don’t even know probably those artisans must have already left, you know a bit in order to earn more, they must have changed their line altogether. And these are some of the biggest reasons that many art forms are no more in existence. So yes, and in order to revive that, again, I’m saying that we as responsible creators, we need to create a space for them so that they can survive.
Vanshaj – That’s that’s very, very valuable input, and THANK YOU!
Honestly, this is very important feedback and an important pointer for my research. And I hope to see you in the future again
Swati- Thank you so much for considering your project, I’m really thankful to you for always keeping me in your mind for your important projects. Thank you.
Vanshaj – Yeah, because I always need talented people like you for my research. And these inputs are very important for my future insights.
So thank you so much, again, for taking out your precious time. Take care. Thank you