Category: Past Events

Arasu.
Is a master craftsman who started working with lime 25 years ago.  He mastered his craft restoration of 2 historic buildings in the Tharangambadi fort complex after the 2001 tsunami. He learnt the Chettinad egg plastering techniques from Mr Mookiaah

Ananth an artisan

common south indian plastering technique

seen a similar plastering technique sin andhra and telangana, a lime sand plaster that is very common

a maasjid darwaza in ramanapet telangana is plastered in the same 1mm thick chetinad egg white plaster similar to the traditional system

Arasu is using modern tools to reinvent the

Vivek Jaji, Rebirth – Krishna Bhavana – Hyderabad introduced kalyan to intach

Suguna – Intach – having lots of info, an architect –

He is a full builder, not only a plasterer, a traditional craftsman

Kalayan is client of Ananth, passionate about traditional materials and finishes, is getting into the history and theory of the way things are done. Hi mand Das, the intach convener  (pndicherry)

are of the beleif that it costs a lot more in the beginning and are environmentally and cost concious aabout the maintenece of the plasters, financial and ecological footprint of the plasters. Something that last 200 years.

Why make the effort, why does it last long,  they breathe better. Where the material comes from and understand it.

Kalyan’s building has been designed and engineered by INTACH pondicherry, Arasu was working with Intach pondicherry and was trained by Mr Mookiaah while being under Intach pondicherry.

Quoting kalyan Mookaiah was impressed with Arasu’s work on his building. He has been adapting the traditional techniques, to modern buildings. There is a RCC framed structure and the base coat is 1″ of lime sand. and doing the pure white doing the chettinad kind of finish

Local sources of shell lime did not work, the small shells.

Tradtionally lime sheels were the conches, not the small shells. They put a piece of coal in the middle and fired the shell.

He is investing time and money

who is re

3 years ago he spent 6 months research, testing and training in Traditional Chettinand buildings with INTACH, has since been leading a team executing Chettinand Plasters in Pondicherry and Nellore.

References

1. https://www.craftscouncilofindia.in/s-p-mookkaiya-2019/
2. Chettinad Egg-Lime Plaster-Workshop by M.Rm.Rm Cultural foundation
3. https://30stades.com/2020/07/15/centuries-old-lime-egg-wall-plaster-technique-being-revived-by-chettinad-masons-tamil-nadu/
4. https://thannal.com/types-of-indian-plaster-part-1/
5. https://www.chidambaravilas.com/blog/chettinad-plaster/

Dawood Muwal, aka Dawoodji

A 62 year old master artisan and a teacher from Sardarshahar, Rajasthan. He is one of the rarest of the last few traditional artisans of the age and experience who has transcended, while preserving the original art practiced by three generations before him.

He has worked on the restoration of the Rajabai tower and Elephanta caves and several other projects with Intach. He specializes in the crafting of three dimensional lime stuccos that still adorn the walls and ceilings of our palaces and palatial houses. Awarded by Ratan Tata for his restoration work, he has taught several architects of repute.

Dawood ji has come down to Bangalore and is currently working on several modern buildings and training local masons, in an attempt to pass on his legacy. This is one of the rarest of the opportunities to experience his work, wisdom and wit.

WHY NATURAL PLASTERS?

Natural plasters are made of materials such as clay, lime and other natural aggregates which are entirely bio degradable. They are durable and offer beautiful finishes with textures and colors that brings life to a space. Their breathability regulates the humidity and temperature while eliminating the chemicals that we would be exposed to, when using regular paints. Their antifungal properties resulting from their breathability reduces maintenance issues as well.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN HANDS ON?

Earth plasters
Lime plasters
Lime washes
Lime waterproofing

VENUE

How to get here?

Google maps location:
6RFJ+Q5M SendrayanPalayam Play Ground, Nayapakkam, Tamil Nadu 602023

If you are opting public transport:
You can catch a train/ bus to Thiruvallur. From Thiruvallur, ask for the bus to ‘sendrayanpalayam which usually commutes every 1 hour. Bus number 52 runs this way. Ask them to stop near Grace gardens in sendrayanpalayam after the church. From here, it’s only a few steps away.

Be ready to get dirty! Carry a good hat and drinking water

REGISTRATION & FEES

Rs. 6000 for farm stay including vegetarian meals
(Hotel stay in vicinity available at additional Rs. 1000 per night. Hotel location and contact details: Sri Durga Rooms https://goo.gl/maps/ZZis1hQesSG6k7PA7)
Register through this Google form
UPI id for payments: shruthiathreya.art@okicici

CONTACT

Email id: paaridesignstudio@gmail.com
Shruthi Athreya: 9940124848