February 24, 2013 Karthika Audinet Two Great Textile Traditions of South India Some pictures click on the thumbnail for the full picture. Designer Karthika Audinet introduced hand loomed fabrics and hand painted textiles from the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Beginning with a brief history of the traditions, materials, techniques and influences of trade and politics, she went on to explore the evolution of these living traditions in contemporary India. Case studies of the impact of patronage, the role of the nation’s premier design school, craft councils, non profits and co-operatives illustrated how these traditions provide livelihoods, retain authenticity and yet bring about social change. Karthika Audinet acquired 20 years of expertise in design while working for high - end clients in Asia, Europe and USA. She holds masters degrees from The National Institute of Design, India, and Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle, France. In 2008, Karthika set up Designers and Artisans, a company that aims at designing and marketing exquisite hand crafted products, imparting design education, and vocational training for artisans. Recent clients include the World Bank, St. Coletta of Greater Washington and Corcoran College of Art and Design. Karthika’s furnishing fabrics can be seen at the Washington Design Center. You can also see more of her work at www.designersandartisans.com and www.stcolettashops.org. return to home page