Dhokra Metal Art with Ila & Subheshwar
Discover a 5,000 year old indigenous metal art in an artist community nestled in nature. Suresh has pioneered groundbreaking new Dhokra techniques, which you will learn alongside the Adivasi craftsmen. Fire and cast using the lost wax technique, then decorate and finish your own unique work.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $490
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $280
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $240
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $65
Meet the Artist
Suresh is an acclaimed Dhokra craftsman, a 5000 year old metal art also known as the Indian art of lost-wax casting. His studio at Devrai Art Village is nestled in nature, where he leads a core group of highly skilled adivasi craftsmen from the naxalite affected areas and helps them find a livelihood and a safe refuge. Together they create a wide range of decorative, sculptural and usable products by combining different mediums such as iron, brass, stone, wood, bamboo and fabric. While creating art, they have also innovated new processes like fusing stone with brass that have never been attempted before. An educator and community leader, Suresh has dedicated his life and his art to advocating for indigenous rights and preserving the cultural heritage of his people. This will be a rare experience that explores linkages between indigenous art and nature.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learning the unique process of creating a metal sculpture by fusing stone and brass.
- Designing a wax model using stone using an aesthetic sensibility that emphasizes the fast eroding connection between Man and Nature.
- Preparing a clay mould.
- Firing/casting using lost wax technique. (Casting happens in batches once in a month. If it's not possible during your stay, the piece can be shipped to you for an additional fee)
- Finishing and polishing your piece.
- Your lost-wax cast object.
Stay at Ila & Subheshwar's
Stay at the Devrai Homestay in a room that is part of the main bungalow, with a separate
private entry, an attached bathroom, and a kitchenette. Breakfast and WIFI are also
included.
private entry, an attached bathroom, and a kitchenette. Breakfast and WIFI are also
included.
Explore Panchgani
Panchgani is a beautiful, serene rural area surrounded by stunning nature. Trek in the nearby forests, visit organic farms at Red Stone Eco education Centre or a textile craft center at Riverview Retreat. Nearby is also a cheese factory, 100+ year old bakeries, the famous Mapro Farms, and Freddie Mercury’s former school!
Additional Details
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration. Nature and adventure activities like climbing, rappelling, hiking, exposure to organic farming and textile craft can also be organized during the VAWAA for an additional fee. If interested in extra activities or in extending your time, just let us know by how many days and/or which activities and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Guest Reviews
Gitanjali D., Canada
A very magical life experience! Thank you to the amazing artists and team at Devrai - I learnt so much and had such an incredibly special time. Hugely recommend to anyone looking for an Indian getaway, to slow down and connect with an old art.
Jai A., India
I am drawn to the beauty of metal art.
Learning to make metal art, sculpting the wax, working with my hands, pouring/casting molten brass at 900 deg c. Brought me immense joy.
Suresh’s organisation also helps train apprentices from Indian villages, giving them training to hone their skills. Allowing them to explore their creativity and giving them a trade. I found the experience of trainin Read moreSteve M., United States
My week spent at the Devrai Art Village was indeed a magical experience. Suresh is not only a master craftsman but also a charming and welcoming mentor. Although I am a career artist myself, I had never done anything significant in casting nor metalwork. Suresh and his team of artisans at the village were all extremely helpful in allowing me to learn about the artform, create some impressive piece Read more
