Continuum to Creativity
Art has been a big part of my life. Personally, I think it makes life acceptable, giving meaning and a different perspective to how we see reality. Ever since taking up the responsibility of being president of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) earlier this year, my goal has been to give continuity to our previous projects, and also interpret my devotion to it by introducing various schemes to develop this field further.
Handicraft is our fundamental indigenous skill. It represents the religious, cultural, and economic aspects of our lives. Tourists all over are impressed by the handicraft products here. They, in fact, leave an indelible impression in their minds. But I’m more interested in what they can do for our own people here.
I can’t help worry a little about the decreasing youth involvement in this sector. It saddens me to think that potential craftsmen have been lured away because there aren’t any handicraft schools in existence that would have helped them develop their career in it. But, this very reality has pushed my contemporaries and me, along with FHAN, to take actions and amend it.
At the same time, I am happy to note that we are not the only ones who are concerned about preserving our unique handicraft culture and promoting them to a wider mass. Of late, the media has expressed interest in our causes. Magazines such as ECS Nepal have been matching our strides and supporting us in our every step. It has greatly encouraged us to do what we must and can to make handicrafts ever known and internationally renowned for what they are—creative, artistic, and inspiring.
All in all, it is an exciting time to be working in the handicraft business and returning it to its past glory. The feedback from the enthusiasts prove that if only we can train our artists, and put their works out where they can be seen and admired, it will be financially beneficial too. I’m positive that the future is bright for us, but I also say that we need to have a good plan to take it ahead. If we can only cultivate our young and experienced hands to work in this field, we’ll see better days ahead.
