Efforts to keep handmade crafts alive

Islamabad
Pakistan is known the world over for its handmade art and craft products yet sad to say it is a dying art form as more and more machine made products replicate this art form. Efforts by a few committed persons to keep handmade crafts alive need support and in this context SerenArts is celebrating Pakistan Day by showcasing popular and traditional crafts at the Bazaar Court, Serena Hotel. The exhibition will continue till Tuesday, August 18 from 10 a.m-6 p.m. daily.
Many trucks and buses in Pakistan are highly customised and decorated by their owners and decoration may include structural changes, paintings, calligraphy and ornamental decor like mirror work on the front and back of vehicles and wooden carvings on the truck doors. The depiction of various historical scenes and poetic verses is also common. This is known as Truck Art. Talented craftsmen Farid Ahmad and Abid Hussain have taken this traditional art forward and painted bowls, trays, urns and plates with the classic Truck Art images as well as popular couplets in Punjabi and Urdu.
Master craftsman Mohammad Waseem and his wife Ayesha have been working on their age old family craft of detailed engravings on laquered wood creating beautiful tables, plates, lamps, mirrors and much more. Not many artisans take up this unique form of engraving and it is interesting to see how it is done -- very painstaking and intricate.
The artisans are present in the Bazaar Court and working on their crafts, so do pay a visit to the exhibition when you have time, to show support for the artisans - and if you are looking for gifts that are different from the usual, you can pick up an item - or two - for your friends - or yourself!