A typeface was created for India, which was inspired by the wood block printing technique, using all the common motifs and patterns seen in India. Collaborating with Indian craftsmen, a letterpress kit was also created, with wooden blocks of these letters, for people to use and create souvenirs, as they experience block printing technique, famous in India.
The idea was to inform people differently about India, and not just the stereotypes of it being backward, using experiential design.
An exhibition was also held, displaying the blocks, for people to use and create souvenirs as they were being informed about the history of block making in India, its significance, technique of creating and use etc. A promotional poster was made to inform people of the event as well. Participants were shown a photo journal of the process of block making. Scarves and fabric was also provided for people to print on and take home.
For the process of creating the blocks, it was decided that collaborate with the local Indian craftsmen, who are experts at carving intricate designs into wood to create blocks would be interesting. The workshop was a tiny room, with one person who evened out the wood’s surface, two people who’d trace the designs onto wood, and six people who’d carve them out. Once the designs were carved, handles were attached to them for convenient usage of blocks, and they were then dipped in sunflower oil for a few hours, to ensure smoothness and even absorption of ink for printing.
When interviewed, workers said that though the work is hard and the pay is negligible, it is the love for this
age-old craft that keeps them going. The youngest artist there was 13 years old, and was skilled enough to create blocks that were extremely intricate.
