Artist Intro: Jessie Mordine Young
For Brooklyn-based artist, educator, writer and curator Jessie Mordine Young, travel has always been more than a way of seeing the world; it is a way of truly understanding the world that we are rooted in. Her practice as a weaver has been greatly shaped through her experiences of travel - an evolving dialogue between place, materials, and people who uphold the legacy of traditional crafts. Jessie believes the life of a traveller holds a mirror to the life of a craftsman, both roles allowing you to develop a greater sense of empathy: “Craft is rooted in intention and care,” she says. “That's the same with travel. To be a good traveler, you have to be rooted in intention and care.”
Partner Spotlight: Kala Raksha
In Sumraser, India, a centre of craft revolution is making its mark, stitch by stitch. The Kala Raksha Trust was founded in 1993 as a not-for-profit initiative, under the guidance of American social entrepreneur Judy Frater and indigenous artisan Parakash Bhanani. They shared a vision to preserve the rich, traditional crafts of Kutch, which were being undervalued and at risk of slipping away from society.
Crafts of Kutch: Trip Recap
In Thread Caravan’s inaugural Crafts of Kutch experience, participants were fully immersed into the rich and storied craft traditions of Gujarat’s Kutch region, a land shaped by centuries of nomadic movements, trade, and artistic heritage. Over the course of eight days, we connected with master artisans and learned textile techniques through hands-on learning experiences. Below, we dive into the unique experiences included in the trip itinerary.