French Students Learn Wooden Toy Making from Channapatna Artisans

A batch of 21 students from France have come to Bengaluru and as a part of their visit they made a day trip to Channapatna, also known as ‘Gombegala Nagara’ or Town of Toys, to specially learn the art of wooden toy and doll making from the local artisans in the small town.

The students got hands-on experience with wood-turning techniques with the beauty of lacquer to enhance the visual aesthetic of the craft.

“The visit of French students to Channapatna was a great learning where they could spend enough time with the craftsmen and understand the development process of the old and traditional craft of Karnataka. They have presented their research work by communicating their design solutions through a series of projects works like photographs, videos, and illustrations,” said Avi Keswani, Director, LISAA School of Design which has organised this visit.

"There is an element of timelessness about the design of these Channapatna toys. We are curious to see what this 'east meets west' exploration of indigenous techniques of the local artisans combined with the design sensibilities of the French students, brings about,” says Girish Keswani, Co-director, LISAA School of Design.

“Our overall understanding of the unique craft of toy and doll  making in wood gave us a bigger picture of the craftsmen and their lifestyle which revolve around the craft and the raw material and we can drive our research projects based on the information,” .said Margaux Cortin, one of the French students who was totally fascinated by the art.

Channapatna which is a small town located on the Bengaluru - Mysuru highway in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka is world famous for its traditional wooden toys. Channapatna toys are manufactured in traditional & advanced small-scale industries. This craft brought in ample attention to the small town of Channapatna. Now more and more enterprises are seeking for such exceptional safe toys available in the town.

The French students will in Bengaluru till 18th February 2020 and many workshops and visits to different heritage and cultural centres have been arranged during this time.

LISAA School of Design is a premier Design institute over 35 years of existence in France. The aim of LISAA School of Design is to nurture their students to become not only technically professional but also be sensitive to the aesthetics, culture and spiritual ethos of the society for whom they design. Spread across 11 locations globally, LISAA School of Design is built on heritage, excellence and opportunities. It was set up in India in 2013 with state-of-the-art infrastructure and campus in Bangalore.

LISAA - Bangalore is owned and operated by CREO Valley, the school of creativity and innovation recognized by Qualifications & Assessments International (QAI), UK, Federation of European School (FEDE) and Jawaharlal Nehru Technical Education - Council of Skill Development (JNTE) in higher education. LISAA School of Design has a multidisciplinary approach to design education that promotes both creativity and experimentation, studying and learning in this environment helps the students to develop a unique perspective.

LISAA Bangalore is recognized by the University in Bangalore to offer Degree Courses in Fashion & Textile Design, Interior & Product Design and Graphic & Web Design. It also offers Student Exchange program with more than 7 other locations in France.