|| v e r a ||
[ver-uh]
(n.) the essence of truth and authenticity; a quiet strength rooted in simplicity and balance; an unwavering grounding presence, even amid life’s changing tides.
Vera feels like coming home to something real, like grounding yourself in a space that’s both calming and alive. Named after the Latin word for "truth," it reflects the honest, hands-on artistry that goes into each piece. There’s a feeling of balance in Vera, a sense that it's more than just a mat; it’s a piece that brings a little more calm, a little more presence to your space, rooted in the timeless wisdom of sacred geometry.
T H E M A T E R I A L
K O R A I G R A S S
Korai grass, also known as Cyperus Rotundus, is a type of wetland sedge commonly found in South and Southeast Asia, especially in India and Bangladesh. Known for its durability and flexibility, korai grass is often used in traditional handcrafts, particularly for making mats, baskets, and other woven items. The fibers are soft yet resilient, making them ideal for creating long-lasting, natural, and eco-friendly products. In South India, korai grass mats, known as paai or korai paai, are popular for their cooling effect, comfort, and cultural significance, often used for sitting or sleeping.
T H E C R A F T
P A T T A M A D A I P A I
The Pattamadai pai is a traditional South Indian mat crafted from korai grass, particularly associated with the town of Pattamadai in Tamil Nadu. Known for its finely woven, soft texture, it’s created using a time-intensive process that requires artisans to soak the grass in water, split it into thin strands, and dye it in vibrant colors. These mats, often used for sitting and sleeping, hold cultural and spiritual significance, sometimes given as wedding gifts or heirlooms. Pattamadai mats are appreciated for their durability, intricate patterns, and natural materials, showcasing skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.
T H E C L I E N T
C R A F T S C O U N C I L O F I N D I A
The Crafts Council of India, established in 1964 by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, promotes and preserves traditional Indian crafts. Its unique strength lies in supporting artisans, promoting sustainability, and maintaining a vast archive of handmade products. The council's initiatives span skill development, heritage conservation, and market integration for craft communities.
T H E C O N C E P T
S A C R E D G E O M E T R Y x Z E N
Sacred geometry is a philosophical concept that relates to geometric shapes and proportions, symbolizing the fundamental structure of the universe. These shapes are found in natural phenomena, art, architecture, and spiritual practices. Examples include the Flower of Life, Metatron's Cube, and the Golden Ratio, which symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things and harmony.
Zen, rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and the present moment to cultivate inner peace and enlightenment. When combined with sacred geometry, Zen can promote unity and tranquility, helping individuals understand their place within the broader patterns of existence.
Process
KEYWORDS
Zen
Calm
Peaceful
Serene
Enlightenment
Nature
Grounded
Fulfillment
Nirvana
Spiritual
Relaxation
Meditation
In order to get the motif as accurate as possible, photoshop turned out to be quite the saviour here. After experimenting on paper multiple times, it struck me that I could use the guides available in photoshop as warp threads and then accordingly convert my design into pixels and the designated number of warps. However, the color division in weft section was still a problem- so I decided to divide it into 24 parts (each part of 1 inch thickness) and continued weaving accordingly with an estimate, hence the motif was not as accurate in the final outcome , but I achieved it closest to the digital visual.
P R O D U C T D E T A I L S
D E S C R I P T I O N
Placemat inspired from natural earthy colors relevant to visual healing with a centralised semi circular motif.
D I M E N S I O N S
12 inches x 24 inches
Width to length ratio is 1:2
