The art we will discuss today is from where the aromas of tangy Dabeli (street food) greet you as you walk on the white salty sand desert, drawing you closer to its bedazzling handicrafts.
If you haven’t guessed the place already, it’s none other than the popular Kutch of Gujrat, India!
While it is famous for hundreds of reasons, one of the most popular (and my personal favourite) is Lippan Kam. Since it’s an art form from Gujrat, it has also received its name from there too! It translates to ‘apply’ (Lippan) and ‘work’ (Kam).
Whether you’re in an urban or rural area, it’s a popular art practice that is still found to be practised immensely, even today.
Stick to Your Traditional Roots: A Peek at Lippan Art’s History
Believed to be a 100-year-old art but its exact roots still remain unknown to this day. However, the artists of Lippan art are said to be from the Kumbhar community. They were originally earthen potters from Sindh province, who decided to switch their art form to a larger canvas.
Tribes like Kumbhar, Mutwa, Rabari and Marwa harijan are well-known for practising the popular Lippan art. The Kumbhar and Mutwa community had migrated over 400 years before, while the Rabari community migrated to Kutch over 600-700 years ago. It’s surely an art style that has stuck around for many generations!
Behind Lippan Designs: What You Need to Know About it
If you ever choose to go to the Kutch, you can’t miss the Lippan art spot on the huts. The tiny mirror pieces aren’t just decor pieces; they’re also used to reflect the harsh sunrays away and keep the temperature of the hut cool. Traditionally, a huge mirror was broken into tiny pieces to use in the Lippan art.
Moreover, the designs are inspired by geometric designs, making them an eye-catching design. What truly makes Lippan Kam, a Gujarat treasury is its coated with the sand of Ran of Kutch!
The clay used to make the adhesive for the artwork to stick is made from clay and mud. Even the clay made today is a combination of wood dust, glue, chalk mixed with mud. In the earlier days, Lippan art was only white but now as time passes- it is now found in multiple colours.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Lippan Art
I am sure learning about this mesmerizing art form must have got you curious if you DIY (do it yourself), and the answer is yes! Let me show you how:
PS: This guide is for beginners who are art lovers but don’t know where to start.
What you’ll need: Moulding clay, MDF board, Acrylic paint, Glue, Gesso, Mirror, and Adhesive hooks.
Step 1: Apply gesso to your MDF board and leave it dry for a few hours.
Step 2: Once it’s completely dry, it’s time to sketch the pattern you want, it can be hands-free or geometric, whatever works best for you.
Step 3: Here comes the fun part, paint, paint and paint!
Step 4: After the paint is dry, you can begin with moulding clay.
Step 5: Prepare moulding clay according to the instructions given in the moulding clay box.
Step 6: Roll the pieces of moulding clay into longer pieces.
Step 7: Keep in mind that clay will dry up in around 15 minutes.
Step 8: Glue your moulding stripes to your board.
Step 9: Paint with acrylic colours and let it dry for a day or so.
Step 10: Apply Varnish for a stronger finish.
Step 11: Stick on the tiny mirrors as many as you like.
Step 12: Look at your design and praise! It’s made out of your hard work and effort.
The Rise of Lippan Art
Did you know that Lippan art regained its popularity only after the massive earthquake in Gujarat in 2001? Even after getting hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake the mud huts didn’t budge.
Later on, in the crafts revival movement, Lippan art, which was once almost a lost art, gained popularity again. Moreover, it gained more fame in Kutch Mohotsav that displayed the Lippan art that you see today.
The Charm Of Lippan Today
In today’s world, Lippan art has built such great demands that it has become a token of culture and beauty, all in one. For art enthusiasts, it’s now their favourite art form because it’s easy, charming, and full of culture.
It’s an embodiment of culture that reflects Gujrat’s art heritage. Whether you want to make small handicrafts for your own home or even gift one, it’s a great choice, for sure!
From the traditional, transcendent white Lippan art to the vibrant burst of colorful Lippan Kam, this art form truly captures your heart. So, what is your pick, celestial white or an eye-appealing colour-bomb?