Navya Khanna

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I was born in New Delhi in 1993. As early as I can recall, I was a creative little girl that loved art. Textiles, wood, metal, clay, canvas, calligraphy, crocheting, cross-stitch, patchwork, quilting, rug making, ribbon embroidery and more… it all fascinated me to no end. I made the decision to pursue a career in design and life became relaxed despite hardships and uncertainties. I was now ready to live my dreams!

For me, art has always been very meaningful and powerful. I felt an incredible capacity for creativity and imagination. My crafts teacher in kindergarten played an integral role in my life, helping me think freely, and she awarded me an excellence certificate in arts and crafts when I was a child.

"From my arts and crafts teachers in school to my professors in the academy, all have played a key role in shaping my art. Also, my mother is an artist and her beautiful paintings have always been an inspiration to me.

"I spent a lot of time researching in old books and experimenting to learn new weaving techniques. At the outset, my biggest task was to learn the basics of setting up a loom and mastering the process, followed by learning shibori, which is a Japanese tie and dye technique. I also went to Rajasthan to learn the region's traditional leheriya tie-dye methods. Knowing about fabrics was an important step before entering the field of design. Learning embroidery was also time-consuming.

"I love to play with different types of fabric, embroidery and prints. I believe that the true value and reward in accomplishing a goal is in the challenges you overcome on the journey.

"The intricacy and detailing required is my favorite part of textile arts. Special colors can provoke different emotions, associations and responses. Creativity comes to me from my surroundings, the seasons, my moods and the ambience.

"I identify myself as a hardworking and focused individual with a social commitment to produce environment-friendly, organic textiles and to promote India's traditional handicrafts. My work is a humble attempt to empower artisans by helping to create a designer range and, at the same time, help generate employment while they work from the comfort of their own homes or workshops.

"I dream of launching my own fashion label one day. I believe that everything around us is a piece of art or an inspiration. I want to make my parents proud and show my work around the world."