Apeejay Institute of Design students explore India’s traditional crafts

The GDP Foundation Semester I students of Apeejay Institute of Design (AID), New Delhi, embarked on an enriching educational visit to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. Titled “Observing, Sketching and Experiencing the Richness of Traditional Indian Crafts,” the outdoor study visit offered students an opportunity to explore India’s artistic and cultural heritage while developing essential observation and sketching skills beyond the conventional classroom environment.

An integral component of the visit was on-the-spot sketching, which encouraged students to observe, interpret and translate their surroundings onto paper. By sketching architectural spaces, museum objects and intricate artefacts, students practised understanding proportion, composition, perspective, textures and finer details. The exercise helped them strengthen their visual perception and recognise how careful observation forms the foundation of effective design.

The museum’s diverse collections offered students a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional textiles, folk art, tribal crafts, sculptures, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, traditional embroidery and intricate motifs. Examining these displays enabled students to appreciate the diversity of indigenous art forms and understand the relationship between materials, cultural traditions and craftsmanship.

Another engaging aspect of the visit was the opportunity to observe skilled artisans and craftsmen demonstrating traditional techniques. Students also explored pottery making, gaining insights into the creative process of transforming clay into functional and artistic objects. These experiences brought them closer to the skill, patience and creativity involved in handmade crafts and highlighted the importance of preserving India’s traditional artistic practices.

The visit also offered moments of cultural enjoyment. Recalling the experience, Sneha Suman, a Semester I student, shared, “As we walked through the museum, we came across musicians and instrumentalists playing different instruments, and we happily danced to their beats.” She described the outing as a memorable and enriching day that combined exploration, artistic discovery and enjoyment.