Archana Kaushik, though hailing from Delhi, is settled in Udaipur for nearly a decade.  She has been teaching various traditional art including Madhubani and now Lippan. She also conducts multiple workshops and training sessions in creative art in Delhi and now in Udaipur too.

Lippan art is a clay art form and has its origin in Kutch in the State of Gujarat. Traditionally Lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. Application of this mixture keeps the interiors of the houses cool.  Archana is conducting classes during the summer breaks for children.  Lippan is a decorative art done by common people mainly women. Lippan is done inside Bhungas or mud huts in villages of Kutch, Gujarat. One has to sit with students and explain with little bit of history.

The students who come to learn are fascinated by the outcomes, but there is a lot of hard work that goes in making one master art-piece. Archana is completely involved and at every step she educates students as how this is to done. It is important for them.She says that rather than stay home and unproductively spend their vacations, the children can participate in these workshops and learn something new.

“I learnt Lippan art for myself initially and now have started teaching to others. The curiosity to learn this art is more in females, and of all age groups. I have my students ranging from the age of 6 to 55 years of age. Udaipur has a lot of potential and people are also very keen to learn. Generally, you would be able to make a good piece for yourself in 3-4 days time . Patience is very important if one has to get involved.”

– Archana Kaushik

“Before this art becomes extinct and vanishes from India, it is important that more and more people learn this traditional art and use this art to decorate their homes. It is an excellent hobby for children and even adults. This improves their concentration, design ability, colour combination, precision and is gainful utilization of holidays” adds Archana.

About the Workshop

On being asked about how the workshop will happen and what do the participants need to bring along, Archana says that she will provide all material including board, mirrors, colours, and other tools. Adding that she believes in teaching students through practical approach, making work easier and interesting is her mantra. Once she is convinced of the design ability of student, she encourages them to work directly on board. She shows them samples and she guides them with their interests.

“With time one has to find ways of promoting this art and make it more popular. I have done Lippan not just inside my Studio, in my house, but also on outside walls. Generally, Rebari women make birds, trees, animals, peacock, human figures etc in Lippan but in today’s time, we can make anything that excites us. There is no dearth of ideas”, says Archana.

In these summer holidays, if you’re looking for something to do, then here it is. If you want to learn and utilize your vacations, then you can be creative and you can replicate your own homes without much training. She also teaches other artworks. Archana Kaushik can be reached at +91 77420 88999