Chitra Gopalakrishnan

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Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Designer (Graphic Design)

Member since July 24, 2009

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I am the chief designer, web-coordinator, marketing strategist and one of the founding members of Kara Weaves. We work with local government weaving co-operative societies to re-design and re-promote this traditional craft from Kerala, India. Apart from working for Kara, I am also a full time faculty member in the Art and Design Department of the Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where I work with undergraduates in Graphic Design. I have two MFA degrees, one from l'ESAG Paris, France and the other from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michigan, USA. I have also had extensive experience working for a design studio called Illum Design Project in New Delhi, India. Currently, between maintaining my independent practice and teaching I am hoping to consolidate my skills to benefit the work going on at Kara Weaves.

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The Kara Story

Arts & Culture, Industrial Design

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Kara Weaves is re-born every summer. I am not sure how, but it seems to be the case. Let me backtrac...

Posted September 02, 2009 in Kara Weaves

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Human Rights Final Poster 11 of 25

Communication

Posted August 08, 2008
By elisa ruffino

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Kara Weaves was born out of the felt need to give an impetus to the struggling handloom industry in Kerala, India. The main team of Kara is composed of Indu Menon (the managing partner and co-author of the book "Women Weavers of South India"), B.Sreedevi (an expert on Kerala handlooms) and Suryakala Sathish (our product, packaging and logistics expert). This first-of-its-kind attempt in Kerala hopes to bridge the gap between this traditional weaving art form and a contemporary lifestyle. Our product portfolio includes bath towels, bath robes, spa kits and several other bath items like these. We also include a range of soft furnishings in a coton and metallic weave. We started this project in 2005, our online store went live in August 2007, and so far we have had a very enthusiastic response from an international community of shoppers!