The art of stone carvings and sculptures has been known for ages. It can be in the form of god sculptures that are being worshipped, or it can be in the form of decorative or other product-based designs. The beauty and the hard work with which these amazing artefacts are made make them immortal. And though they are manmade, we can still feel their naturalness when we look at them or touch them.

During the period of my research, I experienced the same feeling while witnessing these beautiful creations and observing this extraordinary process of making these amazing artefacts. I spent almost a month with the stone carving artists at Bhanashivare and Newasa in the state of Maharashtra.

But at the same time, I could get an insight into the other side of this art. Similar to any other natural materials and hardworking processes, it has also been replaced by newer materials and newer technologies, which have immensely affected the lives of the artisans and made this astonishing art almost disappear.

So, along with observing the beauty of these artefacts and the skills of the artisans, I also observed the current condition of the craft and community. After lots of formal and informal conversations with the artisans, I got to know their views on the craft and its current condition.

And simultaneously, I was also thinking about how designers can participate in making this art immortal again.