Traditional Roagn Art - Nirona, Gujarat
The process starts with the making of a gel-like mixture. Castor seeds are crushed to extract the oil. This oil is then boiled in a vessel for two days. This process omits bad odour; hence it is done outside the home or in backyards. Once the oil is turned into a gel form, it is stored in a container filled with water. The reason behind keeping gel in water is that it should not get air-dried. Previously, natural dyes like flowers, plants, soil, or rocks were extracted for preparing Rogan colour. Nowadays, due to the availability of readymade pigment colours that are cheap, simple, and easy to use, are used for making Rogan art. These pigment colours are added to castor oil gel to get Rogan colours for painting.
Earlier, Ragan painting was done only on a thick cotton cloth called Khaddar. But now it is customized. Artist paints on fabrics such as silk, polyester, and cotton as well. Traditionally, Rogan painting is done on an artist’s lap, but a wooden frame is used for demonstration. A required piece of cloth is taken, and painting starts from the center of the cloth. Artist begins with preparing colour. A small lump of coloured gel is taken with the help of a metal stylus. It is then rubbed continuously on a palm with a stylus. This process is done until he gets a thread-like consistency.
Now the colour is ready, and the artist begins painting. He created different types of patterns by using a stylus. Mainly, free-hand drawings are used for Rogan painting. There are no references or guidelines for painting; designs come from the creative mind of an artist. Half of the design is painted, and then the cloth is folded in half, transferring a mirror image to the other half of the fabric.
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