About

Meet Ranbir.

Over the past 30 years, since taking up residency in the UK, Ranbir has worked as an artist and teacher. Her main aim has been to raise the profile of the arts and crafts of Asian Women, as they are an integral part of daily life for those women throughout the world.

Her work within the field of arts and education has helped to enhance a strong sense of identity, self-respect, and confidence amongst Asian communities. Based in Birmingham, she has worked mainly within the West Midlands and was commissioned to produce a series of installations throughout the UK , she has also demonstrated her artwork in Europe including Germany and Istanbul and Internationally as far as Australia and South Africa.

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Her early life was spent both in India and Uganda, before she moved to the Uk in 1988, Whilst in India, she presented arts and educational programmes for national television. Her work in the UK has included teacher training and working in primary and secondary education, as well as exhibiting her work in galleries and museums. Ranbir believes art is a powerful tool for communication which can create harmony and understanding. She has returned to India on five separate occasions, to accept awards for her contribution to keeping Indian culture alive in the UK.

Ranbir’s innovative workshops are always shared with her 3 daughters, to whom she has passed on her skills and techniques as part of a family tradition.

The 2006 Rangoli project was a central part of the North East Regional Museums Hub’s World Cultures Programme. The vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and creativity composed a wide range of exhibitions, events, and activities all of which were developed with communities and artists across the region. On the back of this successful exhibition, a book was released titled “Rangoli Revealed” which documented the Inspirational Indian art in Museums & Art Galleries across North East England.

In 2002 Ranbir developed the initial concept of the “Food is Fun” project. The result of which paid testimony to the productivity of community regeneration as well as promoting a Healthy Eating message. Ranbir was able to get people involved with food in a fun way, bringing fruits and vegetables to the front of people’s mind through her cookery and craft-work sessions. Local people were invited to a series of creative workshops led by Ranbir and these sessions were the source for many of the recipes in the book. There are 22 fruits and vegetables based recipes for everyone to enjoy in “Food is Fun” book.

Due to Ranbir’s art of creativity Nationally and Internationally she was given the opportunity to create the Largest Rangoli in the World – Nottingham. When Ranbir completed the magnificent art piece her name was entered in the Guinness Book of Records.

Ranbir has appeared on the local BBC and Channel 4 Television programmes across Midland Today News, also on Collectors Lot & Waterways where her ever first floating Rangoli was broadcast on TV.

enlightenment.

“A wise man once said, Accept me as I am so I may learn what I can become.”

Ranbir

Our Aims.

We offer a large range of services which include Rangoli Commissions for Festivals, Melas, Weddings or any celebrations. We have also developed a range of popular Arts & Crafts courses, training, workshops and community programmes.

Our work over the last 29 years in the United Kingdom has been extended in different creative art forms mainly in; Indian Embroidery, Asian Cooking, Fabric Painting, Tie & Dye, Doll Making and Rangoli installations.

Our aim is to bring South Asian Arts & Crafts to the wider general public, this will allow others to understand that my work crosses both National & International boundaries to deliver my Artistic Knowledge & Understanding of a wider platform.

History of Rangoli.

Rangoli is a traditional Indian art used to decorate the ground in front of houses and places of worship to attract Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth. Designs are created using decorative patterns marked out on the floor. The drawing of Rangoli patterns is often combined with rituals associated with auspicious occasions, such as major festivals and celebrations.

Rangoli installations are usually created by women of the household in villages in parts of India. In some places, it is a daily ritual to clean the entrance to the home and then make these beautiful designs in doorways as a welcome message.

The method of application varies depending on the materials being used. Water is added to dry powdered materials and pigments to make a paint and then to coloured sawdust, rice or desiccated coconut may be delicately sprinkled in a thin trail through the thumb and fingers.

As the Rangoli patterns are usually created freehand, the artist must be very skilful and the technique requires much concentration and a steady hand, as well as design and mathematical skills.

Different names may be applied to the Rangoli in different parts of India. There are Alpana from West Bengal, Aripan from Bihar and Orissa, Sathiya from Gujarat, Mandana from Raysatham, Kolam from Tamil Nadu and Rangoli from Maharashtra.

Useful Links.

Swastik Rangoli – Rangoli artists of Vadodara (earstwhile Baroda) started working collectively in 1985 as a group named SWASTIK RANGOLI KALAKAR GROUP.

Diwali Festive – Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India.

Wonderfully Creative
"Ranbir is a wonderful creative artist who is able to work on many different levels. She is also a very good person - a pleasure to work with"
- Malcolm Salisbury, Economic Development Officer, Malvern Hills District Council
Leading Artist
"Ranbir Kaur has been a lead artist as part of our artist residencies and workshop programmes at WOMAD festivals around the world. Her knowledge of the traditional crafts of India is remarkable and her ability to share that knowledge and inspire young people is key to the consistently high quality results achieved"
- Annie Menter, Consultant to the WOMAD Foundation
Gifted International Artist
"An exceptionally creative and gifted international contemporary artist, especially in Fine Art and Textiles. Her artwork reflects a fascinating eclectic mixture of drawing, painting, small and very large Rangoli designs, creation of beautiful dolls and exquisite silk embroidery. She has successfully exhibited her work widely in UK/Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa"
- Sudha Daniel, British International Artist
Talented & Trustworthy
"A very Talented, Creative and Trustworthy Artist. whether its Fashion , Art, Styling, and of course her artistic Rangoli Talent. Ranbir is definately an Artist who you can share your concepts with and develop to have the final results to be truly unique . I highly recommend Ranbir Kaur to be an asset to any creative project . Trustworthy, listens to brief and most importantly Creative"
- Jaimal Mistry, Creative Director of S&J Stars
Focused Approach
"Ranbir was both creative and focused in her approach to the artwork commissioned"
- Andy Munro, Business Development Manager, Business Development Midlands (BDM)
Stylish & Colourful
"She is stylish and colourful but with a practical no nonsense approach. When you talk to Ranbir the passion for her Art and in particular Rangoli is refreshing, you cannot help but to get caught up in her enthusiasm. A talented artist who can engage and enthral you. If you are putting on an event or want to engage with both old and young , children and parents it is worth considering inviting Ranbir to give you a quote. An artist who can offer a range of activities with the ability to combine Art and Health"
- Tony Andrews, Business Developmet Manager, Sweda
Inventive & Engaging
"I know Ranbir through her work on many projects, mostly with adults in the Sandwell area who are in day or residential care, but sometimes with school children too. Ranbir uses a variety of visual art forms. One of these is Rangoli which she uses in an inventive and engaging way, to explore people's creativity, look at issues such as healthy eating and self-image. The artistic results are imaginative and stunning"
- Trudy King, Living History Leader, Actor & Workshop Leade