You will enjoy reading this article from the Dhaka Daily Star magazine about Ruby Ghuznavi, founder of Aranya, pioneer of natural dyes and and one of — if not the — strongest supporters of Bangladeshi craft. I blogged about Aranya on January 18.
It is so great to see Ruby receive recognition in the press for her work over the years!
Over the next months, Len and I would like to share with you some of our experiences as new filmmakers. Watch our blog for the ups and downs, the serendipity that we have experienced since we started this project and the joys of virtually meeting so many fine people connected with Surayia’s life.
How did we get into this, you ask? It all started over a café conversation with a professor at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design – Lesley Armstrong – who asked “What ever happened to that woman whose incredible tapestry was displayed during the exhibition of Bangladesh textiles you had in Halifax in 2005”? We talked about our friend Surayia, how she had to give up her passion for creating art when her health failed, and how there was little documented about her fascinating life and art history. Lesley looked me straight in the eye and said “You have to make a documentary about her.” “I will find a filmmaker to make it,” I replied. “No, you have to make it”. And so began our journey…..
Let me introduce you to Lesley whose own artistry – handwoven drapery – was recently installed at the 32-storey TELUS Center in Toronto.
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Are you a weaver? If so, please let us know what interests you about this film, and what you would like to see in it.