I am here in India to draw weavers while they work. Weaving is a very important part of Indian culture. Remember how Great Britain used to be in charge of the United States? We got independence from the British on on July 4, 1776, which is why the Fourth of July is a holiday. In the same way, India got its independence from the British in 1947. Indian people used their weaving culture as a way to fight against the British, which is why there is a spinning wheel in the middle of their flag!
People in Varanasi have been weaving for thousands of years. Here, people weave with silk and gold thread. The cloth they make is very fancy and is usually worn for weddings. Before I draw the weavers, I talk to them while they work to get to know them a little bit. I usually have some questions for them about their work. After we finish talking, I make sure to ask them if they are okay with me taking pictures of them while they weave. If they say it is okay, I take pictures of them which I can use to help me draw the weaver later.
The weavers in Varanasi are very poor. Part of my work is to help figure out ways for them to make more money. I am helping by talking to nonprofits who also work with the weavers.
