In parts of India, women decorate the floors with geometric patterns and floral designs to celebrate religious or festive occasions. An ancient practice passed down from generation to generation, the original Alpona methods are still in use today. On a less glamorous occasion at the Jersey shore, summer vacation circa 1987, Oorbee Roy learned the techniques by watching her mother draw an Alpona design in the sand. By the time Oorbee moved to New York years later, her own Alpona work had steadily progressed through a combination of influences from both her Indian heritage and her American upbringing. Her drawings, paintings and pottery have been featured in magazines, websites, galleries and private collections around the world. Then in 2002, on a trip to Kolkata, India, Oorbee learned that Alpona was a dying art form. Soon after, she began collaborating with local artisans to develop a line of pillows and table linens - their expert embroidery skills merged with her designs in an array of wonderful colors and fabrics and bold patterns to reincarnate Alpona for future generations. Oorbee eventually quit her high pressure programming job in New York City and has since moved to Toronto. She hasn't looked back. Since launching in September 2006, OM home has been featured in Food & Wine, Gourmet, Bon Appétit, Traditional Home, Family Circle, Design*Sponge, Apartment Therapy, LOU LOU Magazine, Chocolat and Sweetspot, among others. Look for upcoming features in Style at Home, Flare, Canadian Home and Country and Canadian Living and more retail outlets across North America in the coming months!
Product Photos courtesy of Darren Curtis, Actaeon Photo
|