Artisans by Design: Judy Frater’s Journey to Empowering Textile Artisans

“If we have art, we can learn design,” she reflected. “Craftsmanship is the ability to do. An artisan is someone who can do everything, can design, do any work, compose. That’s an artisan - we can do it all.”

Harkhuben Bhojraj Rabari, Chapter 4, Artisans by Design (2024)

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Judy Frater’s Artisans by Design: An Odyssey of Education for Textile Artisans in India is an inspiring exploration of traditional Indian craftsmanship reimagined for the modern day. The book chronicles Frater’s groundbreaking work with artisans in Kutch, a region in Gujarat, India, known for its rich textile traditions. With over 35 years of experience collaborating with artisans, Frater has dedicated her career to empowering craftspeople and preserving their heritage.

Frater, a Fulbright Scholar and Ashoka Fellow, has long been an advocate for Indian crafts. In 2005, she established the first design education program for artisans in Kutch, an initiative that would redefine the role of traditional crafts in the modern marketplace...

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