Who
would have thought that lowly iron can be transformed into a
thing of beauty? But the two-day exhibition of handicrafts and
textiles by members of Association of Women Entrepreneurs
of Karnataka (AWAKE) at Java City, Lavelle Road,
displayed a range of wrought iron wonders that drew words of
praise from visitors who thronged the venue. These wrought iron
artefacts, designed and crafted by Uma Ashok Kumar, comprised
aesthetically designed candle stands, photo frames, magazine
holders, lamp stands and CD racks, kitchen and bathroom utilities,
garden utilities, furniture, coasters and decorative items.
Other displays included cotton and silk saris, besides dress
material.
Uma Ashok Kumar, a member of AWAKE, was involved
in the crafting of these beautiful wrought metallic artefacts
for ten months. When bangalorebest.com asked her how
she was initiated into this unusual  craft,
she said, "Once, I happened to see these wrought iron artefacts
at Delhi's International Trade Fair and was fascinated by them.
With the help of my husband I worked for two months and succeeded
in coming out with my own designs in wrought iron." Now
she markets these designer pieces under the name 'Artzone'
in Basaveswaranagar in the city.
Uma has supplied her beautiful creations to some Bangalore
based corporate companies, non governmental organisations like
'Earth' and shops as well. Another interesting aspect is the
way she has combined wrought iron with wood and cane to come
out with unusual designs. U ma
is also into interior decoration and presently is doing up a
boutique on Residency Road.
Explaining how she procures the raw materials for her craft,
Uma says that the required raw iron rods are available in the
market. Before using them she gets them powder coated in black
to smoothen the iron rods. AWAKE has provided financial and
marketing aid to her. "AWAKE is doing a good job
by helping women entrepreneurs," added Uma.
She accepts orders for wrought iron furniture. She can be contacted
at:
Artzone,
#60, 1st Cross, 6th Main, 2nd Stage, Basaveswaranagar,
Bangalore - 560 079.
Phone: 2320 7131.
Click
here for a profile of AWAKE
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11:57:07 PM 
