Philosophy
Fiona Caulfield believes that “Objects can connect you with a destination and a culture. A combination of curiosity and respect for the maker will reveal the stories and beliefs of country, delivering a richer connection with people and place.”
Fiona explains, “I observed repeatedly in India, that people would instinctively make things beautiful if at all possible. I first realised this when popping into an auto rickshaw outside my home in Bengaluru, and noticing that the patch on the seat, was heart shaped. I think the practice of Rangoli is another wonderful example. A rangoli is a decorative pattern made from powders or petals at the threshold to your home. The practice originated by scattering powdered calcite, limestone, and cereal powders as a way to prevent insects entering a home. Over time this scattering evolved into art form and favourite family designs are passed from a mother to a daughter. India has an incredibly rich cultural history and craft is second only to agriculture in terms of occupation. It is a land that values the beauty of the handmade and understands that producing products is an avenue for individual creative expression and can also therapeutic and meditative. India also seems to have an innate sense of the value of materials avoiding waste, indeed India has been upcycling since ancient times before the West discovered this as a recent trend.”
Philosophy
Fiona Caulfield believes that “Objects can connect you with a destination and a culture. A combination of curiosity and respect for the maker will reveal the stories and beliefs of country, delivering a richer connection with people and place.”
Fiona explains, “I observed repeatedly in India, that people would instinctively make things beautiful if at all possible. I first realised this when popping into an auto rickshaw outside my home in Bengaluru, and noticing that the patch on the seat, was heart shaped. I think the practice of Rangoli is another wonderful example. A rangoli is a decorative pattern made from powders or petals at the threshold to your home. The practice originated by scattering powdered calcite, limestone, and cereal powders as a way to prevent insects entering a home. Over time this scattering evolved into art form and favourite family designs are passed from a mother to a daughter. India has an incredibly rich cultural history and craft is second only to agriculture in terms of occupation. It is a land that values the beauty of the handmade and understands that producing products is an avenue for individual creative expression and can also therapeutic and meditative. India also seems to have an innate sense of the value of materials avoiding waste, indeed India has been upcycling since ancient times before the West discovered this as a recent trend.”
Fiona began living in India in 2004 and draws upon her deep knowledge and extensive community for her work. She is a storyteller that believes that failing in love with a place is just an exciting as falling in love with a person and she shares stories of India through her travel guides, travel writing and consulting and now through a curated collection of Indian objects presented through Love India Home.