Kala Curry Radio at Cassandra's Studio

Cassandra stitches stories, not just fabric. Every piece she makes carries years of craft, care, and confidence of a lifelong maker.

1. Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you do, and how art became a part of your journey.

I’m a serial entrepreneur and I love empowering women and teaching them skills for their livelihood. Art was always a part of my journey, right from my pre-teen. My paternal grandmom and my mom were both crafters.

2. Art isn’t just something we see—it’s something we live with. How does art seep into your daily life? And what does art mean to you?

Art is my meaningful expression of various moods and stages of life—it’s on my walls, my handbags, my clothes, and even on my person.  

3. Why do you think handcrafted art matters today more than ever?

Slow-stitched handcrafted art shows that the artist as well as the receiver has carefully chosen something of value after much consideration. It is more deliberate and giving your time to somebody is a value much sought after, in today's fast-paced life.

4. How many years have you been practicing this craft?

I’m 63 right now. I’ve been engaging in various art practices ever since I was 8 years old—almost a lifetime of switching between different mediums and expressions. I used to make cross stitched gifts for friends when I was younger. Over the years, I dabbled in embroidery, knitting, glass painting, mosaic, to name a few.

5. What makes an artist an artist? (like who can call themselves an artist/what counts as being an artist)

I think putting painstaking work and emotions into creating a piece of value that is appreciated by others qualifies someone to call themselves an artist.

6. What does being an artist/brand that sells art mean to you?

I like being able to bring joy to someone through something I make with my time and effort—making something useful and functional brings me happiness.

 7. How long does it usually take to create one piece from start to finish?

Hours! Every single pixel or embroidery stitch is done one at a time.

8. What drew you to the medium(s) you work with?

I like handling different textures of cloth and thread. Working with colours is something I find exciting.

9. How do you see art products being perceived in an Indian market?

India is full of texture and colour, much like my art. I find that the patience and effort put in is much appreciated by many.

10. You've worked with everything from thread paintings to upcycled glass bottles. How do you decide what to experiment with next?

I’m a big fan of recycling and reusing things. I don’t believe in wasting things. So my next project is always shaped by the waste generated from the previous one, or anything I’ve saved up at home that can be reused.

11. Could you tell us more about your thread paintings? How did that begin, and how is it different from traditional embroidery or textile art for you?

I always liked the idea of having self-made art on my walls and furniture. Many years ago, I would embroider huge pieces which are today table tops or grace my walls. Art is becoming a lot more accessible and compact. People now are able to carry it around with them (or wear it) rather than have it within the 4 walls of their home. So, my craft transformed as well.

12. With your background in both garment exports and personalized gifting, how have your past experiences shaped the quality in your current work?

I’m able to use knowledge and materials that I was exposed to over the years while working in the clothing industry. I’m able to bridge the gap between traditional and modern as I walk this line. 

Obsessed already? Same. Shop Cassandra's art and bring a piece of their world home on Kala Curry.