Material Design/ Plant Colours/
Ancient Craft
As an artist, designer, researcher, and beekeeper (yep, I do it all!), I'm like a one-woman circus, juggling creativity, tradition, and a whole lot of buzz. Picture this: me, in the serene sanctuary of Holika Studio, surrounded by the gentle hum of bees and the occasional giggle from my artistic muses.
Parmeet is an independent artist, and designer researching the impact that production processes have on society, with a focus on investigating and prototyping alternative scenarios and products. She works through self-initiated projects and commissioned work from companies, and cultural institutions.
Born in Punjab, India, Parmeet's roots run deep in a family of agricultural farmers and army. Growing up amidst the verdant landscapes and rich agricultural traditions of Punjab, Parmeet developed a profound reverence for nature from an early age. Her upbringing in this fertile land, where the rhythms of planting and harvesting are woven into daily life, nurtured within her a profound connection to the earth and its resources.
As the daughter and granddaughter of agricultural farmers, Parmeet was immersed in a world where every aspect of existence was intimately tied to the land. Her parents and grandparents, caretakers of crops and animals, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with it. In the shade of ancient banyan trees, Parmeet listened with wide-eyed wonder as her great-grandmother recounted tales of Punjab's rich animal and plant diversity, untouched by the tide of industrialization. These tales, steeped in the essence of tradition, instilled in Parmeet a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings—a truth as ancient as the soil beneath her feet.
Despite this upbringing, Parmeet's career initially led her into the world of the glamour industry, bustling urban landscapes in pursuit of success across various sectors including perfume, confectionery, and luxury retail, Parmeet found herself disillusioned by the relentless pursuit of profit and consumerism. However, a pivotal moment of introspection led her to enroll in organic winemaking studies amidst the idyllic vineyards of Cognac, France. Here, she unearthed a startling truth about the vitality of organic soils, witnessing firsthand their teeming life—a testament to nature's resilience. Yet, alongside this vitality, she also observed the toll of human intervention, prompting a fervent desire to channel her artistic talents toward catalyzing positive change.
Having attained a Master's degree in Law, Management, and Trade in Spirits in 2021, Parmeet opted for an unconventional path within the spirits industry. Instead of conforming to traditional career trajectories, she embarked on an innovative and sustainable journey, focusing on repurposing discarded grape leaves from vineyards. This pivot underscores her steadfast commitment to sustainability and exploration of alternative uses for agricultural by-products, embodying her broader vision of championing eco-conscious design and practices.
Parmeet's project, "From Grape Leaves-The Saree Offering for a Noble Land," epitomizes her unwavering advocacy for environmental causes, shedding light on the profound impacts of industrialization and modern agriculture. Through her creations, she aims to inspire individuals to reconnect with nature and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Through her art, Parmeet endeavors to ignite a global discourse on responsible design and environmental stewardship. By leveraging nature's inherent potential and repurposing waste streams, she challenges the norms of the fashion and textile industries, envisioning a future where sustainability and creativity seamlessly converge.
Her work transcends conventional design paradigms, ethically probing the exploitation of natural resources and the societal role of design. By harmonizing nature's disorder with humanity's quest for meaning, Parmeet invites observers to contemplate our collective impact on Earth and take meaningful steps toward positive change. Her collaborative approach, rooted in traditional Indian artisan techniques, engages diverse stakeholders, inspiring communities to reassess their environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices.
Her practice, steeped in techniques used by traditional artisans in India, explores issues of environmental sustainability in relation to ancient knowledge and the contemporary international textile industry. Engaging with others in a spirit of collaboration is a key component of Parmeet’s approach and her work is often produced alongside other artists, community groups, traditional artisans and arts foundations. Using a variety of bio-earth materials – including locally sourced plants, agricultural waste, forestry residues and food waste – Parmeet’s works are a call to action to people and communities to reassess their impact on the environment.
Moreover, Parmeet's workshops and educational sessions, where she shares her knowledge of sustainable textile practices and the art of natural dyeing, further emphasize her belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. By teaching others about the ecological benefits of using local plant resources and the cultural significance of traditional crafts, Parmeet encourages individuals to recognize their role within the broader web of life and to embrace sustainable practices in their own lives.
Parmeet has worked with various organizations and individuals to showcase her art. She has collaborated with Foundation Martell in France, as well as the artists Pierre-Marie Tardat, Christopher Martin, Laetitia Andrighetto, and Jean-Charles Miot. In addition, Parmeet has partnered with Cocoon craft and Loom, a German-Indian company that produces cruelty-free silk for the fashion industry. She has also collaborated with the SHRISHTI Trust, an Indian charity that aims to generate sustainable livelihoods for differently-abled children in Kerala, India.
Parmeet's journey isn't all serious. As a dedicated beekeeper, she enjoys lively conversations with her bees, finding solace and inspiration in their company. Each visit to the hive is a cherished opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of bee life. Through these interactions, Parmeet gains a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and finds joy in the simple moments shared with her buzzing companions
I am also part of the Care project with the Martell Foundation, where she empowers the local community through creative yoga practices. Master's Degree in Law, Management, and Trade in Spirits, a second professional diploma, a Master's degree in International Trade in Spirits from the University of Poitiers, France (2020), and a Higher Diploma in Marketing and Communication from Raipur University, India.
Parmeet Questions
Are we courageous enough to defend against injustice no matter what form it takes?
Can we make reparations for what has happened to our planet?
Projects
2024 Weaving Braille (Current/ Ongoing) -"Empowering Ancient Indian Artisans and Preserving Tradition: The Weaving Love x Braille Initiative
2024 Buzzing Stool: Mycelium-Grown Solution for Bee Conservation/ Agricultural Waste of Cognac
2023
Dine & Dye (current / ongoing) – engaging communities in the Charantes region of
France in artistic expression while raising awareness around food waste.
2023
The Saree Offerings (current / ongoing) – presenting a modern interpretation of the earth
materials industry while exploring sustainable alternatives in art creation.
2023
ORDINAIRE EXTRA (2023) – a workshop and exhibition at Foundation Martell,
France featuring designer’s perspectives on the natural resources of the Charantes
region.
From 2021/ On going
Green to Blue: A Story of Living Nature – Art installation in Cognac produced
in collaboration with Pierre-Marie Tardat and Christophe Martin.
From 2020 / Ongoing
Ecological Handmade Cognac Bottle: "Sound of Nature - A Journey from the Terroir, "
This unique object is handmade and under development. Automated winemaking spurred my interest in honouring local artisans and farmers. This work explores our obligations to the community and the environment. The 'sound of nature' refers to the relationship between products and the place they are produced. The project aims to create objects that reflect the unique cultural characteristics of the landscape using locally sourced materials. The designers hope to contribute to a sustainable local economy.
The Saree Offering - Featured on Future Materials
Future Materials was developed in collaboration with the MA Material Futures at UAL Central Saint Martins and the Green Art Lab Alliance (GALA).
