Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Totem Studio is a brain-child of a group of architects, designers, and engineers who share a fervent passion for the concept of “Play” and “Playfulness”. At Totem, their focus extends well beyond the conventional boundaries of children's toys and games. Their primary endeavor involves crafting Playful Totems, not only for children but also for the inner child residing within adults. By seamlessly merging design principles with traditional craftsmanship, they succeed in infusing the tranquility of childhood play into the fabric of everyday existence.
Purpose
Working at the intersection of Design and Craft, Totem Studio believes in making craft relevant for the present and future generations through Design intervention. They use our core strength of Design to create forms and details to explore the hidden possibilities of a craft. They believe in empowering the craft to compete with the contemporary market and along the way, bringing ‘Playfulness’ to everyone!
People
They largely work with highly skilled artisans of Channapatna that are still sustaining this 200-year-old craft of turned wood lac-ware. They work closely with the artisans to make sure our designs translate into tangible products with utmost perfection and detailing while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the artisans.
Planet
Their products are made with locally grown wood - Halemara (Ivory wood) and finished with Lac. Lac is a natural and organic material that is sourced from the secretion of an insect. Natural dye like kumkum, turmeric, and indigo is mixed with lac to make it colored. This finish is 100% non-toxic, food-safe, and child safe. The process of woodturning and lac application is done on a single lath machine. The material and process of turned wood lac-ware are completely eco-friendly and organic.
