founding we are KAL

During my last week working with we are KAL, I sat down with Catherine, the founder/creative director of the social enterprise to learn more about her story.

What is the main message you wish to communicate through we are KAL?

Catherine: The main message we are all trying to communicate is the value of crafts from back in the day that are losing importance and demand. The world we live in is geared towards more quickly produced items; quick in general — quick satisfaction, quick results… We want to create appreciation for these traditional crafts and that way of life and of making.

To really go slower, it takes time — starting from the practice itself, but also how climate affects the way we work. In Assam, for example, during the monsoon we are not able to work at the same speed as usual, and things don't dry as it is always humid. Here in Ladakh, it is the same in winter; you simply can't wash huge amounts of wool. So we also hope to communicate that we all have to go at our own pace.

How has the collaboration with the women — in Assam, but more particularly in Ladakh — changed your way of working?

C: We have both learned much from each other, especially regarding the way things need to be done. I have accepted that each piece will not be identical, as it is always a new creation for the women. The women need some freedom in terms of design, and with handspun yarn and natural dyes, the product will always look a little different anyway. This is simply our way of working, and the products thus convey the character of the work.

How has your involvement with the community of Karnak shifted your way of viewing the world?

C: I have become a lot more open in terms of lifestyle and less fixed on what I need. Of course, I do have a few things that are really important to me, but especially when it is temporary, I have become a lot less reliant on and demanding of things. My tolerance for difficulties has also increased a lot.

Seeing the importance of community — what it can do and how powerful that is — is something we don't really experience much anymore in the West. I've learned quite a lot from that. Simply to be more supportive of other people, to be part of this entire system of supporting each other — this is something very valuable I've taken from this way of life.

In times of difficulty or doubt, what renews your trust and your strength? 

C: In these times I ask, what could this be good for? Because any issue that you encounter turns out to be an indicator. It is an obstacle but you overcome it. It will benefit your work and the way that you also function because, after all, it is you who has to manage how everything works. If there’s some doubt or issue, I try to already think of the positive impact could this can have in the future and how can I learn from it.

What final words would you like to leave us with?

C: I think everybody has something they really wish to do or that is their dream or that they’ve been working on so hard. And, while you always have to question what you’re doing,  I think it is also important not to lose faith in what you are doing because other people tell you it is not good. If you have a strong idea then just continue working on it -  being flexible, but not losing the magic that made you start it in the first place.