The primary reason Maria went to India was to teach women how to make potholders, so they could learn to earn a living and avoid the difficulties many women face trying to earn a living in India. Yesterday, she got to do that in a village outside of Kolkata.

The girls took their class, and then asked Maria to wait a bit (they wanted to surprise her) and these are the first  potholders made in the Gee’s Bend free-form Maria style in India. They are coming here to be sold in America, and very inexpensively, from what I gather.

They came out to surprise her with their first potholders, the first of many they will be sending to the farm for sale here. This is where the best market is for the potholders. Maria’s dream has come to be.

The money they earn will be sent back to them. You can read more about this in the wonderful writing Maria is doing on her blog.

This photograph blew me away, it says so much about India, Maria’s art, and the wonderful fusion that is taking place between the two. The trip is such a triumph, so wonderful to follow. And these humble potholders are going to make a difference, Maria will need to go back to India every years.

The sale of these potholders could make an enormous difference to these women. Many struggle to feed their children and families. Small amounts go far there, and Maria’s potholders are getting a thrilling new chapter. I love this photo.