Q. First of all, could you please tell us about yourself and take us back to where your journey in design, craftsmanship, and calligraphy began?

Julley! My name is Rinchen Dorje, and my journey with art and craft has been a lifelong passion. I’ve been drawn to creating things with my hands ever since I was a child—it always gave me a sense of joy and calm that I couldn’t find anywhere else. Growing up, I was endlessly curious about different materials, textures, and techniques, and I loved experimenting with them.

It was during my time at Sainik School Nagrota that I had the opportunity to formally explore this passion. I chose Art and Craft as one of my subjects, and that really became the foundation of my creative journey. I spent hours in the workshop, learning how to transform simple materials into objects of beauty, whether through design, calligraphy, or traditional crafts. Those early experiences taught me not just skills, but patience, attention to detail, and the joy of seeing an idea take shape in physical form.

Even today, that sense of connection to the process of making—of working carefully with my hands and seeing each piece come alive—remains at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about carrying forward a tradition of craftsmanship while exploring new ways to express myself through design and calligraphy.

Q. At what point in your life did you realize that design and craftsmanship could be more than just a personal interest and actually become your life’s work?

After finishing school, my art teacher recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue a creative path. He suggested exploring fine arts or fashion design, which led me to apply to the Government College of Art in Chandigarh. There, I discovered various departments such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and applied arts. I chose Applied Art, which focuses more on commercial design—including branding, advertising, and packaging.

I completed my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts there, and later pursued a Master’s in Graphic Design at the National Institute of Design (NID). It was during this time that I truly realized art and design could be more than just a hobby—they could be my profession and lifelong journey.

Q. Tibetan calligraphy seems central to your artistic identity. What inspired you to start this? Also, you work with materials like wood, leather, and thread—why do you choose to focus on these?

Having spent most of my life outside Ladakh, I felt a strong need to stay connected to my roots. That’s how my interest in Tibetan calligraphy began. I wanted to share and teach the Ladakhi script and Tibetan calligraphy, especially to people outside Ladakh. Initially, I learned through online books and resources, and eventually started classroom-based projects and workshops. Over time, calligraphy became a significant part of my creative identity.

As for materials like wood, leather, and thread, I’ve been drawn to them since childhood. At NID, the multidisciplinary environment gave me the freedom to explore other departments such as leather design, textile design, lifestyle accessories, and furniture. I attended classes in these areas and gradually took on small projects involving these materials. Working with my hands gives me a sense of satisfaction and connection that digital tools can’t replace.

Q. In Ladakh, multidisciplinary designers and artists like you are still rare. What are your thoughts on this, and what do you see as the future of such work in Ladakh?

Yes, multidisciplinary designers are still rare in Ladakh, but I believe there is immense scope for design here. Ladakh is developing rapidly, with numerous government projects, start-ups, and businesses that require design solutions.

In textiles and apparel, some progress is being made locally. However, in graphic design and visual communication, we are still in the early stages—awareness and infrastructure are limited, particularly in Leh. Despite that, I see great potential for growth. If more people enter this field, Ladakh has the opportunity to develop a unique design culture deeply rooted in its traditions, blending modern creativity with local heritage.

Q. Nowadays, we all live in a digital-dominated and fast-paced world. What value do you think handmade and slow artwork holds in today’s digital age?

For me, whenever I create something—whether it’s a design, a crafted object, or a piece of calligraphy—I don’t start with thoughts of sales or profit. I focus on making something valuable and meaningful. I believe that if we approach our work with sincerity and respect, it will naturally create its own value over time.

Yes, it’s a slower process, but that’s precisely where its beauty lies. Handmade work has soul, something that machines or mass production can never replicate. Professionally, I work as a graphic designer, but my art and craft projects—like calligraphy, woodworking, or thread work—are my passion projects. I do them for my own peace of mind, not for business, and that’s why they hold a special place in my life.

Q. How can people, especially the youth of Ladakh, learn from your art and take something away from it?

I believe that as Ladakhis, the first step is to look inward, at our own rich culture. Ladakhi art, language, and traditional crafts are full of depth, history, and uniqueness. If we dedicate time to learning and sharing these skills, we can create something truly valuable—something that is authentically ours. Our culture has its own voice; it doesn’t need to imitate Western styles or trends.

Even learning one small traditional skill can have a profound impact. It strengthens personal and cultural identity and gives us a sense of pride in something that is uniquely ours. For the youth of Ladakh, engaging with traditional arts—whether it’s calligraphy, leatherwork, textiles, or other crafts—offers more than just a skill. It’s a way to preserve heritage while also interpreting it creatively for the modern world.

When young people connect with these art forms, they don’t just become practitioners—they become storytellers, carrying forward Ladakh’s traditions in ways that can inspire others, both locally and globally. It’s about building a bridge between the past and the future, and discovering the value in our own roots.

Message to the Readers

“Look closely at your own culture, explore its depth, and take pride in your roots. Every skill you learn connects you to your heritage and lets you express yourself in a unique way. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to blend tradition with your own creativity, and to share it with the world. Remember, the value of art lies not just in what you create, but in the story, identity, and spirit it carries forward.”