Traditionally handmade by artisans. For artists who deserve only the best for their creations.
Welcome to Maesstría, where we support and nurture the journeys of the world's most creative artists with our archival-quality art papers.
1000+
Artists trust Maesstría's handmade art papers
15+
Years we've spent perfecting our art papers so you can confidently buy even before you try
“I have been using Maesstria's art papers for several few years on and off and I love the transparency one captures on them with my watercolor painting.
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“Genuinely saying I feel my watercolour painting skill was somehow enhanced just because of Maesstria's art papers.
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THE INSPIRATION
Dream big. Create bigger.
15 years ago, a dream took flight when our founder Sundaram Srikkanth, fuelled by a passion for manufacturing, ventured into the world of handmade papermaking.
Leaving behind a corporate career of two decades, he dreamt of setting up a manufacturing unit to make something truly of his own.
Soon enough, inspiration struck during his time with Development Alternatives, an international NGO, where Srikkanth uncovered a niche within the handmade paper industry – the world of traditional,handmade watercolor art paper for artists.
THE BEGINNING
From passion to perfection.
From this passion emerged the brand INDIGO - Masters in Papermaking. Driven by his love for research and development, Srikkanth pioneered the production of international-quality watercolor art papers in India.
Papers with the correct thickness, texture, raw material and most importantly - sizing.
With a leased production facility impeding success, he eventually set up his own manufacturing unit in Gujarat over the next two years.
THE JOURNEY
A father-daughter legacy.
As their unit took shape over two years, the team battled export traders aiming to capitalise on the demand for European goods under Indigo's brand. Eventually, they entrusted the Indigo legacy to a family friend in Canada to cater to the North American market.
Shweta Srikant's entry into the business and entrepreneurship world fulfilled her father's dream. As an almunus of IIM Bangalore’s Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program, she leveraged her experience and learnings to grow the business.
Together, they embarked on a journey fueled by a shared love for craftsmanship and creativity. While Srikkanth was passionate about research and development, Shweta found solace in her love of handicraft. Both leveraging their “why” in this niche yet beautiful venture.
THE PIVOT
From Indigo to Maesstría.
While Indigo remained a priority as export sales surged, Maesstría emerged in India. Amidst the pandemic's turmoil and delayed export orders impacting the business, they took the leap to diversify.
Team Maesstría found their place among a thriving community of hobby artists during the pandemic, when the interest in art and community grew. Ever since, Maesstría has been committed to serving the most creative artists in India and across the world with high-quality art paper.
THE MISSION
Maesstría: The Masters of Papermaking
Inspired by their other brand’s tagline “preserving art for generations” - Maesstría is an Italian word that embodies mastery. The name mirrors their mastery over the intricacies of traditional handmade paper making and is a product of decades of hard-work and a true passion for paper making.
Drawing from the rich legacy of Fabriano, a renowned hub in Italy celebrated for centuries for its exceptional paper, the father-daughter duo continues this tradition of excellence.
What you see today is the culmination of over 15 years of intensive research and development to become one of the first traditionally handmade art paper manufacturers in India - now at par with renowned international brands.
THE PROMISE
Level up your art game with paper that's as practical as it is beautiful.
At Maesstría, we're on a mission to positively impact artists' journeys in India and around the world with:
- the right art papers and products to meet modern sensibilities
- the unique experience of working on 100% cotton-based, sustainable art papers
- the unparalleled results of using traditionally handmade art papers
THE TRADITION
Revive that traditional connection between artist and medium.
Maesstría's art papers are made from unbleached, virgin, and 100% cotton rags sourced from hosiery mill cuttings, using the centuries-old handmade papermaking process.
Think back to the Renaissance era, where Leonardo Da Vinci meticulously sketched his visions on white or blue paper crafted from clothing rags of hemp or linen. Consider Michelangelo, whose monumental works began as delicate drawings on handmade art paper before he wielded his chisel on marble blocks.
And you creative artists of the 21st century? Drawing inspiration from the choices of history's greatest artists, Maesstría invites you to experience the essence of bygone eras through our traditionally handmade art papers.
THE ARTISANS
Empower the community.
We have welcomed local members of the indigenous adivasi community in Gujarat's Chhotaudepur district to our team of artisans.
By helping the women and men of the area upskill with training and employment opportunities, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life and eventually transform livelihoods.
THE FACTORY
Pulp to product under one roof.
At our factory in Gujarat, we've carved out 7,000 sq ft dedicated solely to the art of papermaking.
Within these walls lies our indoor fabrication unit, where every stage of the papermaking journey - from the humble pulp to the finished product - unfolds under one roof. And we cater to every artist’s need - from art papers to a myriad paper products.
Why does this matter? We have the power to customise every aspect of the process and tailor-make solutions to meet even the most specific bulk requirements.
THE CREDIBILITY
Elevating industry standards in papermaking.
Eco Made Overseas Private Limited is a registered MSME, a recognised start up under Start Up India, and a member of the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts.
Our factory, approved by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, stands as a testament to our dedication to eco-friendly practices. With valid export registrations in hand, our unit has been consistently exporting since 2014, serving the North American market with pride.
THE SUSTAINABILITY
Weaving sustainability into every fiber.
From sourcing to manufacturing and everything in between, we’re committed to eco-conscious practices.
Crafted from 100% cotton rags upcycled from hosiery mills, our art papers embody sustainability and innovation.
Free of acid, lignin, wood, and artificial brightening agents, we ensure you have a guilt-free, environmentally-friendly canvas to express your creativity.