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Fayaz Ahmed

"Hello, I'm Fayaz and I was born in beautiful and exotic Kashmir. I come from a family of wood carvers and we have been doing this art for generations. My father, Khalil Mohd, received the National Award for carving in walnut wood, and in 2000 I was awarded the Merit Certificate. It feels great to carry on my family's tradition! My father says our family has been dedicated to this craft for over a century.

"I started carving alongside my father after graduating from college. He taught me to carve each and every product with extreme care, and to persevere until the finest detail is perfected.

"Walnut wood is regarded as the hardest type of wood in the world. I select the best part of the wood for my work. I enjoy the entire process, from cutting the piece of wood, until it becomes a finished product. All my products are made with wood over 100 years old. Since my father is an expert, he can tell how old a tree is by the size of the trunk and the rings within.

"Together, we have exhibited our work in various part of the country including Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh and abroad in Dubai and the U.S.

"Ten years ago we decided to diversify and began crafting small pieces of furniture as well as the boxes. As time goes by, I would like to keep on developing new styles and product lines, such as wooden jewelries. I have begun working with different materials such as papier maché boxes.

"I am also interested in teaching others the tradition of walnut wood carving, so that the art is preserved throughout time."