It was a big shock for us when smoke and the smell of burning was emerging from our big, industrial oven. All ladies were very sad and scared.

But I have seen, and am experiencing, the power of a relationship that gives so much in both directions.

Throughout the process, the women’s confidence in taking risks, their willingness to experiment and play with ideas has grown. They feel very much that the Dhaka designs express their Nepali identity.

The eyes tell a story of resilience and creativity across ten years. None of us could have predicted that things would develop in the way they have.

The work of the Samunnat polymer artists will be shown at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.