Manali Manan Desai's Blog, page 67
April 6, 2020
When You Strive Not To Be Mediocre In Your Work ~ A Set Designer & Founder Of An Interior Designing Venture Shares Her Story
Christophe Lautrette says,
“For an artist, there’s nothing better than having the opportunity to create a world that doesn’t- but could- exist.”
In our #MondayMotivation blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment we present a woman who feels similarly about designing sets and spaces. Meet, Set Decorator & Event Stylist as well as an Interior Designer & Product Stylist, Purva Agarwal. She is the co-founder of Vintage Nutters and founder of Attirail, both of which are Interior Designing and Event Styling ventures. How did Purva get into this creatively exciting field and what gives her the motivation to keep scaling heights in it? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“I always wanted to be a set designer since 10th Std. I used to watch movies and get fascinated by the world they created. The beauty of those sets awed the little me so much that I wanted to do that and vowed to myself to create such beautiful spaces and tell stories through such spaces, myself one day.
[image error]
My ambition in life became being able to tell stories of characters through sets and stories of real people through interior styling. The struggle was managing the long and unpredictable work hours.
[image error]
Set Design is a very difficult field to be in considering the odd working hours and the kind of environment you have to be in constantly. It was taking a toll on my health. So, I decided to start doing interiors as well.
[image error]
This has helped me balance my work and home life. The turning point was when I decided to make the shift from sets to interiors with my solo venture, Attirail. My only motivation is to not be mediocre in my work. That is why I constantly push myself and keep moving.
[image error]
I have done a few films as a Set dresser and numerous Ad films as a Set decorator. Bombay Velvet was the film that helped me move from a set dresser to a set decorator. I was a set dresser in Bombay velvet and after that I became a set decorator. I also co-founded an event styling company called Vintage Nutters with my friend. This venture was active from 2015-2017, but unfortunately, we had to discontinue it due to personal reasons. Attirail is something of my own, that I have created from scratch.
[image error]
My pop up – ‘Wild Poppies’ was a big milestone for me. The kind of positive response I received through it was a big push and encouraging factor for me. For Attirail and to learn the dos and don’ts of entrepreneurship I even did the Executive Creativity & Cultural Business Programme at IIM-A, which has honed my skills business skills. Being in the top 6 of this course was another confidence booster for me to continue in my entrepreneurial journey through Attirail.
[image error]
The aim and future plan is to continue taking up challenging projects and assignments in the field of interior styling, designing and decoration. I just want to style more homes, tell more stories and eventually create a store as well for Attirail.
[image error]
My biggest learning has been that,
“One should never do business with friends”
[image error]
And also, that,
“Life takes its own course, you just need to keep working and believing that everything happens for a reason.”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Purva, check out her works as an interior stylist, or check out the products of Attirail shop, and to inquire about her work or hire her for styling your own office, home or event spaces, follow the links below:
Instagram personal handle
Instagram Attirail handle
Instagram Attirail Shop handle
Purva did a style story for the Good Homes magazine, India. You can have a look at her styling tips and photos in this feature through the link below:
Good Homes India (2nd April 2018)
April 3, 2020
When You Use Your Artistic Talents to Support & Celebrate The Natural World~ A Wildlife Artist and Creative Conservationist Shares Her Story
Leonardo DiCaprio says,
“As we progress into the twenty-first century, anyone who considers themselves a realist will have to make the environment a top priority.”
In our #FridayFeature blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we present someone who feels the same way about nature conservation, especially about wildlife and more specifically about endangered birds. Meet, Wildlife Artist and Creative Conservationist, Niharika Rajput, who through her artistic venture Paper Chirrups, aims at spreading the message of bird conservation. How does she manage to use her passion and art for wildlife conservation to create incredible hand-made paper birds, and what made her choose such a career path? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“Growing up, I was that child who would choose jungle safaris and rides into nature reserves over visiting the beaches and mountains. I have always been a deep admirer and keen observer of all things wild. This got lost somewhere when life caught on and without realizing it, I stopped observing these creations of nature.
[image error]
When the time came to make my career choice, I was clear in my head that I wanted to be an artist because growing up I always loved building three-dimensional stuff. So, I decided to amalgamate the two, my love for art and my fascination with wildlife. However, my specific focus was still unclear.
[image error]
During this phase, I came across a flock of 10 to 12 Red Billed Blue Magpies while visiting Himachal Pradesh and this sighting cemented my certainty that the focal point of my art would be winged species.
[image error]
With my focus now clear, the initial struggle began, as the deeper I delved the greater number of challenges these birds faced came to the fore; climate change, loss of habitat, hunting, poisoning, illegal trade are just a few to name. These really opened my eyes to the plight of birds. So, I started using my creative and artistic abilities as a channel of communication to reach as many people as possible.
[image error]
I vowed to use my artistic talents to support and celebrate the natural world, while trying to inspire others to do the same. My focus is on Bird Conservation in India and all over the world. And I actively work to promote the restoration, protection and conservation of all endangered wildlife through art.
[image error]
The work requires detailing and focus. However, I still wouldn’t label any of my hardships as struggles as it has all been a learning process. Starting from how I was going to build these sculptures, to marketing my work, photographing them, finding the right kind of customers. Honestly, I am still learning and probably will in the coming years.
[image error]
It’s all very interesting and sometimes frustrating too. But at the end of the day you need to be patient and never stop working.The turning point was getting awarded an Artist Residency in Canada, which gave me great exposure.
[image error]
It was called fresh AIR (Residency) at Caetani Cultural Centre in collaboration with Allan Brooks Nature Centre. It was a three months long Residency wherein I had to build three sculptures of the Hummingbirds found in the Okanagan Valley. During this time and to create these sculptures, I worked with many ornithologists, scientists and researchers from across the world. My biggest motivation of course is nature. Its elements have always inspired me, without any doubt and I am constantly amazed at nature’s sophisticated mechanisms.
[image error]
My journey so far has been great, I have achieved and received things that I never imagined even existed. Today I get to work with many wildlife organisations, ornithologists, forest departments, scientists, researchers, and people from various walks of life, all of whom are equally or even more passionate about nature and its conservation. I also run various Art for Wildlife conservation initiatives which involves conducting workshops with children and the local community. It gives an immense sense of fulfillment to pass on the importance and knowledge of nature and its conservation on to the mind of the future generations.
[image error]
The biggest milestones in my professional journey I believe have been these:
Artist-in-Residence program in British Columbia, Canada.
Artist-in-Residence program at Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation
The many articles that have been published in reputable publications.
Future plans? I’m a highly ambitious soul, so I have many plans in terms of building many more species of birds and animals. I am very keen on building a nature interpretation center in Ladakh which will help educate the local community about the wildlife found in and around their region.And I also want to conduct many more workshops in India and across the world.
[image error]
The learnings have been many, big as well as small. But the most important one has been to have patience and perseverance because,
“Patience leads to perfection and perseverance helps you to reach your goal, even though it might be slow”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Niharika, check out her amazing 3D art sculpture models of birds and animals, inquire about them or buy one or more of these art pieces, follow the links below:
Website
YouTube
Etsy
Behance
Other professional platforms
[image error]
Niharika’s work and life story has been featured on multiple online as well as offline platforms. You can have a look at these features through links provided below:
Newspapers and magazine features
The Hindu
Live Mint
Pune Mirror
DNA
Other newspaper and magazine features & press coverage
Blog features
Star Castle
Etsy
Colossal
Antima Khanna
Atlas Obscura
Betws Railway Station
Roots & Leisure
Play Junkie
Design Swan
What’s With The Climate?
Art Lounge
Emergent Art Space
Adafruit
Wallpaper Data.com
My Owl Barn
Himalayan Geographic
April 1, 2020
Travel Reminiscing in Lock Down Venice
In this global and national lockdown, I’m Challenging myself to post and host #15Days15Places and #TravelReminscingInLockdown
.
Three months of 2020 have gone by and the only travel I’ve done this year is for work or social events. The fact that I haven’t explored a new place this year yet is getting to me. And who knows when I, you or any of us will be able to do that again? It’s a gloomy thought, but instead of focusing on that, I thought of reminiscing about one of the best travel experiences I’ve had so far in my life.
Anyone who knows me (or follows my work), knows my obsession with the city of Venice. So is it even a surprise that it’s the first one in my #15Days15Places (self) challenge?
[image error]
.
Ever since I came across the video of the song ‘Do lafzon ki ye dil ki kahani’, Venice became my honeymoon destination. That song was childhood, then in my jawani came ‘Khuda Jaane’ and I was 100% sure that I’d be honeymooning in Venice. (go look at the videos of these two Bollywood romantic songs and you’ll understand *hopefully *)
.
So, yes, my honeymoon happened in Venice which was my first visit to this beautiful city, 3 years ago. Post that, I’ve been to the city numerous times last year when I was in Italy for one week. With every visit, the charm never dulled for me,but only increased, because the city has so much natural beauty to offer.
.
The doodle I’ve (tried to) made here is of the Rialto Bridge in this city of Canals,where on a normal day its impossible to find a decent space to check out the view or to get a photo clicked.
.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic has hit Italy badly and my heart goes out to this country and city because it will always be special for me. However, call it a blessing in disguise or whatever, but because of no tourists being able to visit Venice, it has slowly regained its natural beauty with the waters of the canals became clearer (because of no plastic and garbage dumping by the tourists) and the fish and dolphins have returned happily to this beautiful city! Amidst the health threat and immense loss to human life and economy, I’m happy about Venice regaining its beauty. All my good wishes and prayers to the wonderful Venetian people and the Italians too. Stay strong, the good people of the world are all praying for you.
.
Hoping to visit Venice sometime soon again, once this is all over.
[image error]
So, why did I choose this spot for my doodle? Because besides being iconic, this spot is where I too got a photo clicked, and the special part about it is that, this picture, with Venice canals visible in the background is the one used on the book cover of my debut (paperback) book ‘The Untold Stories‘. (yes, my love for Venice is quite obsessive).
#TravelReminiscingInLockdown Day 1 ~ Venice
In this global and national lockdown, I’m Challenging myself to post and host #15Days15Places and #TravelReminscingInLockdown
.
Three months of 2020 have gone by and the only travel I’ve done this year is for work or social events. The fact that I haven’t explored a new place this year yet is getting to me. And who knows when I, you or any of us will be able to do that again? It’s a gloomy thought, but instead of focusing on that, I thought of reminiscing about the travel experiences I’ve had so far in my life.
.
So this #15Days15Places (self) challenge is a virtual travel tour I’ll be taking to 15 cities from 1st April to 15th April. In each post, I’ll be:
.
–> Posting a self-made digital doodle (another skill I’ve resolved to teach myself during this lockdown) of my favourite spot from that city.
–> Sharing a little paragraph about my travel experience in that city.
Ready for a virtual world tour with me?
[image error]
Anyone who knows me (or follows my work), knows my obsession with the city of Venice. So is it even a surprise that it’s the first one in my #15Days15Places (self) challenge?
[image error]
.
Ever since I came across the video of the song ‘Do lafzon ki ye dil ki kahani’, Venice became my honeymoon destination. That song was childhood, then in my jawani came ‘Khuda Jaane’ and I was 100% sure that I’d be honeymooning in Venice. (go look at the videos of these two Bollywood romantic songs and you’ll understand *hopefully *)
.
So, yes, my honeymoon happened in Venice which was my first visit to this beautiful city, 3 years ago. Post that, I’ve been to the city numerous times last year when I was in Italy for one week. With every visit, the charm never dulled for me,but only increased, because the city has so much natural beauty to offer.
.
The doodle I’ve (tried to) made here is of the Rialto Bridge in this city of Canals,where on a normal day its impossible to find a decent space to check out the view or to get a photo clicked.
.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic has hit Italy badly and my heart goes out to this country and city because it will always be special for me. However, call it a blessing in disguise or whatever, but because of no tourists being able to visit Venice, it has slowly regained its natural beauty with the waters of the canals became clearer (because of no plastic and garbage dumping by the tourists) and the fish and dolphins have returned happily to this beautiful city! Amidst the health threat and immense loss to human life and economy, I’m happy about Venice regaining its beauty. All my good wishes and prayers to the wonderful Venetian people and the Italians too. Stay strong, the good people of the world are all praying for you.
.
Hoping to visit Venice sometime soon again, once this is all over.
[image error]
So, why did I choose this spot for my doodle? Because besides being iconic, this spot is where I too got a photo clicked, and the special part about it is that, this picture, with Venice canals visible in the background is the one used on the book cover of my debut (paperback) book ‘The Untold Stories‘. (yes, my love for Venice is quite obsessive).
When You Realize You Need Some ‘Me’ Time Amidst A Busy Work Schedule ~ A Doctor & Paper Artist Shares Her Story
A popular quote goes,
“The presence of the doctor is the beginning of the cure.”
In our #WisdomWednesday post focusing on the #WonderWomen segment we’re proud to present, a woman who is into two such varied professions, both of which bring in physical and mental cure and happiness. Meet, Dr Ritulika, who despite doing a profession which demands so much of her, chose to pursue another profession. She is a Doctor (Dentist) and a Paper Artist. Besides her own dental clinic, Ritulika also runs a venture by the name of Sandali Creation, via which she sells gorgeous greeting cards with quilling typography and other paper art-pieces. How does she manage time for both these professions and why did she choose getting into paper artistry over and above such a taxing and demanding job as a doctor? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“I will not say that it was my passion or since childhood I am in it. But working with paper always gave me joy. The artistic and creative possibilities that a piece of paper holds, made me and still makes me excited!
[image error]
Being a medical student, as with all medicos, till the age of 26 I was busy settling myself and finding my footing in the medical profession. Despite that, everything including study, marriage, motherhood, clinic, etc in life was on track. There was a set routine which involved life between the clinic and the home.
[image error]
After a certain point I realized that I needed some ‘me’ time in this busy schedule of mine each day. An hour or two everyday, where I could search for myself or rather lose myself. I still remember I had a tough time in deciding what I wanted to do during this ‘me’ time. I focused and tried to find the answer to ‘What is the thing I miss the most?’ and recalled my love for paper. The color and texture of paper had always held some fascination for me.
[image error]
Meanwhile my husband told me to do the interior decorating of his clinic. In this workspace, he wanted some unique framed wall art. I took that opportunity seriously and it became the turning point for me. I made paper flowers with quilling art and took printouts of it. These became the central attraction of his clinic.
[image error]
A lot of compliments drew in, which motivated me and finally I was in it full-fledged.
[image error]
The real struggle was to maintain balance between homely duties and my doctor profession, alongside my paper art passion.
[image error]
But I am blessed with a caring husband and loving kids. So, with a little support from them, everything became easy for me after a while.
[image error]
Right now, I proud to say that I am a Paper Artist as well as a Doctor. I design greeting cards with quilling typography. Nature is my inspiration which reflects in my floral designs. I sell my cards both in India and overseas.
[image error]
Within a short time, I have been able to make my passionate profession, reach and touch the lives of many people across the world. When people share the photos of my art pieces adoring their homes and workspaces, or when they use my cards to make a special day or occasion even more special, it fills my heart with pride and joy. And that’s all the drive I need to keep going further in this field.
[image error]
My ultimate goal is to create a niche for unique designs in this profession, besides of course becoming one of the best and topmost artists in the world of greeting cards. To everyone out there, I just have one learning and message to share,
“Pursue something besides the normal professions like doctor or engineer; something which takes away all your worries about the other profession. And if that brings you joy, never give it up.”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Ritulika, check out her many gorgeous Paper Artwork pieces, inquire about them or order one or more of her greeting cards for yourself or your loved ones, please follow the links below:
Etsy
Amazon
Flipkart
A video featuring all products of Sandali Creations is available on YouTube. You can check it out below:
YouTube feature
March 30, 2020
When You Refuse To Bow Down to Societal Expectations & Stereotypes ~ An Artisan of Dreamcatchers Shares Her Story
Michael Jordan says,
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
In our #FridayFeature blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment we proud to bring to you a woman, who overcame obstacles thrown her way, refused to bow down and made a name for herself in a field of her liking. Meet, Tejaswini Gopalakrishnan, who is an Artisan of Dreamcatchers and Founder of Junicorn Crafts and Junicorn Crafting Materials. She proudly calls herself an artist by passion and profession. So, what kind of obsctacles did she overcome and what made her turn a hobby of making dreamcatchers into a full-time business and profession? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“I started making art as a full-time business at a very low point in my life.
[image error]
Until then, it was only a hobby, a part time thing that I used to do to cheer myself up amidst a mundane lifestyle. I am a victim of a hypocritical, gender biased family/society. I worked as a software engineer in a reputed MNC for 3 years with a handful pay. I used to make dream catchers and other art works after office hours.
[image error]
My life was fulfilling and happy with my job, art, friends and a home that I had made for myself. But everything changed when my family/so-called relatives forced me to quit my job as I did not agree to their plans on my marriage. I had no emotional support except for my father who is a little better person compared to the rest of the group.
[image error]
Unfortunately, he wasn’t of much help too and as a result I ended up in a 10*10 room at my parents’ home with no job. I was devastated for the next 2-3 months and couldn’t accept the injustice that was done to me by my own family as I watched all the dreams and plans, I had for my life fade away.
[image error]
I had a lot of suicidal thoughts, (I still do sometimes) and I was completely drowning in depression. I’ve tried communicating with them multiple times, but apparently Indian families care more about their daughter’s marriage than her mental health and ambitions. I’m very sure that this is the case with many families in India.
[image error]
It was at that point when I started making more dreamcatchers just to keep my mind away from depression. The love that my Insta fam gave me for my works was precious and that’s the only reason I could survive through the past year. I started getting more orders and it really helped me cope with depression. When I started making Dreamcatchers as a full-time job, I required quality materials which was very hard to find locally.
[image error]
That’s when I began my research and started a small online store for good quality raw materials as well (Instagram handle: @junicorn_craftin_materials). I was very keen in providing good quality materials and I received very good response for the same. Now I have an employee who is from a not-so-privileged background working for me.
[image error]
I’m sure I would be able to provide more such employment opportunities in the coming years. The situation with my family hasn’t changed much, but I will never give up on who I am and will never compromise for anything less for myself.
[image error]
I take inspiration from women leaders from various walks of life. There was this quote I once came across which goes, “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” And I related to it so well that I intend on not being silent about what I want, ever.
[image error]
My learning has been that,
“They may beat you down the ground, but it’s up to you to succumb to it or you can fight for what you believe in. The latter may take time and it may be very hard, but I believe it’s completely worth it. “
[image error]
Michelle Obama is one woman I am highly inspired by and she said, “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” So, overcoming the adversity I faced and still face is my strength and not a challenge for me anymore.”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Tejaswini, check out her eye-catching dreamcatchers, inquire about them or buy one or more for yourself, follow the links below:
Galific
If you’re a DIY and art enthusiast yourself, do check out Tejaswini’s other venture through which she provides art and craft materials:
Trade India
March 27, 2020
When Art Helps You Remain Calm & Improves Your Productivity ~ A Textile Chemist & Mandala Artist Shares Her Journey
Pablo Picasso said,
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
In our #FridayFeature blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment we bring to you a woman who thinks similarly about art and calls it ‘therapeutic’. Meet, Textile Chemist, Ambica Manepalli who is currently on a break from this profession and is focusing completely on her passion, which is painting and more specifically on mandala art. How did she realize that art is what helps her be more productive and when did she fall in love with the mandala form of art? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“There was no particular moment that got me into it as I had a passion for art right from a very young age but could not continue because of my studies. After getting a full-time job, I started having more free time and got back to painting as a hobby.
[image error]
The turning point for finding my love for mandala artwork. I came across it while browsing through Instagram for inspirations. I decided to give it a try and totally fell in love with it and haven’t stopped drawing mandalas since then. I even started a separate Instagram account to showcase my artworks and have received tremendous love from people all around the world!
[image error]
My page completes one year in May this year and I am really grateful to everyone who motivates me to create better each time!
[image error]
The biggest struggle and challenge in mandala artwork is the lack of knowledge and appreciation around it. I think mandala art is not known to a lot of people. It is made up of a lot of intricate details and takes a lot of time to be drawn. Only a person who has an eye for details, appreciates the efforts a mandala artist puts in and is ready to pay for it. The challenge for a mandala artist is to create their own unique style since most of the patterns used are repetitive.
[image error]
My motivation is my surrounding and my loved ones. A lot of things around motivate me to draw. I started my page to showcase my artworks and when I look back, I get inspired to draw even better. I also get inspired by so many creative artists on Instagram and especially my family & friends who support me constantly.
[image error]
The journey as an artist so far has been immensely gratifying as in a short time I have managed to achieve more than I anticipated. I am a co-illustrator for two adult coloring books: ‘Blossoms- an Art Therapy’ and ‘Enchanted- A Magical Art book’.
[image error]
I also participated in my first ever art exhibition in Oct 2018 which turned out to be a success and a great confidence booster.
[image error]
My learning in this journey has been of self-discovery more than anything else.
[image error]
I realized that drawing mandalas is therapeutic and helps me to remain calm, away from all the chaos. It keeps me focused and improves my productivity as well.
[image error]
My advice to all aspiring artists is,
“To practice regularly, no matter what type of medium or style you work on and just enjoy the process!”
[image error]
And also,
“It is really important to stay focused and not forget the main reason you started to draw.”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Ambica, check out and follow her artwork projects and pieces, or to inquire/buy one of her amazing artwork pieces for yourself, follow the links below:
Instagram page
Facebook page
Etsy shop
Red Bubble shop
Other professional/personal social media handles:
LinkedIn profile
[image error]
Facebook personal profile
Buying details of the adult painting books in which Ambica contributed as a co-illustrator
Blossoms- an Art Therapy
Enchanted- A Magical Art book
March 23, 2020
When You Don’t Give Up On Your Passion ~ A Content Creator And Published Poet Shares Her Story
Anne Frank said,
“ I can shake off everything as I write, my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
In our #MondayMotivation blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we present a woman, for whom writing is not just a profession but a passion which helps her be courageous. Meet, Writer, Content Creator, Poet and Storyteller, Swati Khatri. Besides being a content contributor to various magazines and online blogs, she’s also a published poet of two books. So, how did she find her calling as a writer and from where did she draw the courage to venture into a field which was completely different from her educational qualification? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“I studied fashion retail management from pearl Academy of fashion. And the way I entered this (writing) profession was something I never saw coming. Of course, it didn’t happen overnight, because writing was always a hobby ever since my school days.
[image error]
But as any typical Indian family back then thought, my parents did want me to spend time with books, however not with the books which I loved but my textbooks. Despite that I continued reading outside my curriculum, which laid the foundation for my writing hobby, and later passion and profession.
[image error]
I grew up and never thought I will even consider it as a career option though. But after I completed my post-graduation, I could not find a job. I was disheartened and thought it was the end of the world. During this unemployment phase, I was home and had a lot of time which I utilized to catch up with my long-lost habit and hobby of writing.
[image error]
I remember there was an opening with a local publication, and it was just a matter of chance that I went ahead and applied. That is where my professional journey started. Thank God I did not listen to my parents and left this hobby as a kid. I will say it was destiny that brought me here. It was as if I was born to do this.
[image error]
So far, I have been able to get published with The Tribune. I have also had my anecdotes published in the much-loved Readers Digest magazine. I have even presented some shows with the All India Radio as a radio presenter. Apart from these, I have published two poetry eBooks on Amazon. These have received some great reviews from varied readers across the country and world, which has been deeply motivating and satisfying as a writer.
[image error]Besides this what keeps me motivated is the nature of this profession. The best thing about my work is that it lets me share my art with an audience even though I am an introvert. Being a writer is a fascinating profession because it lets me perform in front of my audience and yet not be seen directly. The thing that fascinates me was when I started posting my poetry on Instagram and realized that people really liked it. I was amazed when people I did not know messaged me that they liked what I write.
[image error]
In future I want to publish my books in print. And not just poetry but other genres as well. This is because I don’t think art can be restricted at a particular genre.
[image error]
I will say the most important thing I learned in my profession is
“To go with the flow”
[image error]
As I don’t have a typical mass communication or journalism degree, I learned everything on the job.
[image error]
And I realized,
“The best way to learn something is to start working on it. It’s the flow and consistency rather than perfection.”
[image error]
****
To drop in a message to Swati, to follow her inspirational writing work, to buy one or both of her published books, and to read her many online blog posts and articles on various platforms, follow the links below:
Website
Your Quote
[image error]
Picuki
LinkedIn profile
[image error]
Amazon links to Swati’s books:
Pebbles on Paper
Pebbles
Author pages on various platforms:
Amazon author page
Medium profile
[image error]
Quora profile
[image error]
Swati’s articles/blog posts on online platforms where she contributes (or contributed in the past)
Tribune article on Balance
Tribune article on Connect Carefully
Tribune article on The Perfection Trap
[image error]
March 20, 2020
When You Want Your Association With Something You Love To Be A Lifelong One ~ A Doodle Artist Shares Her Story
Ann Landers said,
“It’s not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
In our #FridayFeature blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we bring to you a woman who learnt a skill through her mother and has made that skill her success story today. Meet, Artist, Harshi Agarwal, whose specializes in Zentangle & Doodle Art. She is the founder of Brushes N Strokes, a creative venture through which she provides artistic services like Wall Art, Murals, Canvas Painting and Custom-Made Art pieces. Besides these, she even conducts regular art workshops under the same venture. So, how did find her calling as an artist and what made her turn an exercise in spending time together with her mother into a successful entrepreneurial venture? Let’s find out in her own words.
[image error]
****
“A childhood dream of being as good, if not better, an artist than my mother and the pride of being a self-taught artist, is what got me into this profession which began as a passion. I have always been passionate about the arts and I’m convinced a future in this field is my calling. Learning and fine tuning my trade at a distinguished university is my key goal at this point. Art has always been a part of my life since childhood and we share a very fond relationship. I want to build on this relationship and make this association a lifelong one.
[image error]
In order to do that, I need to be the best I can possibly be and hone my skills. The struggle with being self-taught though is that its not easy, especially in the beginning. Not only was there a lack of support from the family, but you also need to prove your worth to just about everyone, especially people who don’t understand art or its value. It is often said that there is never a day you have to work in life if you do what you really like doing.
[image error]
My paintings are bold and colorful showcasing abstract people or shapes, and I paint or click pictures to express myself. My work is often abstract and I invite the viewer to speculate. Each project often consists of multiple works, sometimes in a range of different media, grouped around specific themes and meanings. During research and production, new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work. My work usually features a combination of water oil and Acrylic paints, pen and ink .
[image error]
I am comfortable working with two media and love the vibrant colors I can play with and add different textures to my painting. One of the most exciting media I have explored is tanjore painting, a traditional Indian painting done using ceramics, gold and precious stones. I specialize in zentangle art, mandalas and doodles. My work is a combination of zentangle patterns and mandalas put together to create a piece.
[image error]
My passion for art and design stems from a number of events, people and experiences that have been instrumental in shaping my thoughts and ideas. The strongest influence on my work has been my mother. I was born into a household that appreciated art and revered good art. My mother is a very talented artist, and watching her apply her skills in my formative years was inspirational for me.
[image error]
I sought to be like her, to paint like her and to one day be able to paint together with her. What began as an exercise in spending time together with my mother soon transformed into passion for art and design.
[image error]
I learnt the nuances of art from my mother, as well as from Mr. Nikunja Basumatary, a teacher of mine at school. These individuals were instrumental in shaping the way I approached art.
One of the most challenging things about being an artist is to be able to work with different mediums to be able to express yourself exactly the way you want. But that is only an interesting challenge to have! I am never without a sketchbook. I am constantly drawing and sometimes the drawings are left in the sketch books and other times they develop into more in-depth ideas and detailed images.
I don’t like to explain a certain piece of work – if one has made a painting and that’s how one wants it to be – hopefully the work can speak for itself and whatever it says to the viewer is the message there as I believe there is no right or a wrong message. I like for each person to take something a little different from the picture. That is what I strive for. .
Making place for oneself in the industry is a very tough task when you don’t belong to it already or don’t hold a degree in arts from a reputed college or university. Getting to paint more than 100 toilets for the promotions of the movie Toilet-Ek Prem Katha was the biggest turning point. Another accomplishment was clinching Bikanerwala as one of my clients and being able to revamp all their outlets across the globe through my digital doodle artwork. These two projects really gave me confidence about my artwork and even got in the respect and fame I had been aiming to earn as an artist. My biggest motivation is getting to turn my passion into a career. It is often said that there is never a day you have to work in life if you do what you really like doing. I have always been passionate about the arts and I’m convinced a future in this field is my calling. Hence, that’s what drives me to give my 100% in this profession. It’s been 6 years since the foundation of brushes n strokes. The journey has been tough but fun and filled with new learnings, Brushes n strokes has ventured into lots of different sectors – corporate, hotels, the film industry, and now very soon launching Kaarii – an organic linen brand.
My biggest learning has been that,
“You learn something each day in life.”
But one thing that I really learnt in business is that
“You don’t always work on trust. You have to be professional and sensible while dealing with people.”
****
To drop in a message to Harshi, get out her amazing artwork pieces, inquire about or buy one of her eye-candy pieces, and to stay updated about her recent artwork projects, follow the links below:
Brushes n Strokes Instagram page
Brushes n Strokes Facebook page
Brushes n Strokes YouTube page
Brushes n Strokes Etsy shop
Brushes n Strokes Twitter page
Brushes n Strokes on Find Glocal
Brushes n Strokes on World Art Community
Other professional pages and info:
LinkedIn page
Brushes n Strokes portfolio/CV (image below)
Harshi’s work through Brushes n Strokes has been featured in multiple newspapers and magazine. Follow the links below to have a look at these features
City Shor
The Desi Diaries
Shubh Yatra
Safomasi
March 18, 2020
A Parental Guide to The Dos and Don’ts of Body Shaming
The earliest heart-breaking memory I have from my childhood is when a classmate (who I considered to be a good friend) called me ‘fat’ in front of the whole class. Why? Because I had asked for an extra chocolate on her birthday. I knew I was chubby, but using that to bring me down, that too by someone who I trusted, was devastating for the 8-year-old me.
[image error]
For days, I shut myself off from everyone and stopped eating chocolates in front of people. However, when nobody was looking, I’d have two chocolates instead of one.
We all have at one point or another (especially during our school) been called off for having a peculiar feature in our body. The kid with a dark complexion becomes ‘kaala’ or ‘kaali’. The kid with spectacles becomes ‘chasmish’. The chubby kid becomes ‘motu’ or ‘bhes’ and so on and so forth. Did we like it? Of course not! Most of us have haunting memories attached to this kind of body shaming. Why then haven’t we done anything to curb it? Fear of not being accepted into social circle is the top reason. However, do we want our kids to grow up the same way, hating their bodies and not standing up for themselves? The world will survive and thrive only because of parents and good people raising their babies right. Yes, it happened to us, the people of the past generations, but should we let it get passed on? I mean its not an heirloom or something that we need to pass down from one generation to the next. It must stop somewhere, so why not with us and why not now?
Based on some personal experiences, here’s what Heena had shared as some dos and don’ts around body-shaming:
1. Shame the act and not the doer of the act
Instead of blaming the one who does the body shaming, call the act itself bad. That’s like blaming the teacher for your child not scoring well (which is a discussion for another day)
2. Don’t give it back
Mahatma Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind” and that explains everything I intend to say here. My daughter was called ‘hairy’ by a classmate who is dark skinned. To get back at her, my daughter could have easily called that girl ‘kaali’ but she didn’t’. Was my daughter not hurt? Yes, she was. But I’ve taught her not to retaliate to a body shaming comment with another body shaming retort.
3. Let it escalate to the parents/guardian
Instead of body shaming in return, let the problem escalate to the parents of the child who body shamed your child. A simple reply to a body shaming comment can be, “Have your parents not taught you manners?” This will immediately offend the child who did the body shaming. They will go and tell their parents about it and then there’s a high chance of the child’s parents coming to talk to you. There are two advantages here, 1. You know immediately what must have caused a parent to come and complain to you about your child, and 2. You can talk to the adults responsible for the child, because that’s how the child probably learnt about body shaming in the first place.
This method worked for me when a classmate of my daughter called her ‘hairy’ and my daughter replied with ‘Have your parents not taught you any manners?’The very next day that child’s parent came to me and I explained what must have happened for the matter to have escalated to them. When I said, “My daughter could easily have retorted by calling your daughter ‘kaali’ “, he understood the root of the problem and immediately apologized.
That was a parenting win for me, as I knew I had managed to resolve the matter in the correct manner.
***
If you have more suggestions and ideas on how to curb body shaming, please feel free to share. Together, we can and must make the world a better place to live. There are so many bigger problems our children will need to learn to cope with, let’s not make such trivial matters become one of them.
