Esiouqrut

Guys and A Whale: Branding

2011-10-18T18:57:00.001+05:30

This was an exciting project with a very cool client. My client is Venkatesh Nayak who is a vocalist. He was starting a new band with the name "Guys and a Whale", and if you know him.. you'd know know whose the whale was. :P
Anyway.. the genre is "stuff that can be heard and understood almost clearly".. a.k.a... Easy Listening.
So we decided the logo HAD TO have a whale in it.. and that was basically the starting point. The first step for me was to draw out a couple of whales and see what Venky had to say.

So after this I started playing around with what was possible with the mammal and the text. I had an idea of it being in a circle for which the first whale in the sketch worked rather well. Next step was to scan that bit and start working on illustrator.. Initially the whale was what I worked on, trying to finish it up a little while trying to make the form fit into an invisible circle. At this point the name of the band changed from the early 4 guys and a whale to just Guys and a Whale. Thankfully, not a major design change. At this stage got another approval from the client, just to make sure I was moving in the right direction. And from that approval onwards.. the struggle to get the type to work started.

Here are some of the iterations with typograhpy. I started out with some standard fonts to see if those would work.. Thanks to which my computer screen looked something like this (basically, not very pretty):

I knew I needed something else.. So I decided to develop my own type.. (something I am rather petrified of doing, coz it had been ages.. PLUS the rule of typography aren't exactly my best friends.)

None the less I thought I'd give it a try..

Once I got a hang of that, adding the type for the "and a' was the next challenge. Finally a couple of 100 fonts later, I'd like to believe I go it right (for a second I even gave up the custom type I had designed):

But finally (good) sense prevailed. And here is the final logo...

Venky decided to use the logo without the circle around it and it's now making rounds on Facebook.

Do check out the Guys and A Whale Facebook page. Some good music on it..

Totally had a blast of working on this logo, and it shows...AWESOME CLIENTS FTW!

IF: Contraption

2011-10-14T10:07:00.002+05:30

So I have been feeling the serious urge to create collages recently, but I have been so busy with freelance and work that I haven't really had the time. Anyway, I tried out something for illustration friday coz I loved the word "Contraption" and had like an hour to kill.

Went with the theme of "Thinking and the creative process".. so what better contraption could there be.. than our MIND?!

Mystique: Logo + Mural

2011-10-09T13:37:00.003+05:30

Recently had the opportunity to work with a salon in Bangalore to redesign their identity and also paint a mural at the entrance.

The salon is called Mystique and it is a unisex parlour, which happens to be rather popular. While redesigning their identity the major guideline given by the client was that the logo should be a (more) typographic logo, something simple and uncomplicated. Their old logo was in cursive and that's something they wanted to move away from. As for colours, the palate had to be lavender, mauve, purple family, with perhaps a secondary colour.

Here are the two options I presented to the client.. I personally really like the second one.

However, in true client style they chose to go with the first option, but without the scissor :(
So now I had a purely typographic logo. Simple.
Here's the final logo:

Also designed the signage for the salon, an acrylic one that light's up at night. Don't have image of it in the evening.. but this is what it looks like:

The next on my list of to-do's was the mural. Took a bit of back and forth to come up with something we both liked and thought could be executed well. This was a reference image I created for painting the entrance of the Salon..

So it took 2 days to get the whole mural complete right from drawing-painting and sticking in the mirrors. I think I spent about 8hours per day working on it.

The process:

Considering this was my first time painting a wall, I think it turned out well. Learnt lots and was rather happy with the end result. The final mural:

Some details:

And.. that's all folks.. This is what kept me busy for a couple of days last week and it was fun! A little scary at first, but sooo worth it in the end! :)

IF: Soaked

2011-05-23T20:03:00.001+05:30

It's been awhile since I did something for Illustration Friday. And, I hadn't used my Wacom tablet in ages... thought this was a good time to get it out. But it's apparent I have become a wee bit rusty with my illustration skills. Need to get back to doing this more often.

None the less... My attempt for 'Soaked'...

A broken heart, in pain she was soaked...

OZ Entertainment - Branding

2011-04-16T21:05:00.003+05:30

My friend Shrikant Oza who is a DJ has now also started his own event/ artist management company. I was asked by him to design a logo for the brand and there really weren't any restrictions.

These are some of initial ideas, one of them dealt with grids:

One of the ideas I had come up with was to create a character/ mascot for the brand and the logo would be part of it. The logo/mascot would be one and the same. So I started toying with the idea of a monster who like to have fun.

And then slowly my illustrator file and my screen started to get filled with these green critters. A kind of Pac Man meets Android..i realised by the end of it :P

And "OZ" is ready...he's taken his first breathe on his very own Facebook page..

So here's how the final logo looks..

There's sooo much more happening for OZ right now.. Will upload some pics soon :)

HisGrace Agro Farms

2011-02-09T13:12:00.007+05:30

Branding for a goat farm. The farm may go beyond selling goats and may move into poultry and also consider selling meat products. The logo is flexible keeping these things in mind.

Some early logo ramblings:
Taking inspiration from Tangrams

Using graphic elements like circles and lines to create forms

The final logo with some some colour options. logo variations and applications:

My Portable World

2011-01-07T10:01:00.000+05:30

My Portable World is a blog/website that has news and review of mobile devices, phones, tablets, accessories, applications and services which help you make your world portable. You can check it out at http://myportableworld.com/

Some of the early ideas that I worked on:

And the final logo that is up on the My Portable World website:

The identity had to be modified so that it could be also used on twitter and facebook, and that's how "MPW" comes into play:

Wasted Walrus

2011-01-07T09:31:00.001+05:30

Wasted Walrus is a website started by my friend, where he posts comics that he draws out. Got a chance to go crazy with some psychedelic colour schemes and create a really fun identity for the walrus.

The website banner (click on it see the walrus change colours) :

Also designed some buttons for the website that have different colours on roll-over (obviously the Walrus seems to have quite the colourful personality) :

And then there was the Wasted Walrus background....

And do make sure you check out the the Walrus at.... http://wastedwalrus.com/

Simon Patterson India Tour Poster

2010-10-12T14:20:00.000+05:30

It went from trippy to terrible. Yeah, it happens..
I really like the way the first poster had turned out, ofcourse the event management didn't seem to agree and so I ended up with this...

And this was the first one that i was really happy with.. wanted this busy feel which had worked out well. Wish they had used this one.

Oh well...
*sigh*

TEG Rebranding

2010-10-08T11:42:00.001+05:30

Potential logo options for The Environment Group. TEG provides climate change advisory and sustainability services to its clients. Logos have been created for Prakrithy Design's pitch to the firm.

The Environment Group

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Crazy Donuts

2010-10-08T11:38:00.001+05:30

Just some logo that I designed for a friend who is opening up a franchise of mini donut carts. Don't know if any of these logos will be used.
But I was pretty happy with the outcome.

Crazy Donuts

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OrchidFly

2010-08-17T11:30:00.004+05:30

Cushions!

2010-08-17T11:05:00.006+05:30

Done as a part of my internship at Freedom Tree Design, Mumbai last year. This textile print was pains taking, but I totally love the end result.

Drawing out the illustration with pen and ink on an imperial size sheet almost took all day.

And then the even more painful conversion to a vector format WITH colour!

But in the end it was looked pretty awesome..

Celtic influences and then some.. N.U.G

2010-08-16T20:45:00.000+05:30

Crazy Card!

2010-07-19T09:16:00.003+05:30

L iast week I went absolutely crazy working on a friends business card, who is a DJ.

We decided on going for a collage sort of feel. Keeping that in mind I just went crazy and I think it shows. I generally work in a very rigid grid kinda style. So this was definitely different.

The idea stemmed from playing cards where if you flip the card the image still reads the same. However, here I wanted to show an abstract version of what's happening on a dance-floor. So you get both the DJ's view and the 'party animals' view. This idea carries to the back of the card as well.

The Alphabet

2010-07-10T17:43:00.001+05:30

After taking a vitamin pill on an empty stomach.. I have taken ill..suffering all day (How I love self-pity!)
But then it rained..and I wanted to get my Windsor Newton out.. and in my search for paper I found old photocopies which I decided to use as my "canvas".
This is me having fun on a lovely Bangalorean day. Hoping I can work some more with old sheets of useless copies...

PS I am still feeling sick (now going back into the world of more self pity)...

DIPPING!

2010-07-08T17:18:00.005+05:30

Finally...it's that time of the year..Been waiting for it for the past four years..
But now that it's here, I am dreading it.

DIPLOMA PROJECT!! ahhhhhhhhhh
So now...I also have a new blog dedicated completely to the next 3months of my life...

Letterpress Pi >> This way to the blog...Click away

Cutting Chai!!

2010-04-10T09:38:00.003+05:30

Packaging for an instant ready mix tea. The target audience is foreigners looking to take home an Indian experience and urban working Indians from the age group of 24 to 40.

The Black Pill, Chapter 1

2010-04-05T09:59:00.002+05:30

SYNTHETIC

2010-03-27T09:13:00.006+05:30

Design for a wine bottle which would contain in it, the sci-fi story Anomalous Structures of My Dreams by Shayne M. Bell.

The structure has been created using sheets that are about 220gsm.

A quote from the story:

Mr. Schumberg's projects had combined with the other projects escaped from his laboratory to create monstrous machines they had never intended.

WOOF maadi! Campaign

2010-03-26T21:46:00.007+05:30

Before I came into this world,my family already had our first dog.
I was the +1 to this family.
I have since loved dogs and rarely seen stray dogs as a threat. But, I have watched my friends run from not just strays but even from the domestic dogs.
At the end of the day, we must understand that like all humans, dogs have similar emotions..they may not speak..
But living on the street is not something any of us like and it has nothing to do with being a human or a dog...

The “WOOF maadi!” campaign is an attempt at trying to get the people of Bangalore to nurture a relationship with a stray dog, that could lead to a possible adoption.

Some early sketches:

Some of the work from the campaign:

Postcards

Bookmark

Cushions

Badges

T-Shirt

Passion Fruit Pass

2010-03-17T15:09:00.005+05:30

Passes designed for a play to be performed by students from Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology.

Passion Fruit will be performed at Indiranagar (by invitation only), Opus and at the Srishti Campus.

Apple Worship

2010-03-17T08:27:00.005+05:30

An editorial illustration for the the article iPad therefore iWant?Probably. Why? iDunno.
You can read the article at Guardian UK .

I did this illustration using my Wacom Intous 3 tablet.

Hide

2010-03-17T08:26:00.002+05:30

Sunday Market

2010-02-25T12:24:00.006+05:30

For a recent class assignment I went to city market to click photographs for inspiration. And then from some of these photographs I developed a series of four postcards.
The Sunday Market at City Market is an mad house. Crowded, cluttered and cut throat sales. You can find everything right from undergarments to washing machines. The whole road is crowded vendors on either side selling goods. People haggling, each one trying to make a buck in the utter chaos.
While I walked around I came across some boys who were busy selling some products and all of them wanted to be clicked (they saw the D-SLR in my hand..)

So the four postcards that I have made showcase the products they sold and their faces. Each product has been used to generate a pattern to represent the chaos, the constant cycle of sales and consumption and the spirit salesmanship of these boys.

The Black Pill

2010-02-23T10:10:00.002+05:30

It was cold and windy.
John dug his hands deeper into his pockets, an attempt at trying to beat the cold.
His scarf blew in the opposite direction as the wind hit his tweed jacket.

Funny how when you feel alone the streets seem to reflect the same emotion.
He smirked and then it hit him.
He started to cry, silently. The mannequins were his audience.

He stopped. He looked up and saw the towering skyscrapers. He felt small and insignificant.

He then walked into a building, nothing too fancy. The facade was rather welcoming. He noticed for the first time the two trimmed shrubs in the pots.
John got into the elevator. The way up seemed so long. He slumped against one corner and watched the indicator show which floor he was on.

Finally the doors opened at the 20th floor. He fumbled with his keys and he was crying again.
He got into his house. Minimal but homely. But it didn't matter anymore.

He walked over to the ornamental fireplace and kept the prescription and the black box. He sat on the little stool close by, and got his cellphone out.
He said “Gary”
He kept that by the phone next to the prescription. The phone rang five times and then went to the answering machine “....Please leave a message.”

John shed more silent tears as he spoke, “It's over. I am done. I...I...I have to take the black pill. He said I can't be cured. I have AIDS. I am of no use any more. Society doesn't need me and I must take the black pill. I ....”

And the answering machine automatically cut the call.

“A machine cut the call and now a pill would cut his life short. Ironic.”, he thought as he took that prescription in his hand.

As he read it for the 5th time in the past 30mins, the last 30mins of his life..
“...After further diagnosis, I confirm John, age 32 has AIDS. It is my medical opinion that he take the black pill as he has now rendered himself useless to society and is now a hazard to the people. Signed Dr...”
The writing got blurry.

More tears..John folded the letter and tore it and the then tore it again and again. He let go of the pieces. They fell to his feet like confetti. He put his head in his hands and cried.

He stood up and looked at the black box. It was his death certificate. He touched the box and he had goosebumps on his hand. Sweat on his brow.
He opened it.

It sat beautifully on cushion. The black pill was shiny and it reflected John's face on it as he stared at it.

He picked it up.

The pill had already begun it's work. Human contact was enough really. It changed the persons perception of the pill itself and made the person take it.

John's hand moved to his mouth, it opened. He put the pill in and swallowed.
His eyes shut and as he shut them, he fell.
He lay there lifeless on the floor. His prescription lying around him..like confetti.

A small light beeped over the fireplace.
It meant the officials knew the pill had been consumed. They would come to dispose of the carcass.

>>>>>>>>

Murphy sat with his drink. He kept moving the glass in small circles as he rested on his plush chair. A big huge side lamp on his right. On the side table was a family photo. It was a old family photo in a metal vingate frame, from when things were great.

He sighed. He looked at that photo and said aloud, “I shall be with you soon.”
He smiled.
He got a piece of paper out and read it aloud, “Dr. Murphy Holt. It is my medical opinion you take the black pill as you have completed your services to society. Signed Dr.Murphy Holt”

Not too many people could do this. But he could. He was a man of international stature (on the wall are medals, certificates and plaques). He stood up and walked to one of the plaques.

Noble Prize in Medicine for creating the Black Pill. He looked at it proudly.
He had created it so that his wife could die a painless death. He remembered her being in pain 30years ago. The cancer had taken over and she lay in a hospital bed and nothing could be done...

His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the door bell.

He walked through the hallway to the door.
As he opened the door, the door came flying in his face. It hit him on his nose and fell back.

A man walked in and the Murphy could only see a silhouette through his blurry vision.

“How could you do this? You killed him! YOU KILLED HIM?!”

Murphy tried moving backwards, still on the floor.. “What are you talking about?”

The silhouette moved closer and closer, “Don't tell me you don't know why I am here!”
The figure was now in his face.

“He..He...” “I... I... just gave him my medical advice..”

“You hate people like us? Don't you... But..he was my lover!”
The silhouette grabbed him by the collar. Lifted him and pushed the old man against a wall.

Murphy tried to struggle.
"You don't have to do this"
The silhouette pushed him harder against the wall.
"Accept death.." Murphy said still trying to struggle.
“You killed him...and.. that I WILL NOT accept!”
The silhouette stabbed him.And stabbed him again.

Murphy screamed in pain. As he slumped to the floor in a pool of blood, the black box fell out of his pocket.

The silhouette picked it up and dropped the knife. He stood there holding it.
He walked to the chair and went to the side table. He opened the pill box. Took the pill in his hand.
He looked at the family picture and picked it up..

He said.. “This was for John. I am sorry...Mom!”

A small light beeped over the medals, certificate .
It meant the officials knew the pill had been consumed. They would come to dispose of the carcass.

A Certain iPod Playlist...

2010-02-17T10:37:00.003+05:30

Twins After All

2009-09-16T16:05:00.001+05:30

Gurpreet and Navpreet sat playing at home. Summer vacations were always loved by all six year olds. But this summer vacation had turned damp since it had rained all of last week. The boys were playing a game of “What am I thinking about?”. The two were playing this “mind-exercise” on their mother insistence. She had said, “You two can't while your summer holidays. When you turn eight you will start your telepathy training. You should be 'Best' at it by then.”

The communicator beeped and Gurpreet dashed to answer the phone. He picked it up and before he could scream to his mummy who it was, she cut him off saying, “You know I can read your mind. I know it's Tulika's mother. You just always want a reason to scream.” She took the communicator and kept it quickly after a few “Accha, accha's.”

The twins had read bits of the conversation and knew they were going to be playing in Tulika's backyard. They were too excited to hear rest of the conversation. Their mother turned to ask them to pack their play-pods and they stood ready. Eager to leave.

Their mother dropped them off at Tulika's house and the two ran excited to the backyard, not bothering to enter her house. Tulika was already at the back of the house with her friend Priya, playing in their “Everything Pink Palace”. The twins entered the palace to see the girls having a glorious game of “House-house”. The two were pretending to be famous Bollywood actress of a bygone era.

“Chalo.. Let's play. Stop all this girly stuff.”, Navpreet said impatiently.

“Yeah. It's sunny outside and you two are sitting inside and playing all this virtual stuff. Aab let's go.”, Gurpreet said looking out from the palace, that looked like a pink make up room.

“Yes, yes. We'll be out in a minute.” said Priya.

The boys looked at each and read each others minds and ran out. Gurpreet had an evil look on his face.

Let's play chor police and win. Boys versus girls.

No yaar, they'll never agree Gurpreet!! I think we should be on opposite teams and then we'll make sure that we catch the girls really fast since we can communicate.

Arre..but so can Tulika. And Priya can move objects. You know that right?

But we are brothers, we can communicate better. Plus all those exercises we have done are bound to help. Tulika's mother never makes her do them.

Their thoughts were interrupted by the two giggling girls.

“So what are we playing? Hide and seek?”, asked Priya.

“No way. There are only four of us and anyway, you girls always want to only hide. I think we should play Chor Police. Boys versus girls!”, said Navpreet with a smug face.

“No...That's what you always want to play. Nooooo..” groaned Tulika.

“I think we SHOULD play chor police! I really want to. Anyway, last time we played Dabba Gul, and that was YOUR choice!”, pointed out Gurpreet.

Tulika sensed something was up. Hesitantly she said, “Okay fine. But no girls versus boys. You'll split up.”

“Okay!” said the boys together and smiled slyly. They chucked their play pods aside and were ready to play.

The usual 'Majority wins' was done to decide the teams and which team would play which role. Tulika and Gurpreet were in the police team and Priya and Navpreet in the other team.

Let the game begin. Navpreet smiled.

While the police team shut their eyes and counted to a hundred, Priya and Navpreet ran to hide.

“Run to the other side, but stay close enough, so that I see you”, Navpreet instructed.

Priya ran and hid in a well groomed patch of bushes. She thought hard and made the leaves turn direction and cover her from all sides. The leaves obeyed slowly and made a layer over her head. Tiny beams of light filtered through.

Navpreet watched her. She was getting better with her telekinesis, he thought.

Gur, Priya is hiding close to me. Where are you?

Navpreet thought hard as he tried to send the stream to his brother. Distance and excitement during the game, made it harder.

Gur, Priya is hiding with me. Where you? Gurpreet wondered why she was with Navpreet.

Why is she with you? Make her go, so that I can catch her. Tulika is with me.

Tulika could sense it. The twins were just too excited. She could feel it. She tried to tap into Gurpreets emotions but couldn't seem to go beyond excitement, the feeling was too strong. “Can't wait to get my skills trained at school. It would be really helpful.”, she thought.

Priya sat under the foliage. She waited but no one seemed to be around. She thought she would try and tap into Tulika's mind to figure out where she was. Then Priya could decide her next move. She thought hard, unfortunately seeing into people's minds was not her thing. But she thought hard and concentrated..

She is not with me. She is hiding in the bushes near the fence. Around the corner.

She is with me, hiding in the bushes near the fence. Round the corner. After having heard this last stream Gurpreet was a bit irritated. As per the plan the 'chors' were supposed to separate.

Irritation. Tulika could sense his emotions changing. Gurpreet was irritated now. They were both walking together in the vast backyard that had lots of places to hide in. She kept trying to look into his emotions and then she realized...

Wham! Tulika had walked straight into a tree.

Gurpreet laughed pointing at her. He was rolling on a patch of synthetic grass (the kind you didn't need to water, it did that on it's own) with laughter.

Navpreet did you see that happen? She went straight into the tree. Haha..

Tulika was a bit embarrassed to say the least. And her nose hurt now. She made herself feel better by thinking about happy things. She tried to make herself “feel” happy, but it was hard to do that with her eyes watering. And now, she couldn't figure out what was happening with Gurpreet!

Still laughing Gurpreet asked,

“Are you okay with continuing the game?”

“Yes. Let's go.”

“I think we should try the bushes, na?”'

They walked parallel to the fence, towards the bushes.

Priya was looking at a caterpillar and trying to focus on what Tulika was thinking. She tried so hard to concentrate, but nothing seemed to..

A hand came down on her back and tapped her. The leaves over her head moved and Gurpreet was standing there grinning. “Got you chor!!”, he said triumphantly.

Navpreet, I've caught her. And now...

And suddenly Gurpreet was crying. Crying like a baby. It was Tulika! She had been trying to figure out something.

“Why am I crying?!”

She did this to me Navpreet. She did this..

Tulika looked at Gurpreet guiltily, it's me, “I was trying to find out what you were up to. I thought you were cheating.”

“You made my brother cry! You made him cry!”, Navpreet came screaming from behind the resting-pod, where he had been hiding all along.

“Are you mad? Why do you do this when you don't know how to use your secondary sense?!”, Navpreet shouted out and pushed Tulika behind.

“I didn't mean to..And it was only..”

“But you did! And that's also cheating!”

“Stop fighting guys..Just listen to...”, Priya interjected. She tried to make them stop, just like how she could stop things from moving. But it didn't work, they were people and her mind couldn't do anything.

Gurpreet was still crying, “Just make it stop! Please.”

“ I am trying!!!” , Tulika was getting hassled.

“You have done enough, let me try and help my brother!”, Navpreet said angrily. He thought hard and went into Gurpreets mind. He tried to soothe him from there but it wouldn't work. Come on Gurpreet, you know I am there. We are brothers, let me help.

And suddenly like a door opened in Gurpreet's mind and Navpreet was in there. He could see everything. It was amazing and suddenly he could see everything that was his brother. He saw them eating donuts together and cotton candy, at the carnival. He saw them cutting their first birthday cake. A day at the carnival..A jester with his baton and ribbon, swinging it around...It was like he was Gurpreet. Suddenly, it went dark and Navpreet shivered inside his brother's mind.

Panic. Panic went through him like a bolt and suddenly he couldn't figure out what was happening. He was comfortable but something was out of place. He was in a box, and he wanted to get out..

And then before Gurpreet stopped crying, the sky started to cry. The drops came down on the four children like a blanket. Gurpreet wiped his face, not sure of whether it was his tears or the drops he was wiping of.

“Come inside. I don't want you'll to get a cold. NOW!” , ordered the twins' mother. Suddenly the boys came back to reality. Gurpreet was still crying. The boys ran into the house and straight up to their 'space'. Gurpreet was crying harder than before, he looked at himself in the reflector and the computer did a retina scan and said, “Welcome Grupreet, can I get you some warm clothes? It will get cold soon.”

“But I am Navpreet.”, Gurpreet said. “Negative. You have been identified as Gurpreet.”

“I am Gurpreet.”, said Navpreet in a slow soft voice. You got into my mind while we were playing and since you couldn't get out, I did. I didn't know what to do!

What the hell were you thinking? What was that for? And how many times have I told you we can't play with Tulika?

But..we always have fun.

I knew it! We shouldn't have played with her. Now we have to deal with this. What to do we do NOW?

I don't know Navpreet!

There was a long pause..

“We are stuck forever aren't we?”, they said in unison. They were twins after all..

The Visionary...

2009-08-17T09:53:00.005+05:30

Each card has been illustrated with omission/ addition of symbols that mean something to me over the past few months. They represent ‘a state of mind’. Tarot Cards work on the concept of “Interpretation”, and I have tried to capture this through my understanding.

Jonathun's Eye Twitched

2009-08-12T22:57:00.004+05:30

Jonathun sat on the crumpled bed he hadn't gotten out for the past four days. He just sat there, looking out of the window, his eye twitched. The window was covered with grime and God knows what, and please note, not from the outside but from the inside thanks to the fact that Jonathun had never lifted a finger to keep his room clean. “It's a rented house, who cares??”, he justified. Every time the superintendent of the building knocked on his door and screamed about the foul odour Jonathun lay dead and just thought him away.

He hated the super, he was a dick who only cared about the rent and all Jonathun had to do was making him think he had paid up every month. In fact, there were times when he thought the super had been a little too cantankerous, he would make him walk the hallways with his pants down and pee on himself. It was easy, all Jonathun had to do was think.

Still looking out the window, his eye twitched. He wished he could think the world into liking him. He wished he hadn't left home that night. He had never been able to “Think” for his mother; she somehow always knew. He had been caught with his lies and a whole series of them. And then, he just left...

On a Cold Night

2009-07-31T12:43:00.001+05:30

He sat here on his swivel chair that was obviously too small for him. He sat thinking about all the miserable vermin. All those pseudo mother fuckers who didn't have a back bone of their own. He looked around the room. The same room he had occupied for the past forty years with that picture of the Virgin Mary looking down at him. And now, on this cold night he wondered how he had come to be this flaccid bastard who just sat at home.
“I am turning into one of those idiots. Those country bumpkin kinds.”

This room was where his life had unfolded in front of his eyes. His first steps, his first joint, his first kiss, his first fuck...and now he felt like too much had happened here.

“I've been here too long...”

He took a long drag of his cigarette.

She plonked herself on her bed in the adjacent room. Unlike her father next door, she had been here only some fourteen years. She wanted to leave. She felt like she had had too much of this place. She wanted to run away, get away from that old woman who had tried hard for the past eight years to replace her mother.

“It's impossible. Why does she think she can replace my mother? She deserved to die, not mother.”

The thought tormented her soul and for years she planned her revenge. She planned and conspired to get that old woman for surviving the car accident.

She felt like she had waited far to long. But, what option did she have? A small seven year old hands couldn't have ripped the old woman's esophagus out with a fork even if she had tried with all her might. But now she was seven years stronger and the old woman was seven years weaker.

She would take advantage of the situation and tonight would be perfect..if only Johnny wasn't at home tonight sitting and smoking next door...

It was an unusually cold night. Across the hall, the chair creaked as she adjusted her shawl with fingers that could just about manage to hold the ends. She struggled slowly, to make sure she felt just warm enough. This was her favourite spot in the house, right next to the window. She looked out but the cold had fogged up the window. She sighed and almost like a reaction the lamp next to her chair flickered.

“I must ask Johnny to fix up the window” , she made a mental note to herself.

But tonight was just so cold, she didn't want to move from her spot. The chair had the perfect depression and the springs creaked as she moved slowly, readjusting her shawl.

Four cigarettes later, the only thought that came into his mind was his daughter. She worried him. She was coming of age and the crazed look he saw in her eyes sometimes scared him. He knew what she was thinking. She was smarter than your average joe, but he was her father and he knew.

“ How do these thoughts even come into her head. She blames her grandmother for her mothers death. How can she expect me to sit here and watch.. How dare she think I will watch....”

“Damn power cuts!!”

She smiled. It had just gotten colder, with the 100watt bulb off..or so it seemed.

The fork glistened in her hand. The was a sinister energy that she could feel. But she did nothing, not yet. But, she knew it had to be done.

“It's now or never”, she giggled.

There was evil and it was around. This would be the last thing she did if she had to.

She had a purpose. She got up and made her way to the door.

She never quite got out...

He smoked his last cigarette as he quietly slipped out from the back door.

Mother would be safe now. She would be alright.

He had lived in that house far to long and tonight was perfect to just leave. He walked down the road humming softly, threw that piece of silverware and continued to walk without looking back.

“Fuckers...All of 'em..”

Urban-esque

2009-05-15T12:59:00.008+05:30

"A couple of birds and lots of electric lines,
The trees, they all want to run wild.."

One of the illustrations I am currently working on from a series of city/ urban inspired vegetation, rendered on the computer. All the illustrations have a similar line quality.
The series is yet to be completed and I am not yet sure as to what direction I might want to take it in. But the work must continue... hmph!

Blob

2009-05-12T15:16:00.002+05:30

With a new found enthusiasm of using the pen tool..i am going try and work on illustrations using the computer..vector art and all that jazz. A very pathetic first attempt...more out of boredom than the earlier mentioned enthusiasm. None the less I hope to continue and get better at it??

Wrap it with Love!!

2009-04-12T17:37:00.003+05:30

After lotsa of contemplation and lots of work with patterns I have finally decided to sell prints of my work.

This here is a wrapping paper and card package that you can buy. For more details please get in touch with me at : neeti.gokhalay@gmail.com

If there is anything you would like specifically made, it can be commissioned as well. :)

Owlaaaa

2009-04-08T09:09:00.004+05:30

Another day and another reason to not work in class. When college acts uncooperative.. I choose to ignore and do my own thing. As my so called information design class continues, I just sit and illustrate or go into a parallel universe.

I illustrated this owl yesterday using only type. It was a fun exercise.

Illustrating Postcards

2009-04-07T12:24:00.004+05:30

Illustrations for some self-promotional postcards, that I had made a while back.

Be Happy?

2009-04-07T11:43:00.003+05:30

If I didn't leave so soon,

I would be there..

If I was brave and said what was on my mind,

I would get a reaction.

If I had the courage to take it,

I would have listened..

If I was fearless,

I would have screamed.

If I had let go,

I wouldn't be so scared holding on..

If I was sure of it all,

I would never break down this way.

If I cared less,

I would be so much happier right now.

If I wasn't as sensitive,

I'd be better off..

If I hadn't let my guard down,

I would be running alone.

If I didn't believe,

WOULD I BE HAPPIER??

FISHING during BOREDOM

2009-04-03T13:49:00.005+05:30

...And once again boredom strikes in class..dull, drab and boring lecture..

So I sit in class and draw, my ears shut out the noise and I am a happy person! Some detailed illustration to block everything out is always such good therapy.
I am tired of hearing about Carson and Brody (I like what they do..but really..lets move on)...tell me something new! Show me some one I haven't heard of before. How about a bit of Mike Perry or Loco Poco..
Post-modernism blah blah blah.....

Anyway, at the rate at which this class is going right now, I might just have to illustrate some more. But, what the hell.. atleast I end up doing something that I am interested in and I like..
Oh well, the class break is almost over and I must return to the world of Graphic Design History..

IF: Poise... (a sunday well spent)

2009-04-02T15:39:00.006+05:30

"Poise" for Illustration Friday. Largely done with poster paints and a wee bit of photoshop.

IF: He Loves Me!!

2009-03-26T11:48:00.004+05:30

Some subtraction, based on manipulation..leading to some mental satisfaction.

The Feather

2008-12-30T17:56:00.008+05:30

The wind takes away the sand in my hand,
I wonder where it goes.
And, then I realize I am a feather
I go far away,
I won't come back again.

I will move from the meadow
And go through the desert
Perhaps I will rest..
And contemplate

I will contemplate
I will consider what I have done.
But sometimes what you do seems to have no consequences
Or so you think

But what matters is, that even the feather will
Will pay for what is done.
Like the sand it too will move, free of will
Never return to the same place

Move ahead, but carry the past
The further it moves the more it carries
Heavier and heavier
Till it will rest..

Not going to ever return again..
I will rest and contemplate once again
This time, still..

Circle Circle DOT DOT

2008-12-08T22:48:00.006+05:30

Explorations using a circle grid..just for fun. I've done a few others.

I DO HAVE A MAJOR WEAKNESS FOR PATTERNS!!

Esiouqrut- The Jewellry Line

2008-12-06T22:47:00.021+05:30

The work shown here was done for a studio class in the month of September. It was for a jewellery making course called 'Vanity Fair'. These are some of my explorations, that led to the creation of a line of jewellery, some which is shown here.

presenting

Esiouqrut

rough, uncut and chic

jewellery made from silk that can be used in more than just one way.

“Esiouqrut” means an uncut and unpolished stone. The collection is feminine, soft and girly. The collection is made using silk, sequins, stones, washers and the process of dying.

Mood board

India's next Terrorist??!

2008-12-06T19:09:00.010+05:30

After the terrorist blasts happened in Mumbai, perhaps the only thing that was almost as appalling as the act, was one man.. Arnab Goswami.

I would generally choose not to comment on people, since it's a rather subjective matter. But, for once, I've felt so strongly that I chose not to ignore it. Arnab Goswami, Editor-In-Chief of Times Now is a pathetic loser. If one cannot be unbiased while being a journalist/ Tv anchor, what's the point? Your job is to deliver the news as it is, not with your own views and prejudices.

It was really sad to see him harp on and on about how the terrorist the police caught was a Pakistani. He didn't have to stress on his nationality. People can figure things out for themselves. To treat your audiences as dim-wits is pathetic.

His anti-Pakistan propaganda really pissed me off.

I understand, what happened was very tragic. But, your duty, Mr. Goswami is to read the news, not preach it.

Anger rages through me as I recap, in my mind, watching him on Tv. And it's not just his love for vanquishing Pakistan that sickens me, but the fact that he chooses to display it on national television. What is he trying to do, brainwash some more Indian's into having feelings of negativity towards Pakistan?

Why bring more hate into a world, where there is more than enough of it already?

It's rather unfortunate that he is one of the leading faces of Indian news broadcasting on Tv.

A City Where The Lanes Are Narrow

2008-11-24T21:35:00.002+05:30

It was a city where the lanes were narrow, and every turn you took would lead you to another corner of the universe. I wondered as I wandered in these congested lanes, “Why were the streets so small? No planning in such an ancient city?” An old man read my thoughts or perhaps my expressions and said, “The lanes are small but all for a good reason. The last time an enemy's army tried to enter these lanes, they were welcomed by buckets of boiling water from the sky.”

Each house is joined to the next in these tiny lanes. From the exterior it may seem like many tiny house one after another, but some claim that inside it's really just a single house. Miles and miles of one single house. But, now the grandeur seems lost. The people have disappeared and so has time.

But, poetry and arts have survived. There is a certain tea shop, amongst the millions that this city has. Just another tea shop. A group of 7 beings come in every evening. They are the gods of this city. The locals are aware of their presence and a traveller may never even see one of these men. These seven gods speak in an ancient language, their every own. The speak of the city and the wonders it holds. They speak from within. It's as if they don't speak really, it's as if something from within their hearts emits syllables. Each one has so much to say. When you listen carefully, your world seems to stop. Their words engulf you and you must become one of them. It may seem to be only a one sided view, but who can resist the gods?

What the God's say, so do all the mortals. I had never seen such a diverse group of people, sharing similar views. The caste whose hands spin out magnificent draperies will also bathe in the holy river. They believe in the power of purification by this “Motherly” water body. The “Mother” takes care of her child, the city. She dotes on it and her grandchildren. In this nurturing environment, in the city with narrow lanes are people who work. Their hands do the thinking and the making. The artifacts they create are every one's favorites. The city seems to thrive on these favorites and the river. The outsider looks with admiration and pays for it too. I wonder if it is an industry? Will the outside world ever touch this city?

The outside world has it's chaos. But, everyone who's minds and souls have impregnated the holy soil will say the outside chaos will never come in. After all the lanes are too narrow, they claim. Is it ignorance or confidence that this city shall remain as it is, I wonder? But, from what I saw in this buzzing with activity city, perhaps nothing will change. The Mother will protect her child from all “evils”.

The colors here have faded over the decades, but new one's replace them. The sites and sounds everyday in this city remain just as enthralling as the previous day. The journeys of the people in those man pulled vehicles come to an end. They end at a dark lane. As you walk in the souls surround you. A feeling of claustrophobia emerges in this narrow lane. The Mother welcomes them with open arms. “You are born from the earth and now you shall be part of me”.

The belief of the people in this city is strong. It seems to revolve around the bull that sits on the road and often blocks the traffic. You may nudge them with your elbow, but you cannot refuse them food. Such is the city where in these narrow lanes a bull sits.

The Smell of Me

2008-08-22T09:16:00.006+05:30

It’s cold. No animals could ever thrive here... I doubt if they’d even want to really!

But it’s cold and still. There’s that feeling of dampness in the air. There isn't much circulation and I love the smell of me. It fills the cold like the fragrance of fresh blood when another creature dies. The smell of me, I coil around and let it lather my skin. The roots from above hang like chandeliers. There’s that sign of life, constantly reminding me what I live for... warm blood. It’s cold.

Golden streaks, like ribbons enter. It’s cool now. I can hear the voices of what will make my day a good start. Fresh and warm.

The ribbons enter, the chandeliers light up. There is a slight whiff of fresh air. I remain still and I bask in the aromas that fill the air. A slight movement above me, shakes the chandeliers. Tiny particles of dirt sprinkle on my skin. The mixture of smells, of the earth and me, wake me up.

The voices outside continue in unison. I move so slightly, I almost forget of my own presence. The coil unwraps. No sounds in my part of the world. Slow movement, almost as gentle as a snail moving across a leaf. The only trace I leave behind is my skin. The lathered skin, with the smell of me. But, now I look somewhat new; a new being of sorts. The dirt around me shifts. It presses against my skin. There is subtle friction but I manage. It’s my morning regime, first a brown coat and then a partridge.

The voices grow louder. I emerge without disturbing the lair. It must remain as it is, with the smell of me. I can feel those golden ribbons, they envelope me and I feel the warmth. It’s so familiar, like fresh blood.

Sometimes I wonder how stupid the creatures of this world are. How can they not understand me? My intentions?
I move an inch. They could have taken a mile.

But, life is taken for granted, by everyone. Not by me. I know what it feels like to move along the greens and hear them shudder in horror as I kill; one helpless victim after another. I know how it feels to have the power to command over the presence of a creature on this earth. I do it because I do not take my life for granted. I would die for the smell of me. I want creatures to smell the terror, smell the power, smell the pleasure, smell the satisfaction, smell me...

I move closer this time, calculating my every move. I am excited, I sense the warmth. It moves this time. Slyly I reach out.
I taste the air, I taste it.
It is inside me, we are one.
I sense a struggle, but my skin stops the blood circulation.
The partridge is dead.

I retreat with pleasure. The morning has gone off as planned. But then again, it had to.

The lair awaits my presence. I am in the damp air again. The smell of me fills lair. I lie there and let every part of my body go limp. I can still feel the partridge. I coil and rest in what are the fruits, rather flesh of my hunts.My skin rests against the brown once again. The is a cooling effect and I let the coolness surround me.

Water. It drops. Like big globules from the sky. The chandeliers shook. And the first tiny stream of water enters, unwelcome. I know that the rest of the creatures will probably rejoice for the hour of the life giver and home destroyer has arrived. One hot afternoon of lazing around turns into the search for a new lair. The fight to live. As I leave, it turn and look at what remains. I see my skin float and there is only a sweet smell in the air. The mud and water. No longer the smell of me.

I struggle sometimes. The search is never easy. I move, as slyly and silently as possible. I do not wish for the creatures to sense my presence. I am homeless. I am out in the open with nowhere to retreat to.

The air is cool; the water has stopped pouring from the sky. The mud is wet as I move through it. My search continues, but the sky is red now. It reminds me of blood. How it must stop moving every time the creature is inside me.

I see stones. Boulders. I move with caution. I must not set skin on the lair of another. But, its dry and the darkness heighten my senses. It seems no one is around. I move ahead. It’s as if there is a warmth emanating from the stones.
I stop.

I realise there is another. A creature, not of my kind though. I am alert and every muscle movement becomes a reaction to the warmth I can feel ahead of me. Power rages through my skin. Death lurks close by. I move beyond the boulders. I know it’s there, unaware of my presence.A rabbit. Sitting.

I spring on it. It’s like a reflex action inside me. Before I know it, it’s become a part of me. I see a branch and coil.

I can hear the bones. One by one they snap and the struggle of the creature comes to an end. Immense pleasure runs through my veins.

I slither into the hole in the rocks. It was probably the rabbits burrow. It must have sat there safe, but now its mine. Just like his life, his home is now mine.

As the darkness fills the maroon sky, I retreat to my new lair. There aren’t chandeliers here but it has that chill, which I have come to love.

But there is still one thing missing. I wait... as the lair fills up with...

The smell of me.

My Surname is Whaaaat?

2008-08-06T16:43:00.004+05:30

Normally, one would spell the surname go-kha-lay as “Gokhale”. Well at least that’s how any self-respecting, true to his Konkan soil, Maharashtrian Gokhale would spell it. But, let’s just say our family is a little different, and no the surname really doesn’t have much to do with it. My parent’s like to refer to themselves as anti-social animals who will rarely invite people over. “If you wish to see us, give us a call. Check if we are home and you are more then welcome. We’ll take good care of you” I mean, who says that to their own relatives? Then there is the part where none of us believe in god… and every time our presence is required in a religious ceremony we have no idea about what we are supposed to do. So I guess our surname being a little “off”, just adds to the weird family image that we have.

Years ago, when my great grandfather was alive we were called the “Gokhale’s”.

The British Raj.

My great-grandfather went to England for some work. His name was Govind Gokhale. One Indian name the British could deal with, perhaps they had no patience to get the surname right. They would pronounce the surname as Go-kha-lee. Not a man of patience, my great-grandfather decided to just change the spelling, something a little simpler and obvious. So that’s how it became Gokhalay.

My grand-father however chose to stick to the old surname, true to the Marathi blood in him. But, my father saw sense in change and adopted it. And now there are only 3 people in Pune or Mumbai with the surname viz. my parents and me.

It’s really funny how these external sources can affect your life. I wouldn’t have imagined that someone’s way of pronouncing a name over 50 years ago would affect the way people look at my surname today (with skepticism). But what’s interesting is that a one culture can affect another person in such a way that they are forced to change something that’s almost an integral part of their identity. And I live with the surname I have as a result, which of course I like.

A Little Attention

2008-08-06T09:14:00.001+05:30

I remember it like it was yesterday. There I was in my pretty pink frock, tailored by my mother. A well ironed sea-suckered dress. I wanted nothing more, life was bliss.
It was 1993.

“Neeti…. Neeeeeetiiiiiiiii” called out Yashodhan, my best friend.

“Come let’s go play. It’s 5 already!”

For once, my mother allowed me to leave the house early. My usual time to play out side was 6pm to 7pm. There were other rules such as no wearing flip flops when you go out, no running behind cars etc. I was elated that I could leave home and play for 2 whole hours. For a 5 year old it’s a big deal!
I had my orange juice, which was compulsory and ran out of the house. I could hear my mother reminding me about the 7 ‘o clock deadline, but I chose to ignore it. It was all part of the daily routine.
An hour into a game of hopscotch and six of us were bored. That’s when we thought that running round the colony park would be the perfect idea. It wasn’t a tiny park, it was huge. All the big boys would play football or even volleyball sometimes and there was still enough space for swings and slides and sand pits.
So it was decided! We would play “catch-catch” all round the park on the tar road. I was excited. I wasn’t the fastest runner, but I was definitely not the slowest one. The odds were against them, I said to myself.
After another ten minutes of fighting on who would be the “denner” and calling each other names, we finally came to a conclusion. Yashodhan would be the “denner”.
That was something I wasn’t looking forward to. He was a year elder to me and hence, faster. But, I decided I would run my “fastestes” ever. I would get out.
The game started. I was of course an easy target for him. So he came charging at me, like bull running towards its target. I ran, I ran like I had never run before. Straight ahead I dashed.

I thought I was flying like the wind...

I thought I was as fast as the Road Runner… Wild-e-Coyote would never catch me.

I thought I was faster then a rabbit (assuming that they were the fastest animals on the face of this earth)…

I thought I could race a car if I had to…

I thought…

And I fell!

I felt like both my feet were in the air for a second. I probably looked like a horse that had forgotten how to run.

And I fell!

The tiny gravel pieces dug into my skin. I could feel them scrape my knees as I glided across the road like a surfboard on waves. Some smooth ride that was!
But I was strong… for exactly 5secs.
I realized I had fallen down and for some reason I though for a second or two and decided, I should cry! I got up dusted my dress as tears began rolling down my eyes. But I knew I wouldn't cry loudly and create a scene. I just wanted to cry loud enough so that my friends could hear me and feel the pain I felt.
There was a sick feeling in my stomach. It was because of the impact of that fall. All I could think of was going home and anyway, it was getting dark.

“Probably should ask an aunty what the time is.” I thought to myself.

I went one of the nearest mothers who had come to diligently watch her kids play.
“6 45, beta.”

I was still feeling queasy in my stomach and my right knee was bleeding. I thought I would go home.
I walked home slowly with a friend. Shruti who was two years elder to me was rather convinced that I shouldn’t walk to my building in “this condition”.
Slowly we walked to building number 56.
I decided I would go up the stairs to my house on my own. I just lived on the first floor. Beside, if I walked in with a small face, a bruised elbow and a bleeding knee my mother would get all worried.

Buzz.

My mother opened the door and I stood looking at her with watery, beady eyes.

“Your all dirty. What do you children do?

Oh… your knee is bleeding. Go and wash your hurt. We’ll clean it up”

I went into the bathroom, washed my hands and then the injuries I had come home with. The water touching my skin was like a thousand ants all biting me at one time.
I came into the hall and my mother handed me a band-aid.

“Put it properly and then come for dinner”

But, all I really wanted was a hug…

i HATE doing this

2008-08-06T09:08:00.005+05:30

Format: Dialogue (Conversation)

I hate doing this. I hate buying condoms. Every time you go to the market and buy a packet you know you are going to get judged. You know what people are thinking. You know they are all thinking one thing, “She’s getting Laaaid! She’s going to fuck someone! Pre-marital sex!”

Prakash Medicals. I had never been to this drug-store before. Hopefully it will be the last time I would ever come here. I hate doing this!

“Bhaiya, ek packet condoms please”

He didn’t have any expression on his face. But the aunty standing next to me gave me the dirts. I could almost hear her think, “These children today. Koi sanskar hi nahi. Ashleel harkateein.”

“Yes. Which brand?”

“I don’t know. Anything!! Anything that works and won’t have me pregnant! Just give me what you have. If I knew exactly what I wanted I would have told you earlier .I would have kept this conversation short. I hate doing this!”

“Umm.. Durex dena.”

“Madam, which type. Ribbed? Dotted? Normal? Ya…”

“Normal please”

“This is ridiculous. The guy wants to fuck me for god sakes. Not freaking make me see god through an orgasm!”

“Flavour nahi chahiye? Chocolate… Strawberry… Vanilla. Lots of people like banana you know?”

“Normal, bhaaiya!”

“I am not interested in sucking lollipops!Ughhh.. I hate doing this!”

The aunty by now wanted to give me a lecture. But I ignored her. “Jealous woman!”

She and Me

2008-07-24T15:59:00.001+05:30

I am my biggest fear
I am my biggest enemy
There are these pits of darkness
That I see
They may blur my vision
But beyond it, seems peace

Sweet lilies are meaning less
There’s firmness in her voice
There’s a distance
Perhaps it’s better that way
There she is again, talking to me

She says, softly… so bare.
I almost don’t hear her
She says, “Don’t right this
This is bullshit
You know you should write something else”
She judges every thought that flows

The music is amazing,
I am on the streets of a magical city, alone
There she is.. I smell her
Inside me, festering
She’s up to something
I am on a high, but I feel the hair entangle my thoughts
Brilliant light in the dark, cold night

A hand reaches out,
“What are you doing here?”
I stop! Is she right?
The air is thick
I am breathing… of course I am!
She is breathing!
I’m lost and there’s no one to turn except her
She is with me
So often!
I think again
What am I doing here?

I should probably jump
Jump! Right into the beautiful river
Unleash me from myself

But how can this be,
I dreamed of being on a boat,
On a starry night
A boy kissing me… softly
Yes, a fantasy it maybe…
But she said “No”
I am being silly aren’t I?

To show myself,
To not get judged
But, does it matter?

The boat disappears
The boy too..
They all turn into mist

Here I am back again,
Where I had started
Just as I was before
And the only one with me
She.
It seems like forever ago
But she remains
A stone etched…

The Elephant and his Mrs.

2008-07-18T08:22:00.005+05:30

1977, Mumbai
She was young and ambitious,
She was interested in a career.
She then decided that’s not what she wanted
Not what she wanted, after all.
She was 24 and marriage was on the cards
She was Neela.

26 and earning a sizeable amount
His mother wanted to become a grandmother soon
He was in no hurry, but didn’t mind the idea.
He was Uday.

Then there was the “Matrimonial Man”
In his little room, filled with leather bound registers,
He held the key to a “hopefuls” life
A match made in heaven perhaps?
The search is on for your better half

Matunga, Mumbai
An actor and doctor rejected
Perhaps too soon, parents displeasure
Who would the next idiot be?
Would he match up?
As the clock ticked, it was apparent
The wait would be over soon,
Another person to judge
Neela awaited his arrival.

Cooked to perfection,
The prawns
Simmer and boil
The curry

With every step, they were closer
With every step, he got closer to the aroma.
And before he knew it
Uday was at the door of the Joshi household

Neela saw him
Whispers into her mother’s ear
“The Little Baby Elephant”

Usual banter.
The knowing of common friends and relatives
The unusual silence amongst the parents
The children then get sent away to “talk”

But before they talk,
Neela see’s all of him, this time
There’s one bigger problem, it’s more than just Elephant fat
It’s called a Fly
Unfortunately after noticing the Fly
There was just one thought in her mind,
Should I tell him? Embarrass him?
Deciding against it, the conversation “charm”
They spoke, one hour.

The Gokhalay’s were about to leave.
She had been waiting for this moment
Her little test
She said very sweetly
Everyone heard
“Uday, your fly is open.”
Her parents were a little shocked
Uday’s mother was mortified,
Her son was looking to get married
And he couldn't wear his pants.

Pretence
Six people standing at the doorway
And everyone acted as if no one heard a thing
He didn’t do a thing about it,
Till the door was shut behind him

She had her little test
Now if he called, she would
Probably
say Yes
If it meant travelling all over the world
On a ship, even after being scared of water
She felt she was ready to do it.

He did call
The Fly left him undeterred

Lunches Dinners Movies
They got to know one another

14th October, 1977
Marriage Registrar, Mumbai
The parents
Bride and Groom
Two signatures.

Lunch was served.

Reality and How to Know it

2008-01-19T23:07:00.001+05:30

‘Reality’ is an illusion that I have come to believe in. I say so because, every time I watch a movie in which a person is in a coma I think of myself. I think of myself being in that person’s place and then wonder, ‘What if I am in a coma right now and everything around me is just a figment of my imagination? What if I am in a deep sleep and everything that I see around me is actually made up by me; am I making the world around fake?’ But these thoughts linger in my head only for some time and then I chose to accept my surroundings.
I think Reality is something that one chooses to accept. Reality is made up of layers. I think there is a one big reality where we all co-exist. Whether we choose to believe that it exists or question it, the fact remains that there is that “something” that we choose to question or ponder over. And that ‘something’ to me is Reality. It is a common bond that all of us seem to experience in our own ways. Though all of us right now may question the existence of reality, fact is that we are more or less at peace with our current state of ‘being’ and that to me is a sign saying the our belief in reality is well routed. It is human nature to question, and being the ‘curious cats’ that we are, we do so without a moment of hesitation. Like I have said before, the fact that we choose to question something, signals that we more or less believe in it’s existence already.
The basis of our ‘Reality’ is that we all choose to either question it or wonder what it is. And the fact that we do so unanimously only strengthens the idea that we believe in the term ‘Reality’, if not what it might stand for. Thus, this brings me to the point about ‘Belief’. The basis of any sort of reality firmly lies in a persons belief. Each of us has a ‘reality’ that we believe in. Our ‘Now’ is our reality because we choose to accept our surroundings and we choose to act in ways we feel suite it. Thus our acceptance to reality is subconscious.
Though there is one common reality that we live in, I believe that the other layers of ‘Reality’ are formed by each individual. Each person has his own way of viewing the ‘common’ reality and it is this difference in perception, that forms the layers. For example, if a person chooses to believe an apple isn’t really an apple, but is a hammer, it is his acceptance and belief. This acceptance and belief form the foundation of his ‘Reality’. The stronger a person’s conviction about something, the stronger the faith he would have in his reality. Hence, for me reality is what it is because I believe in it so firmly. It is reality to me because my mind has accepted it to be so.
Our mind has been conditioned I think, to accept our current environ as reality. Let me go back to my ‘coma’ ideology. If I really am in a coma and I dreaming. Then at that point in my dream my mind accepts those conditions as my reality. If I were to come out of the coma, my mind would then assimilate my surrounds then and accept that as my reality because it is what my senses are accustomed to.
Reality seems to be changing all the time, as far as a person’s state of mind is concerned. For example, there have been cases where people have jumped of buildings under the influence of psychedelic drugs. At that point their mind chooses to believe that they can fly and that is reality for them at that moment. At that point their mind may seem to have distorted ideas of what’s real and what’s not for a person who is sober. But, for them it is ‘their reality’ and they choose to embrace it. Even people who aren’t under the influence of drugs go through such transitions of reality. For example, a couple of children believed that the T.V. super-hero Shaktiman would come and save them if the fell off a building. To test this, one of the boys jumped of the building and died. In this case to the boy had accepted Shaktiman to be a real person. His mind was convinced of his existence and chose to act in the appropriate manner.
I think what we can sense or feel adds to our notion of reality. Reality manages to evoke a sense of being in us and that’s what links us to it. This bond of us with our ‘reality’ is crucial.
The layers of reality may be completely individual but are not completely personal because of the fact, that at the end of the day we all live in one common reality that binds us together. Our reality is the fact that we wonder ’If it is really there?’ But that’s the irony isn’t it.. Reality REALLY Existing. So the root cause of our misery seems to be the fact we need a sure shot answer about what’s real and what’s not. The word ‘real’ takes the pedestal and seems to torture us and become our “greatest suffering”. But I think it’s totally unnecessary because if you believe that something exists, it is enough. If that’s what makes “Your” world (or reality) a better place, so be it.

MUSEOLOGY: Kalamezhuthu

2007-11-23T11:32:00.000+05:30

A DESIGNER DOES NOT HAVE CONTROL ON WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT HOW IT IS SAID

Through the first 2 days of having discussed the aim of the project which was to "Giving Form to Content" in a museum; here are some of the things that I thought would make my task easier and help me understand the client's needs better.

Inter cultural Dialogue?
For an International Audience (but not forgetting Locals)

LOCAL--->NATIONAL--->INTERNATIONAL

Objects should be creatively assembled for enhanced associations and interactions
Objects should not be static and should become a Vehicle for Thinking
Documenting and Staging objects

After doing some research on the various art forms and performing arts of Kerala I chose to focus on Kalamezhuthu.

RESEARCH

In malayalam Kalamezhuthu means drawing. The art of creating very large pictures on floor, with coloured powders has been in vogue for ages as a ritual art form. It is typically Indian while being a harmonic blend of Arian, Dravidian and Tribal traditions. As an art form it has found a significant place among our rich spectrum of fine arts. In most other parts of India this art exists as a domestic routine of Hindus, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns at the door step and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. It is called by names like Rangoli, Kolam etc.

Kalamezhuthu is unique form of this art found only in Kerala. Here it is essentially a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to.
The kalam is a unique drawing also called dhulee chithram or powder drawing. The artist uses the floor as his canvas. Kalamezhuthu is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate gods like Kaali, Ayyappan or Vettakkorumakan. Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi and Sastha. Kalam is especially done during Naga puja. Offerings such as ‘Nirapara (heap of rice)’ and other grains are placed in its respective places. The room will be decorated with flowers, garlands and leaves. Only oil lamps are used to light up the function.

During the rituals the dancer erases the entire drawing with tender palm fronds. Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not arbitrary. The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down.
The drawing is done directly with the hand, that is, without using any tools whatsoever. The powders used are all natural (Vegetable or Mineral or combined). The usual items used are: Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.
The drawing of the large picture develops gradually about a central line, drawn with the black powder. Sketching, if done, is also with powder only. The coloured picture is developed patch by patch, growing outward.
Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional drummers. Offerings like rice and other grains are heaped in appointed places in and around the drawing and the room is decorated with flowers, leaves and garlands. Lighting is of utmost importance in these rituals. Only oil lamps are used. Singing hymns in praise of the deity is the most important part of the ritual. The type of songs vary considerably (from folk to classical) depending on the deity being worshipped. The drawing starts at appointed time and is erased immediately after the rituals related to the Kalam are over. The kalams or drawings are erased with the accompaniment of musical instruments like ilathalam, veekkan chenda, kuzhal, kombu and chenda.

Display

After the preliminary research, this is the display that I came up with:

The aim of my display was to inculcate a feeling of Respect among the audience that viewed both the Aiyyapan Thiyattu and Kalamezhuthu. The object becomes secondary due to the nature of my display where the performance (i.e. the act) takes centre stage. The display has been designed in such a way that the audience is given a different perspective of both art forms. I think the ability of the display to shed light on the different aspects of Kalamezhuthu and Aiyyapan Thiyattu and energize it, is extremely important.

Ground Floor:

This room is a display room as well as a performance room.

The display in the centre of the room which will be used to showcase the musical instruments used for Aiyyapan Thiyyatu and Kalamezhuthu. This display can moved to create a space for a dance performance.

There will be audio visual instillations on either sides (two opposite walls) which will be shown on canvas like screens. The instillation will be a combination of moving images and sounds along with dynamic text. A small paragraph giving information about the instillation and Aiyyapan Thiyattu will be provided along with the instillation.

The walls of the ground floor are black and so is the floor, so that during a dance recital the lights can b focused on the dancers and the walls on either side are not distracting (because they will be in complete darkness).

The white wall at the back of the room, where the stairs are located will be a textured wall. This wall will be made of squares and will enable the creation of hollow spaces in which brochures, postcards etc. can be placed. This effect will be obtained through relief work.
Stairs are suspended from the ceiling on one side and join the textured wall for added stability and strength. The steps which are white have traditional lamps placed on the steps at regular intervals.

First Floor:

The first floor has been created using a false ceiling method. The floor has a glass piece in the centre on which Kalamezhuthu is performed. This allows filming and documentation from both the top and the bottom( by filming from the ground floor). The glass also lets viewers on the ground floor view a part of the drawn kalam and urges them to go upstairs and view the display.
There is seating on either side of the kalam that can be folded for maximum usage of space. This seating can also be used to display the musical instruments from the ground floor incase there is a performance on that floor.
On the white textured wall there will once again be place to display information and little compartments to display the powders that are used to create the kalam.
The fourth wall is made of glass so as to create a sense of space and reduce the claustrophobic feeling. This wall will also have a screen that can be rolled out to project the ‘making of the kalam’ through a time-lapse film.

Poster

Creating a poster that would not only justify the project but also my own display was a very hard task.I finally came up with an idea that suited the core thought of my display viz. the process. Hence I chose to create a minimalistic poster that only showed a part of the process and gave the audience a "taste" of what is in store for them. The poster has a minimalistic look thus enhancing the over all effect of capturing the viewers imagination. The poster tries to show the 'alternate'ness of the museum. The aim of my poster was to be inviting to the international audience while keeping in mind that the locals do not feel alienated.

The elements in this poster are the words See and Seek which have been used in a playful manner to call out to the audience. The poster also includes the name of the museum and the timings and the weekly holiday.

Catalogue

The objective of my catalogue was to present a plathora of information in a simple yet ease way. The idea was to make sure the reader does not get discouraged on seeing so much data in the catalogue.

The catalogue I have designed is simple with a graphic element added to it. I felt that with the appropriate use of images the reader would not only feel comfortable with the information but the pictures would help illustrate the information and shed light on the subject in a better way.

REMARKS

My display for the museum has a potential sponsor. I am currently working towards creating 2 seperate displays, one for the sponsor and the other for the museum itself.I recently met up with an architect Anuj Rao, who helped me come up with ideas for the sponsor's display.

I am now working on creating the sketch on Auto CAD and hope to create a full fleged model by the end of it to show the sponsor.

Lemon Tree's Third

2007-11-21T12:35:00.000+05:30

I have been thinking,
Everything seems to be moving fast
I have been talking,
I wish it would last

Not now of course, I've got my hopes up to high
I've been thinking too much
I wish I could disappear

Stars would swirl all around and then i could be set free
Perhaps that's exactly what I need right now
I've been sitting in the same place for hours.
But my thoughts have wondered.

I'm thinking..
Could it ever happen?
Could it ever be true?
But then there are so many things that screaming out and telling me
IT'S NOT POSSIBLE!

But then there is equal opposition that keeps forcing me into thinking things could work
I could hold the star dust in my hand,
I could hold on to it and never let it fade away..
But a part of me..

Wants the stardust to fade away
And take me with it.
I want so much
So much that I don't think I can have.

The stardust is fading away..
Sorry..
THE NUMBER YOU HAVE DIALLED IS NOT REACHABLE

Lemon Tree's Second

2007-08-21T00:02:00.001+05:30

I sit and wonder..
Should I be here? Right now..this very instant?
There are a thousand questions that go through my head..
What am I doing here?
Smoke....It's dim..
There's music all around..

I am contemplating my thoughts right now..
This is probably the weirdest thing I have ever said!
The music is really getting to me
I can't think...
But yet I am trying to (make sense)

Okay..now I sound stupid and I sound as if I want to be all profound and random
But really that's not what I am trying to do!!

It's just that I walked from Brigade Road to Gutahalli
Can't believe I did it..
But I was walking and walking and thinking about these random things
Watching as cars passed me by..I just thought about what those people lives were like
It's a habit I have had forever!

Hmmmm....randomness to the core..

Can I See?

2007-08-19T09:02:00.000+05:30

I get up every morning..
The dreams of last night still a blur..
Funny isn't it? How you can dream on and on
And then get up the next morning and almost not remember most of it
Well most of the times..I do..or at least so I think

But sometimes these random things make lots of sense
Okay..I am not talking about all those sub-conscious arty farty things
Your dreams make you see what you want
Duh !! Everyone knows that happens...
I speak of these random things that make sense not at that point
But later they do

I am confused because I can't seem to get my point across..
But imagine this..
You dream your having a conversation with someone you have never met
You are dreaming this of course..
Then you wake up and wonder..Who in the name of God was that?
Why in the world were we talking like best friends?
Then as fate would have it you meet that person..But wait..
You don't make the connection
You don't realise who he or she is
You don't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation

Then..days go by..
Months even..
Then one fine day you are sitting with that person having a conversation
It's just a normal day, just another ordinary hour passing by
The conversation seems to flowing like Wine and Cheese at a Page 3 Party..
Till...
Wheels turn in your mind..
I'm sure this was part of one of my dreams...

Okay..so you get exactly what I am talking about..
Sure...every one's had these Deja Vu's
But the point is it seams like so much more
No I am not saying I can see the future..
Though I can see something right??

What does it all mean?
Can one concur that there's a deeper or "PROFOUND" meaning to all of this?

I don't know..Maybe..

The point is..I CAN SEE...Can't I?

HE

2007-08-18T15:21:00.000+05:30

A random glance,

I could care less..

After all I had better things in life to worry about.

Diwali crackers...

It's cold.

Unexpected.

Introductions.

Do I know what's in store for me?

Some lime..

Wierd, no conversation.

Then it's forced.

Pony.

Nothing! Nothing!

Something? Subtle?

Data, lots of it

BLINK

Conversation..

Forced?I think not!

Slippery..

Take care...

I slip anyway

Como estas?

Reasons..Really silly ones

I forget

Summer..

Work..Final projects

Flustered..Frustrations

Data...like a saviour..

Cautious approach..

Questions and plans

It happens,the day

Perfect!

But I must act cool..(how stupid of me)

Never talk about "Perfect" again

Data transfer...Not free this time

Expensive!

Nothing works,

I am lost...

I have no words.

It's all forced again!

A reunion with a twist

But it's not lime..

But I float..float

Everything is a blur

I hear music

Left with myself..

I think..

Is it worth it?

No..

But I....

I think it is

Though I know it's Not!

Will it ever be?

Just another person...

I am.

Lemon Tree's First

2007-08-18T14:59:00.000+05:30

My first entry...
Do i really care??Well yes and no..
Why do I bother writing this random shit,i don't know..

Then again..lets leave it at that..
It's been a weird day..
Did nothing but felt sooo much.
Interesting feeling...Contemplating..

I was just sitting there looking at this hideous green pool of muck...and yet I could find serenity in it
Maybe it was the wind and those trees that were singing along in unison..
God knows..
I am not the kind to ponder...and yet I do
I am not the kind to who will try and answer life's big questions but I'd like to....but do I want to?

Okay clearly this going no where..
Back to where I was before..that Temple I visited today..
First of this whole Religious things gets me..
I walk in there,the priest gives me some "holy" water to drink..I drink it and then use the rest to settle my hair..
Is that OK?? guess not..
But what other use could I find for water "holy" or "unholy"
But the whole world will judge..After all doesn't everyone just need a reason to?
If not this then something else..
Isn't what we do based somehow with the sub-conscious idea that some one out there will judge?
Straying away from the topic aren't I? However, is there a topic really?

I guess I love meaning less banter..
After all I claim to "Have the Gift of the Gab"..
But whats all that stuff about talking to much??Is that even possible?
Or maybe it's all about talking or rather saying the right stuff..
Don't think I have figured that out as yet.
I need not even! (is this grammatically right??)

I guess my mind is straying to another world right now...Somewhere in that I need to be alone..
I need to think..and I am thinking...what I should have THUNK before?