GRANNY'S INN BANARAS

The organised chaos of the Holy City of Banaras is something one simply can not understand until you expereience it. Oh! the sights and sounds of the cradle of Hinduism. I was mesmerised to see life and death on the same street. I deisgned the art work and logo for Granny's Inn, which is a quiant homestay run by two extremely sweet and warm ladies in the very heart of Banaras. It is surely the best place to stay if anyone is planning a trip to Banaras in the future. I for one highly recomend it!

 

SUMMER FRUITS

I'm a bit fussy when it comes to fruits, I’m sorry to say. I mean, come on, who likes sour oranges or grapes! And I like trying new stuff. For example, I loved the ‘Dragon fruit’, which I tried in England. It’s so amazing to think that it’s actually a cactus fruit! We rarely find it here in Calcutta and it’s darn costly too. But some of my local favs are the ‘Rattling Rose Apple’, colloquially "Gulab Jaam", the Wax Apple i.e. Jamrul and the Musk Melon or Kharmuja. 

Ever get that feeling? When you smell something amazing and you wish that you could just eat it up? Well, I get it whenever I smell a rose! And Nature's solution to this problem of mine comes in the form of the Rattling Rose apple. It’s subtle, delicate and tastes like rose. Perfect! And the Wax Apple, so pretty to look at and it tastes just like summer! 

PATTERNS

Sometimes its fun to do just pick up a paint brush and start painting, without any thought in your head. You know, like, what to make, what's it for , what's it gonna look like...Sometimes its cool to let your mind wander and think about random stuff and let the brush just glide! Spent some time on a regular sunday doing just that...and then it kinda made sense, so I put it all together in the form of patterns! Heres what they finally looked like...

 

TRAVEL SKETCHES

I like traveling. But, there are a few 'buts'. Especially in this part of the neighborhood! I highly recommend taking the following steps for a relatively smooth trip. Never ever go to the railway station without confirming the train timings. You might have to wait at the station for hours together if the train is late. Mentally counsel yourself about ignoring the dirt in the station and the toilets. Travel lite. I know, I know...!! its a lost cause if you are traveling with your family. Oh, how meticulously things are packed! Right from plates, spoons, glasses,mugs, savouries, juice cartons, cookies, 7 sets of clothes,change of shoes and matching accessories, all for just 3 days....phew! Plus, packed home cooked food for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Carrying your preferred source of entertainment with you is very important. For me, its my sketch book, pens, a good novel or comics, music on the phone/tab. Now, you have the long journey ahead of you.But most importanly, all the 'buts' add to the whole experience and in turn make it memeorable. And I for one like to document them in the form of sketches/doodles. Here's another example ;-) !

HOPE

Today is the 65th Republic Day of my country, India. I think this line from Neil Young's song "Hey Hey My My (into the black)", spiritually applies to our country's state and the stance that we need to/ought to take. With the stuff that's happening all around us, we can either fight (in which ever small way that we can) or shut up and care two hoots! Well, I think change starts from the personal level. Everyday I see educated peeps doing things that are so not right! We can't just preach anymore, we need to practice. Small bits add to the big picture. Whether its keeping one's surroundings clean, recycling or just being honest and kind or saving electricity..As a designer I hope to use my design/illustrations (as that's what I do the best) to just talk about these things..
and maybe, just maybe it'll help in some which way...  

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: DOORS

There's something about these rusty old doors and window (some wooden, some iron) that's so alluring. I found these beauties during my travels in India.

THEME: MYSTICAL HIMALAYAS

"Located in the heart of Kumaon, Almora offers a tranquil neighborhood that allows you to let your hair down and relax. Snow view Cottage is just the place that gives a glimpse of the beauty of the Great Himalayas and brings you closer to the wild."
I was to capture this in an illustration and then turn it into a poster. So here's what I made...!