All posts filed under: ART

Explore artists and their art

An Artist and a Mom-In-Motion from Bangalore | Praaggya Sharma

Published by Shiori Chan

Artist Praaggya Sharma had been moving from one city to another from the time she was born at her uncle’s house in Bareilly, U.P until in 2010, she settled down in Bangalore. While her literal transition had come to a halt with her husband and a family of her own, she found a medium of metaphormosis- colours on a canvas! Painting, she realized was something that would keep her evolving constantly. Before you got into the world of painting and art, what did you do? I have lived over many states, cities and small towns as my family kept moving. I was born in Uttar Pradesh and we moved to Rajasthan because of my father’s work. However we made another move to Delhi where I did my schooling and my two siblings were born. After I was done with school, we moved to Ahmedabad for a year. In 2004, my family moved again to Chandigarh where I finished my college. Then, I went to IMT Nagpur for my MBA. After that, for a year, I …

Sumedha Sah – Creator of Snail Mail Project Explains Why Strangers Write to Her

Published by Shiori Chan

Milan Kundera has succinctly summarised nostalgia and longing in his words, “The more vast the amount of time we’ve left behind us, the more irresistible is the voice calling us to return to it.”Looks like Sumedha Sah from Bombay has paid close attention to these words, and responded by creating The ‘Snail Mail Project’ – a medium to convert a life story into something indelible. It is a cute little project that creatively constructs artwork inspired by handwritten letters from strangers all around the world. This project aims to bring back the long-dead practice of letter writing and strike a balance between the aesthetic beauty and our tech-savvy world. Hi Sumedha! So good to have you here – as the first guest from Mumbai! Please tell us something yourself. Hi! I am equally excited to share my story with the Roots and Leisure community. Well, I am an artist based out of Mumbai, but technically – an architect with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture. I am 30 years old, and currently pursuing my artist’s …

Sustainable Fashion from Meghalaya | Meet Iba Mallai of KINIHO Clothing

Published by Shiori Chan

Scudding through the abode of clouds, comes Iba Mallai and her line of clothing, Kiniho- sown in tradition and sewed in heritage, the fabrics are a manifestation of earth and art, of passion and fashion but most importantly, of roots and responsibility. Born to a middle class family in Diwon, Meghalaya, Iba, a fashion enthusiast is a serious and a driven entrepreneur. As she labours to get her label going, she hasn’t forgotten that the only push ahead, comes with strengthening community development. Hi Iba! Tell us something about yourself My name is Iba Mallai. I graduated in BBM and completed my Fashion designing course from JD Institute of Fashion and Technology Bangalore. I am constantly enamoured by exquisite colours, traditions and art forms. My deep rooted love for nature and growing up in a community that weaves and dyes their own fabrics has triggered me to re define that Fashion is not only about wearing trendy clothes but also wearing responsibility in the heart. Responsibility to preserve our heritage and basic ethics of sustainable responsibility. …

Using Art To Heal | Meet Artist Phatchara Pantanakul From Thailand

Published by Shweta Rao

Art has many purposes. As one of the greatest goods of human experience, art is used to teach, to urge, to challenge, to serve, and even to support a revolution! 29-year-old Thai Chinese artist Phatchara Pantanakul uses art to heal herself. This is her story. What inspired you to turn to art? I went through a lot of stress at work. I had been relentlessly working in front of a computer, day after day, for six years. I couldn’t focus on anything, and that’s when I finally decided to quit my job. And suddenly, there was a lot of time on my hands.I decided to give myself some rest. I also began to draw again to treat my Major Depressive Disorder symptoms. I spent my time reading and going out for long walks. Gradually I picked up my interest in drawing again, and so began my journey towards healing my heart. Art was the best thing I did for myself. I remember that I was always interested in drawing and coloring since I was in pre-elementary school. …

Shoe Designer – Kaka Sumi, Tells us the Story Behind his New Collection

Published by Roots & Leisure

The discovery of an artist is undeniably a fulfilling and enriching journey. Each artist possesses a unique and captivating story that adds depth and significance to their art. While the craft itself may not be entirely novel, it is the artist’s personal journey that imbues their work with distinctiveness. Therefore, it is always enthralling to delve into their world and share their narratives. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting Kaka Sumi, an exceptional shoe designer hailing from Nagaland. Kaka has just unveiled his latest collection of men’s sandals, now available at Roots & Leisure Marketplace (see details below). During our conversation, we explored Kaka’s unwavering passion for shoes and delved into the inspirations behind his new collection. R&L: Hi Kaka! We love what you are wearing – especially your sandals! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Kaka: Hey thank you! These are Kaka Sumi sandals 🙂 So glad to be having this conversation with the R&L team. Ok as an introduction, I am a 28-year-old shoe designer who has had a lifelong obsession …

A Quick Chat with Aienla Jamir, Founder of Rustique Edge – Your Vintage Craft Heaven

Published by Pooja Ghose

Meet artist and entrepreneur Aien Jamir from the beautiful hills of Nagaland. She is the founder and co-ordinator of the production house, Tinted Light Studio and also the owner of Rustique Edge. Tell us about your venture, Rustique Edge. Well, we make customized handmade products – across home decor items, bridal accessories, gift items, leather crafts, precious gemstones jewelry, and traditional Naga gears. It’s something very close to my heart, as I have always enjoyed collecting, and taking inspirations from vintage items – be it clothes, crafts, home decor etc. So when I finally decided to start my own venture, it had to be around an activity that I love doing. So I picked vintage and crafts, both of which has kept me occupied and inspired throughout my life. Sneak peek of Rustique Edge decor. #crystals #crates #rusticwedding #rusticdecor #localbrand #nagaland A post shared by Rustique Edge (@rustique_edge) on Dec 9, 2016 at 11:24am PST How has your upbringing (your roots) influenced your work? I have always been inspired by my mom, who is an artist – …

Capturing Intimacy through Photographs | Artist and Photographer, Saint Kamei

Published by Pooja Ghose

In this world of Instagram and Facebook, we often come across many talented photographers. However, the best part is that, each discovery is unique – with it’s own special story. So when we came across Saint Kamei, we were instantly drawn to the way he uses light to capture intimate moments. His keen sense of storytelling, portraiture, landscape, and love for the outdoors – makes his photographs special. Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born in a tiny mountain town called Leimatak where my dad was posted by the NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation). I grew up in another beautiful Naga village in the foothills of Manipur called Thenjang overlooking the beautiful Loktak Lake. My love for the outdoors and hiking began there. I also lived in Bangalore and Delhi for a short while before moving back home. I now divide my time living at Imphal and Delhi as I juggle between writing and photography projects. I have been blessed to be a part of a family that loves art. I have a lot of …

Achunbo Zeliang from Nagaland | 22-year-old Fashion Designer shares his Dream of Becoming a Global Success.

Published by Pooja Ghose

The more talents we continue to feature, the more we are convinced that Indian fashion talent space is vibrant, and yet very understated. Interestingly, most formidable talents in the industry start out young and aren’t afraid of reaching for the sky. Just like 22-year-old Achunbo Zeliang who started out as an independent fashion designer right after design school ; he has already hosted more than 15 fashion shows since then – in India, and abroad. Currently he is based out of New Delhi. What has inspired you to become a fashion designer? I had always been very keen on fashion since my childhood days. Despite all that, I never thought I would become a fashion designer for real. But the idea came to me when I began sketching pieces for my family. That’s when I knew what I was meant to do. Being the first and only fashion designer from my community (Zeliang), I constantly try to stay be better than yesterday. Same time, I also try to encourage more and more people to join …

Lady Behind ChanChalee’s Embroidered Crafts | Natchalee Kongcharoen from Thailand

Published by Pooja Ghose

Our foray into discovering Thai entrepreneurs never ceases to amaze us. From innovative cafe owners to passionate bakers, and even baristas making a big difference in their local communities, we have just scratched the surface. Every new story tells us something more about the Thai brand of resilience and patience. Today, we bring a new face into the mix. Meet designer Natchalee Kongcharoen, who is the founder and designer of ChanChalee. What is ChanChalee all about? ChanChalee was founded in 2016 as a clothing store. At present, I am a graphic designer by profession. My work on ChanChalee works as a secondary source of income. But it’s my primary source of inspiration in life. I am also inspired by natural fiber fabrics. Most of my design ideas come from just touching the natural fabric and thinking about the kind of embroidery that will look the prettiest on it. It also feels good to adopt a clothing material that has been manufactured in an environmentally conscious way. “I am also inspired by natural fiber fabrics. Most …

“At the Age of 13, I Debuted my First Fashion Show” 20-Year-Old Fashion Student Khrielasier Liezietsu from Nagaland

Published by Shweta Rao

Meet 20-year-old fashion student and budding designer, Khrielasier Liezietsu comes from a breed of designers that are not made in design institutes or fashion houses. They are born with fire. Although he has just joined NIFT Delhi to pursue his passion, Khrielasier, at a very young age has already produced eight collections and participated in more than 30 fashion shows. We spoke with Liezietsu to find out more about his humble beginnings and sky-high ambitions. this content Born and brought up in Kohima, Nagaland, Khrielasier Liezietsu is currently pursuing a degree in Fashion Design from NIFT, Delhi. R&L: When did you realize you wanted to be a fashion designer? Khrielashier: I grew up very close to my mother and was constantly in her company. I used to watch her sew clothes for hours together. Slowly, my natural instincts told me to try my hands at the sewing machine. My mom was quick to notice my keen interest and encouraged me to start sewing clothes. I started sewing at the tender age of six and I never stopped loving …