From The Portfolio Of

Hitanshu Bhatt!

This is one of those posts. In which I go overboard. Which take me an entire day to put together because I can't decide what to leave out. For everything is so striking. Achingly beautiful. The possibilities are endless. I start feeling like a pseudo artist just by the virtue of playing around with the visual boards. It is work that inspires me. Work that makes me feel good that there are such immensely talented and creative folks around us. Welcome to snapshots from the portfolio of Hitanshu Bhatt.

Hitanshu is an artist based out of Bombay, India. I chanced upon his work on Instagram and saw that he was the creative photographer behind the gorgeous product shoots and mood boards for Gaatha, one of my favorite boutiques. He has done some superb work as a visual designer, a graphic designer and an art director apart from his growing portfolio as a photographer. Hitanshu showcases his work on Behance and on Instagram, and I must warn you - both his accounts are a visual explosion - in a good way! Make sure you have time to spare when you click above links as it would be hard to tear yourself away from the gorgeous images.

In Hitanshu's words:

 Design is an endless passion for me. Whether it's visual art, photography, graphic design or art direction. I love to explore different creative areas on a different platform. Music is a source of my creative energy. I get inspired from everything around me - nature, movies, music, people, impression etc. I am creating a beautiful story, which reflects Indian roots merging in to beautiful abstract form. 

 And more here:

ArtAndFound | Elephant Dreamz | Gaatha 

Get in touch with Hitanshu: Email

[Credits | Images: Hitanshu Bhatt, Styling for Gaatha Images: Shivani Dhar, Visual Boards and Story: An Indian Summer]

The Brilliance Of Olaf Hajek

I can not take my eyes away from these color saturated, idiosyncratic, beautifully detailed, brilliant visual gems! Each art work is like exploring a rich story; there are bold and bright characters that immediately strike the eye, and then little nuances and details that draw you in. The fact that Olaf's work has a clear India influence, makes his art all the more intriguing. The yogis, the elephants, the jewelry and ornamentation, the use of mythology and folklore, oriental motifs - all put together in such a distinct and unusual manner! 

Olaf Hajek, born in Germany, is a celebrated illustrator and artist. Splitting his time between Berlin, London and New York, Olaf has worked with many well known publications, brands and designers. His work has been used across books, newspapers, advertising, fashion, editorials and interesting creative projects like commissioned wallpaper for 25Hours Hotel in Vienna. His home was recently featured on The Selby, a surprisingly pristine and sparse abode for a man whose work is so color and detail rich.

I am on the look out for places where you can get prints of Olaf's work. Let me know if you know of any, and I will update this post when I find any. Till then, luxuriate in Olaf's lavish pieces right here.

Update: You can find Olaf's prints here. Thanks M! :)

[All Images: Olaf Hajek. Creative Storyboarding: An Indian Summer]

From the Jaipur Art Festival

Artists, canvases and colors

Spring, sunshine and bonhomie

Art lovers, collectors and casual strollers

Art, sculptures and craft

All found at

The Jaipur Art Festival

The last day is tomorrow- March 25th!

Visit Diggi Palace if you are in Jaipur

Or 

Browse through the many pictures that I took at the festival, on facebook

 

And buy the available art work at Craftisan.in, the exclusive digital partners for the festival.

[All images: Me/An Indian Summer. Please credit and link back to this post if you use/share any]

Jaipur Art Festival

Is on!

From March 19th till 25th

At Diggi Palace, Jaipur

And I am here
In Jaipur

Today and tomorrow

To bring you the scoop

From the pen and the lens of 

An Indian Summer!

Stay tuned!

[Craftisan.in is the exclusive digital partner for Jaipur Art Festival. Find them on An Indian Summer, and On Facebook]

Saira Wasim

I chanced upon Saira Wasim's work via Yuti, the creative powerhouse behind Udd. I am fascinated by the miniature painting tradition and am always on the look out for the original, and the more contemporary takes on the art form. I found Saira's work very engaging as it not only draws inspiration from the miniature art form, but the theme is current - politics and world drama. Her witty and satirical take has been feted by international galleries and in numerous exhibitions around the world. 

Take a look at Saira's portfolio right here.  Also see her recent project for Vogue India's 5th anniversary issue.

[All images and art work copyright: Saira Wasim]

New and Happening!

Syed Ali Arif

Syed shared his striking art work and the heartwarming story of his journey into the world of art with me recently. An artist at heart, Syed went through the cycle of conventional education and 'regular' jobs, before he gave in to his passion of creating art. Self taught, with an artist friend as a mentor, Syed is now sought out by independent galleries and art lovers from across the world. Using various paint techniques and mediums, his work covers subjects like Indian mythology, religion, sexuality, performing arts, individuality and self identity. 

Take a look at Syed's art portfolio on his site and on his facebook page.

Urban Yogi brings Good Earth to Dubai!

 

Nisha Varman Shetty, the brainchild behind Urban Yogi, had reached out to me sometime back and shared her dreams and ideas of creating a luxury sustainable brand in Dubai. So with much delight, I announce the launch of Urban Yogi, and it's first project - a collaboration with the iconic Good Earth. Urban Yogi brings to Good Earth to Dubai via the 12th Women Exhibition currently happening at Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeirah. Click on the pic above for more details. 

And, a fabulous offer for all my readers in Dubai - Just mention that you are a reader of 'An Indian Summer' at Urban Yogi's stall, and get a 10% discount on all products! Happy Shopping!

 61c

A shared love for stationary and a passion for design is what led Supriya Kejriwal and Prashish More to join forces and create the paper brand 61c. Turning the mundane everyday paper products into magical, collectible items, the duo has launched an eclectic range of notepads, cards, gift packaging, wall art and other exciting paper accessories. I am love with their Panchatantra range of products featuring quintessential Indian motifs and design. 

Connect with 61c on facebook here and shop for their exquisite products right here. For a week, An Indian Summer readers can avail a special discount of INR 200 off on every purchase above INR 610 by using the code AIS61C when you shop. And if you 'like' their page on facebook, you can get an additional 6.1% discount! Just leave a note on their page to get the additional discount code. 

Urban Ladder

For Ashish and Rajiv, the inspiration to create a store that provided easy access to great furniture, came when they were building their own homes. They had a first hand experience of what a consumer would like for in furniture and what was missing in this area in the online retail segment. After months of research into design and manufacturing techniques, and sourcing unique quality products, the duo has set up UrbanLadder.com. With a range of well designed furniture and decor pieces, UrbanLadder.com promises to provide a seamless online retail experience. 

Check out the collection at UrbanLadder.com and connect with them on facebook right here.

[Al images copyright An Indian Summer and respective owners]

This week's goodies!

Kinche Boutique

Payal Jaggi, the owner of Kinche Boutique, started the boutique to bring her favorite style of decorating - the french country chic / cottage style to India. After 15 years of experiencing the world as an air crew member, Payal's boutique brings to us the very best in her preferred style, with her carefully researched and hand picked products. Kinche Boutique is located in Gurgaon, India, and soon, would be available to us via her online store! For now, browse through the expanding collection here. 

Krya

When Preethi  Sukumaran, the creative one half behind Krya, send me an email sharing her company's philosophy, I did a quick little jig right in front of my surprised laptop. You would too, if you were handed an organic and natural alternative to your daily washing machine detergent. Preethi graciously sent a packet to me to try out, and for probably the first time ever, I couldn't wait to wash clothes! Krya's natural detergent is made of soapnuts (known as reetha in hindi) and works way better than regular detergents (my personal experience!). And the fact that you are contributing your little bit to help  protect the environment, well, that makes the mundane task of loading a washing machine, a whole lot agreeable!
Read about, and shop Krya's first product here. Connect with Preethi and Srini on their blog or on Krya's facebook page.

TexturedInk

Ankita Kejriwal, the vibrant owner and graphic designer at TexturedInk is truly a child of the east, and now, a citizen of the western world. Her work is a beautiful balance between the rich colors and contrasts - an influence of her eastern upbringing, and the crisp, simple lines - an impact of the minimal western design aesthetics. Ankita's shop on Etsy called TexturedINK, is the place where she designs and sell modern graphic design paper goods for the home. Apart from paper prints, posters, art panels and personal stationery, she's also proud to offer unique products printed on recycled wood panels - the wood for which has been salvaged from fallen trees in apple orchards! And what's more, Ankita is offering a 10% discount to An Indian Summer readers for the next 15 days [i.e till Dec 10th]. Use the code Thanks11 to shop now!  

Collective Craft

Collective Craft, founded by Shweta Mohapatra and Sibanand Bhol is a collaborative effort of a group of designers, artists and architects. It is based in Delhi and Orissa, India. Collective Craft works on sustainable design practices, craft revival and also, in developing contemporary craft products along with local artisans. For the founders, creating a smaller ecological footprint and developing sustainable products are two critical parameters for all their design projects. 

The philosophy behind their products, combined with their sublime designs, is a winning combination for me. You can read more about their process on their blog, and get in touch with them via Collective Craft's facebook page. 

 Shakiraaz

Shakiraaz, the online store for all the all things pretty, has been started by Shakira Lima, a textile and graphic designer.  Shakira is based out of Melbourne, and creates beautiful designs on, and from the textiles she sources from India. She would soon be launching a printed range of tableware in silk and linen. Get in touch with her on Shakiraaz's facebook page.

Aniika

Aniika, which means 'beautiful' in Sanskrit, is an apt name for Meghana Rao and Shamim's  maiden venture. Aniika, headquartered in India, with offices in the US, is a virtual bazaar for emerging Indian designers to build their brand and sell their creations globally. Aniika, currently still in beta, will be an excellent source for design enthusiasts to get their hands on fresh contemporary designs from India. Connect with Aniika on facebook, and shop their current collection of goodies here. 

Devajyoti Ray

My post on Indian Art Collective yesterday reminded me of a talented artist who had shared his work with me a few weeks back. Devajyoti Ray, whose work was recently exhibited at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai, is inspired by the concept of pseudo-realism. His paintings pick mundane scenes from day to day life and convert them into color blocked works of art. Take a look at select paintings here and the schedule of upcoming exhibitions here.  

OMI

OMI [Oh My India] by Omi Gurung, is a group that aims to be the catalyst in changing the lifestyle of people in India, by creating awareness to reduce, reuse and recycle domestic waste. Omi's site is a growing resource for DIY tips, reuse projects and sustainable products, and helps people get started in this direction. Connect with Omi here.

 Kabutar.in

And finally, a happening new site for, well, that what is happening right now! Shubhendu, one of the founders of this wacky site, send me an email that made me smile. And at the threat of his 'standing in a corner to sulk', I promised him that I'll share kabutar.in with you guys :). So here it is - a new place to share your pic and let the world know what is happening right now! And if this is your thing, then there is an iPhone app too folks!

[All images copyright respective owners and An Indian Summer]