Kangan Arora

2012-03-01T12:17:00.006Z

Manju Cinema, Ludhiana (1945-present)

I have wanted to photograph and document for some time, the old cinemas of Ludhiana. Driving past them week after week, I look at the buildings around them being demolished and new developments coming up and I dread to think what will become of these unloved and unappreciated beauties. They are survivors in a city that is changing, where their historical significance is completely lost on everyone and it seems like it is only a matter of time before they fall prey to some developer who will want to build yet another mall in the city.

With the coming of the PVR and Wave Cinemas, I am sad to say that even I haven't been to any of these to watch a film in a long time. Due to the lack of an audience, the only films they do screen are often along the lines of 'Pyaar ka Karz', 'Masti Express' and 'Husn Bewafa'. Some of these cinemas are not even operational anymore and have been derelict for a few years. The last time I went to an old cinema was in 1995 to watch 'Akele Hum, Akele Tum' with my friends on my 11th birthday. We booked a box, and during the interval my mum sent us snacks and cake. Gosh, how times have changed! You were able to do that in those days, today your snacks are taken away by security before you enter the cinema and you're forced to spend of overpriced popcorn and sweets.

What I liked about these cinemas is that they were 1 screen halls with the 4 standard shows a day, the 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm and the 7:00pm. You didn't have to check the papers for odd timings and you weren't spoilt for choice. Today, despite the 20 screen multiplexes, the luxurious velvet seats, our cinemas lack soul. They are run off the mill multiplexes that could be anywhere in the world. You could be in any city and have the exact same cinema going experience, which is incredibly sad.

These old cinemas didn't follow a standard tried and tested template of a chain cinema and each one was unique. The attention to detail, the architecture, the hand painted posters, the signage, even the railings and the mini ticket office where someone would sell tickets from a tiny little window were what gave them their own individual character and personality.

I wish someone adopts these great buildings and gives them a new purpose. They could be cultural centres or museums, concert halls or auditoriums! So many possibilities.

'Pyaar ka Karz' at Manju Cinema

I like the oval wheeled windows and hourglass features on the side of Preet Palace, but one of the best features is the Punjabi sign on the front of the building in the exact same font as the English sign.

Preet Palace, Ludhiana

The 'Preet Palace' sign in Punjabi

Chand cinema, Ludhiana - Jalandhar Highway

The oldest cinema in Ludhiana - Raikhy Theatre opened it's doors in 1933. Unfortunately, the only films they show here now are b grade Bollywood movies.

'Husn Bewafa' at Raikhy Theatre, Ludhiana

Below are photos I took last year on a trip to Lucknow. Some beautiful hindi fonts and very well maintained cinema buildings as compared to the ones in Ludhiana.

'Masti Express' showing at Sahu Cinema, Lucknow

Umrao cinema, Lucknow

Tulsi cinema, Lucknow

Novelty Cinema, Lucknow

2012-02-25T08:14:00.004Z

Passing through Sirhind on the G.T. Road to Delhi, I came across dozens of workshops specialising in the construction of truck bodies and decorating them. Truck owners take great pride in their vehicles and some elaborate trucks take upto 6 months to complete. I was super excited when I was allowed to see some of the process and take photos!

The interiors of the truck are as beautiful, in fact more intricate than the outside most of the time. These are decorated with hand cut vinyl stickers along with beaten metal work.

These are some of the templates they use for the interiors. I love the red mirror (below) with its scalloped edges.

There are plenty of shops selling colourful wheel caps for the tyres, cut out vinyl stickers and many other decorative accessories.

PS - Thank you Katie for a great Photoshop tutorial, and of course NellyNero for her fabulous easy to use PS actions.

Wooden painted toys

2012-02-16T11:50:00.000Z

I found these lovely hand painted toys in Udaipur. In the small lanes around the City Palace, one can find many of these little treasures. From birds to marching bands,

from jigsaw puzzles to elephants!

How sweet is this marching band. The men came in a colourful box that reminded me of mithai boxes from when we were little.

Dastkari Annual Fair

2012-01-18T07:02:00.000Z

I was in Delhi for the Dastkari Craft Bazaar at Dilli Haat earlier this month and picked up some beautiful gifts. If you're in Delhi, I highly recommend a visit to Dilli Haat where hundreds of craftspeople from all over the country have set up stalls selling their state's craft specialities. It's a great day out for children and adults alike. Along with the craft stalls are demonstrations and workshops for all, as well as food stalls from every state.

Here is a round up of some of the things I saw.

Hand painted fans from Andhra Pradesh

A very sweet game of Ludo

Beaded flowers

Basket making workshops by African artists

Felted woollen fabrics, made in Kashmir

Everyone loves a bit of Candy floss!

Colourful baskets from Andhra Pradesh

Weaving demonstration

I particularly loved these hand painted papier-mâché birds from Orissa.

2012-01-01T12:25:00.000Z

Happy New Year! Have a great 2012.

Lots of Love,

Kangan.x

Christmas in India

2011-12-18T08:35:00.001Z

I'm back in India for Christmas! This is the time when all the stationery shops stock up 'santas' in all shapes and forms, whether they are climbing up ladders, playing the saxophone, in snow globes , even paragliding! Here are a few that I came across. (my favourite is the Santa in gold rimmed glasses playing the saxophone. I also took a video for you)

Happy Holidays

See you in 2012

2011-11-09T09:24:00.001Z

A selection of my products will be stocked alongside 74 other artists/designers at the Designers Makers Pop Up Christmas shop in Exmouth Market from 21st November - 10th December!

Time to start that Christmas shopping!!!

Sunbury Antiques Market

2011-10-03T17:16:00.000+01:00

Sunbury Antiques Market is held twice a month (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) at Kempton Racecourse (45 minutes away on the train from Waterloo)! The market opens at 6:30am so I suggest you get on the first train out of Waterloo, because most of the traders start packing up by midday (even though the website says it closes at 2pm) and there is SO much to see, you will need a couple of hours to look around and haggle of course!

Prompted by Twitter that morning on the train, I was informed that Parul Arora of Just Noey was also at Kempton that morning (much earlier than me I have to admit - she must have got on that 7am train! I wasn't as disciplined), it was great to come back and see that she and I had seen some of the same things. You can read her post here.

Here are a few of MANY things that caught my eye. I would've taken them all home if I had driven down and I had an unlimited budget, but as I took the train back, I only bought a lovely (very reasonably priced) mirror that is now lovingly hanging in my room.

I'd like to start collecting typewriters at some point, and type letters to friends and family.

After spotting these lovely demijohns on the Design Sponge blog, I really want to get some for my flat! Spotted the ones above at Kempton, but no car = no purchase : /

Gorgeous old food packaging

I'd really like a digital train station clock **preferably with hours, minutes and seconds; and also pixelated white numbers**

The next market is on Tuesday, the 11th of October. See you on the 7am train from Waterloo?

Artsmart and The Cally Festival

2011-07-08T18:24:00.010+01:00

I've had a busy couple of weeks starting with a week at Glastonbury, followed by 2 big fairs in London so apologies for my lack of blog updates! I will try and summarise the past couple of events in this post :)

The first fair was Artsmart, an event organised by the University of the Arts for graduates who have started their own businesses and creative practices after graduating. The market was held in the grounds of Chelsea College of Art in Pimlico, overlooking the Tate Britain.

There were a total of 100 stalls that offered a variety of products and services including fashion and textiles, ceramics, illustration and screenprints, graphic design and even a concept tea stall selling British grown tea! There were also industry stalls by Etsy, Jotta and Doug Richard's 'School of Creative Start-ups'.

Giant striped boxes and teatowels for sale at my stall!

Alongside the market were talks and workshops run by Creative Review, ArtInsight, Creative Capital, Blurb and many more. As I was busy manning my stall being a proper market trader, I couldn't attend any of these talks which was a shame! However, the University organized many talks and workshops for us stallholders in the run up to the market that were very useful!

It was a privilege to sell and interact with so many talented people.

Here are my favourite stalls from the weekend:

Joli: Proudly Made in India

Joli are Jonas and Lili, 2 designers who moved to India 5 years ago and have recently set up their own design company making bags and scarves inspired by their lives in Delhi!
Attention to detail and a sensitivity to products used in day to day Indian life is what sets their products apart. They are aesthetically modern designs inspired by kitsch Indian fabrics and script.

My favourites are the Galli handbag and the Batan Gardana (button scarves)! Jonas and Lili and both lovely and I can't wait to visit them in their Delhi workshop.

BAM Textiles

BAM is a textile label by Amber James who applies patterns and prints to a range of products like t-shirts, jumpers, bags, stationery, knitted caps, accessories and more. I loved the geometric patterns and colours and especially the BAM logo ! Simple but (very) effective!

Sroop Sunar

Sroop Sunar is an illustrator from Birmingham, now based in London. Despite graduating from the same university in the same year (2009), I had somehow missed coming across Sroop's fabulous work! I am so glad I was able to find her through Artsmart. Her work is inspired by Indian street culture, packaging, typography and matchboxes (right up my street!).

Check out her website to see her broad range of work, that has been applied to book covers, packaging, flyers, for editorials and also available to buy as limited edition screen prints!

Paul Greenleaf

Paul Greenleaf is inspired by old school correspondence like postcards and the techniques that went into creating those highly saturated images. He manipulates each new to create archetypal scenes that portray an alternate view of the modern British landscape.

My favourite project is Correspondence where Paul revisited locations of several used postcards that he found and re-photographed the location in its current state. Each new 'postcard' is accompanied by the text from the old original postcard. Genius!

Crispin Finn

I loved Crispin Finn's stall, everything was red, blue and white and the designers themselves were also dressed in their signature colours!

Visit their website to buy screenprints, t-shirts, stationery, cards and tote bags.

Lana Siberie

Lana Siberie and Iulia Filipovscaia are a mother and daughter duo who work together to produce hand knitted fashion garments and accessories. Each piece is designed by Iulia and then made by her mum!

Iulia is also a fine artist and does fine art photography. Visit her website to see her beautiful medium format photo prints!

David Fulford

David Fulford is a Visual artist, living and working in London. In 2006, he travelled to Kenya to conduct a 'self portraiture' photography workshop with 21 children, aimed to encourage the children's self expression through image making.

The resulting photographs have been complied into a book called 'Portraits of Nairobi' which was launched in November 2010.

Joseph Leppard

Joseph Leppard is an artist based in London. I love his colourful paintings!

We Are OF Design

We Are OF Design offer art direction and graphic design services. They are a group of 3 graphic designers, who work with print based materials such as books, illustrations, screenprints, etc.

On offer was beautifully hand printed gift wrap paper, notebooks, cards and diaries!

Heart Zeena

I have recently met Zeena at various markets and fairs including Crafty Fox market, Artsmart and The Cally festival. I love her colourful printed hearts, birds and owls. Along with selling her wares through her website, Zeena also conducts craft workshops all over London. Check her blog for updates about the same.

Hamley and Fish

Tansy Hamley and June Fish are both specialist print and dye technicians and designers and make beautiful hand screenprinted t-shirts, dresses, jackets, bags, cushion covers and greeting cards!

Although I couldn't get photos for some (more) of my favourite stalls, do check out their websites - Tope Tijani, Emma Warren; Pig, Chicken & Cow, Linda Toigo and The Tea's Knees

Now, moving on to Sunday, the 3rd of July - I was at The Cally Festival, a one day pop-up festival on Caledonian Road. It was only one street away from where I live so very very local and a great day out. There were 70 independent market traders selling a range of products from designer-maker crafts to homemade cakes! There was live music and workshops (run by the Make Lounge) for both adults and kids. Here are a few photos from the day.

After a crazy weekend in Pimlico and Cally Road, I will be back at the Designers Makers market tomorrow from 11am - 5pm! Hope to see you there.x

Masala Chai Showcase

2011-06-02T10:29:00.008+01:00

Showcase poster © Masala chai

Kangan Arora Design is proud to introduce our first stockist - Masala Chai store, Chennai. Run by uber talented blogger and curator Pavitra Mohan, the Masala chai store is a creative collective that features South Asian art and design.

All images © Kangan Arora

The Bandbaaja men cushion, inspired by Meanest Indian's super photo of them will be among the 10 designs of cushions being sold!

All images © Kangan Arora

My colourful and quirky signs will also be available to purchase, with a few new ones like 'masala chai', a special for the store and 'maximum fun'

If you're in Chennai, do drop in! There will be work by 35+ designers so loads of nice things to choose from.

2011-04-24T11:04:00.006+01:00

Wonderful painted signs by James Brown

The market at the Triangle, at [space studios]

My stall at the market

All images © Oliver Marshall

Some photos from the Designers/Makers market yesterday. It's a beautiful little market in [space] studios near London fields and a five minute walk from Broadway Market.

It runs every Saturday until September. I will be there on the 7th and 21st of May.

My products are now available on Etsy.

'manja craft' in Baddowal

2011-04-08T16:31:00.002+01:00

The lovely Basheera aunty has made hundreds of manjas in her time, and there's no stopping her. She has six new ones carefully covered and stacked in her home in Baddowal, ready for the summer months. These are reserved for special occasions when she will have guests visiting. After putting up some resistance, she let me have a sneak peak at these stunning beds. She also makes foot stools and rugs.

I will be working with her to develop some samples for table runners and placemats on my next visit home.

2011-03-30T05:03:00.001+01:00

2011-03-26T06:58:00.002Z

I will be selling my new collection of cushions and kitchen textiles at the Crafty Fox market in Brixton on 16th April, and the Designers/Makers market in the east end on 23rd April, 7th and 21st May.

Here's a sneak preview of the products I'll be selling.

There will be cushions, teatowels, napkins and lots more!

'Cows', Hand screen printed and machine embroidered cushion

'Varanasi', hand screen printed linen cushion

'Tools', hand screen printed and machine embroidered linen cushion

Hand screen printed cotton/linen tea towels, 'autorickshaw graphics' and 'chai glasses'

Hope to see you there!

2011-03-22T14:29:00.000Z

The Indian Book Depot (map house) now in Delhi's Sadar Bazaar, was established in 1936 in Lahore. They have been publishing children's books, and charts and maps for educational institutions for decades. I love the graphic quality of illustration and the kitsch colours. The IBD also have a facebook page and an album showcasing all 200 retro charts they have in print.

I remember being handed 'Houses of India' and 'People of India' in the Social Studies classes in primary school. I couldn't resist buying these 2 charts when I spotted them in an old stationery shop. Below are the ones I picked up!

The women on work, first aid (bandages) and wings of birds are my favourite!

There are also ones for Bad habits, moral stories and types of insects, animals, birds, flowers... the list is unending!

upcycling craft heroes

2011-02-28T15:38:00.006Z

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Shaheed Bhagad Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, near Phillaur

Jandiala, near Phagwara

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar

First spotted while trotting around Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad with Meanest Indian, I have come to discover that women across the country are making these beautiful woven charpoys (manja in Punjabi) or beds for their homes. These are often made from remnants or old sarees and dupattas, although some women also use new fabric. They braid the fabric into rope, which is eventually woven around a wooden (traditionally) or metal frame.

Unconventional material like shiny crisp packets or plastic bags are also used, as seen here. I came across some shiny charpoys in Delhi on a recent visit but unfortunately couldn't take any photos at the time. I will have to go back and find them again!

The rope can be bought for 50/kg and used to make charpoys or as fancy rope to hang laundry.

They are woven in many different weaves, details of some can be seen below.

23/03/2011: I found some unconventional manjas on my way to Mussoorie last weekend. The one below was spotted in Herbertpur in Dehradun district (Uttrakhand). It is made of plastic bags and sachets.

2011-02-19T18:51:00.001Z

2011-02-14T17:38:00.003Z

Army tank in Jandiala, Punjab. This water tank stores 3000 litres of water.

Tractor in Bada Pind, near Phillaur

(*this also features on Sonu's office wall. See below)

All this research led me to Ram Lobhaya's office in Jandiala (near Phagwara) This is from where he and his son, Sonu have run an enterprising business for 15 years. They have built made-to-order tanks for people all over Punjab, and have fulfilled orders as far as Haryana and UP. Having taken over all of Punjab, they are hoping to take their business overseas to Canada, the US and the UK where wealthy Punjabi NRIs have settled.

The tyres you see in front of the office belonged to an aeroplane, an unfortunate bus accident destroyed the plane leaving the tyres on both plinths.

Despite the high number of aeroplanes I have seen in these past few days, Ram assures me that the aeroplane is an outdated design. Nowadays people want something more unusual. This could be a 'kabaddi' team of 3 or 4 players or a game of 'tug of war' played by 10 participants, complete with a referee.

A father who is very proud of his athlete son had this one especially made as a gift. It was worked upon from several photos that were provided.

Ram Lobhaya and his son, Sonu in their workshop.

Dr. Ambedkar with local village lady

If you would like to get a water tank built or a sculpture, get in touch with them on 98150-35719 or 01826-274380

There are several competitors in the area and although, Sonu Arts remains the oldest and is highly recommended, they only make water tanks to order and one cannot go and buy one off the shelf.

Parsoram, down the road stocks a aeroplanes, eagles and athletes and also makes customized tanks but not quite as elaborate as Sonu's.

2011-02-10T14:01:00.005Z

Farmers ploughing the field near Goraya

Happy elephant neighbours for the lady in green at Happy Home, Phagwara

Aeroplanes are very popular. These ones are near Mansoorwal and Khandoor.

As are other modes of transport -Buses, Cars. I'd love to find a motor bike or a train engine.

Car with steering wheel, pipes and number plate, without headlights!

There are also many Pehlwans (wrestlers). This one wearing the India vest is a favourite!

Guru Gobind Singhji, the 10th guru of the Sikhs was always accompanied by his eagle and his horse, the eagle perched on one hand and the horses' reins in the other.

I found an interesting article about these tanks on The Sikh Foundation website.

2011-02-06T11:44:00.005Z

Spotted these fantastically kitsch 'water tanks' on the roof of a dhaba (restaurant on the highway) between Ludhiana and Jalandhar in the summer of 2010. I loved them so much, I went back one morning at 6am to Phagwara to find some more. There was a dust storm that morning, which made it fairly difficult to photograph them but here they are. This will be an ongoing series and I hope to find all the footballs, eagles and Eiffel Towers in Ludhiana (to begin with).

(I especially like the Pehlwan with the tavees on his arm)

This is the first Air India plane I spotted (many others followed). Ironically, it was the day after the Air India Express plane from Dubai to Mangalore overshot the runway and crashed, resulting in 159 deaths.

Air India at the Lally Farm Residence

This one also has the AI logo on it's tail.

Watch this space for more interesting water tanks from Ludhiana!

2011-02-02T10:39:00.008Z

I have been getting die cut sign plates made from Hari Singh & Co. for a while now. Mr. Sukhwinder Singh (Hari's son) runs this business in the industrial area in Ludhiana. Along with number plates for vehicles, they also specialize in lazer cut vinyl signs for shop windows, hospitals, car windows, etc.

Sukhwinder was very kind to let me see the whole process of how they make these plates.
They are made of aluminium mirrored on either side with plastic in the centre. The very first step is choosing the base colour in radium vinyl and preparing these plates to be die cut.

The tools necessary for this are the plates, the vinyl stickers, a very sharp scalpel (or a surgical blade - this is what they use), a water spray gun and a small squeegee.

Dayaram, who has been working here for a few years gave me a demonstration. Once the base is ready, the numbers or alphabets are embossed on the plates with die cut moulds. There are boxes of different font moulds, a negative and positive for each letter.

The machine used to emboss the letters.

The negative and positive parts of the mould.

Below is a video demonstrating how the die cut machine is used to emboss the plates.

The vinyl from the embossed letters is cut off to expose the silver (mirrored aluminium). This can be left as is or a different colour vinyl can be cut to go on top of the embossed surface.

Watch this space for more sign plates!

You can get yours custom-made (text/colour/size), email me at kanganarora@gmail.com for more information.

2011-01-31T14:04:00.004Z

I took some photos of hand-painted graphics on trucks, buses and autorickshaws when I was traveling around Rajasthan earlier this month. I love the bold type and the colours! This was taken on the NH8 (the National highway between Delhi and Jaipur)

1st row: From left to right - ratri mein dipper ka prayog kare (use dipper at night), dheere chal saathi, zindagi anmol hai (drive slowly my friend, life is precious), jagah milne par side di jayegi (when there is space, I will give way for you to overtake)

2nd row: maa ki mamta (mother's blessings)

3rd row: jiyo and jeene do (live and let live)

(I think this was supposed to be 'Fatta box' - where the extra 'fattas' or wooden planks used to load the truck are stored. Or, it could may as well BE the Fanta Box, where they store their refreshments for the road)

My all time favourite remains one I spotted behind an autorickshaw in Ludhiana. I don't understand Punjabi but was pleasantly surprised at what it said when my mum translated it for me.

On either side of the lady churning lassi, the text reads - 'hatt peeche, chapaed maroo'

which means - Keep your distance, Should I give you a slap? Charming!

2011-01-27T18:07:00.004Z

I missed the Great Apollo Circus in Ludhiana last November, however I was lucky to come across it in Chandigarh in a few weeks ago. I didn't manage to see the show, but I took some photos of the beautifully painted boards outside! I love the colours.

My favourite is the 'Maut ka Kuan', have always had a fascination for this act. It's the most dangerous one I'm sure but also very thrilling! The few that I've seen always have very dramatic and loud music playing (for effect I think).

They are now in Patiala for a month, if you're interested.

Which one do you like best?

2011-01-22T14:40:00.005Z

Spotted these lovely Maharaja band members on College road, chased after them till I got a photo.

They reminded me of Mr. Dubey and Monsoon Wedding.

Master Scissors

2011-01-19T14:25:00.004Z

Satwant Singh, Owner, Master Scissors

Down an unassuming by-lane in Deep Nagar (Ludhiana), Satwant Singh's family has been running the 'master scissor' business for 56 years. The business was started by Satwant's father in 1955 and is now run by him, his sons and his grandsons. They are the only family that custom make these scissors for the use of both local tailors and big hoisery mills.

The workshop is hidden away in his backyard and unless specifically looked for, it is impossible to come across by chance.

Shyam Narayan has been working for the family for the past 20 years and has perfected the skill of scissor making. Each scissor is custom made and takes between 2-3 days to make. They are not readily available to buy off the shelf, but can be ordered to suit your requirements. The sizes range from no.9 to no.12 (I ordered a no.10, not too big and not too heavy) The higher the number, the heavier the scissors; these are generally used in factories by pattern cutters who need to cut several layers of fabric, or heavier materials.

The scissors come packed in their own red box, with an assurance that

'skilled workmen have put their best in it'

At 360, these do not come cheap but are meant to last a lifetime. They are the preferred choice of most 'masterjis' (tailor-cum-pattern cutters) around the city.

Each scissor is also embossed with the trademark and the company registration number. These scissors are solid and beautifully made. The box is the latest addition to my ever-growing collection of boxes.

They are often hand-delivered to individuals and factories across Ludhiana.

To order your own pair of Master Scissors, call 0161-2442823

2011-01-16T18:04:00.001Z

Fiona Caulfield's Love Guide for Jaipur, Rajasthan was an indispensable source of inspiration for the trip my family and I made last week. Along with plenty of great hotel, shopping and restaurant recommendations, Love Guide led me to Mr. Tikkam Chand; a charming photographer I met outside City Palace Museum in Jaipur. This was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip.

Tikkam and his brother use their grandfather's hundred and fifty year old camera with an original Carl Zeiss lens to take photos of tourists and passer-bys, which are then developed in front of you within just 10 minutes!

Once the negatives are produced on photographic paper, he works on the positives from the back of the camera alternating between two trays containing the fixer and the developer.

Tikkam was happy to talk me through the whole process AND take photos too.

These are then washed with water and left to dry on a wooden board.

There isn't a dull moment as Tikkam and his brother show you their collection of old photos and newspaper cuttings. They took some photos for the recent Bollywood film, 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and will also appear in an American documentary and MTV show in the near future.

If you're in Jaipur, contact Tikkam on 9828072800 to get your photo taken!

An excellent souvenir.

2010-12-30T04:11:00.002Z

Off to Mcleodganj for a few days to celebrate New Year's eve in the mountains.

Have a good one and see you in the new year!

2010-12-25T11:18:00.002Z

Mr. Naresh, maker of Santa suits and Santa caps!

I met him a day too late or would have visited his factory and bought a suit. Unfortunately all are now sold out, I'll have to wait till next year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-12-24T06:57:00.000Z

my machine is here!!!

so is Ahmed bhai!!!

let the embroidery begin.

2010-12-23T08:28:00.003Z

I have been sorting out all the photos I took when I was studying at NIFT in Gujarat. Among hundreds of 'college festival', 'gh 5' and 'hanging out at the gala having a cup of chai' photos; I found these precious ones from our first photography module back in 2003 when Dhimant Panchal was teaching us how to use a camera!

I have used a Canon 500N and 35mm Kodak film.

I am looking forward to my trip to Ahmedabad in January where I'll be meeting up with Meena Kadri to photograph the kite festival, Uttarayan!

2010-12-22T14:41:00.000Z

Received my copy of Pool Magazine in the post this morning. Issue 6 celebrates 50 years of Indian Design. Along with a panel of designers, architects and design researchers like Peter Alwin, Abhijit Bansod, Bimal Patel; I have discussed the journey of Indian Design, its significance and its future. You can read it online here.

(Thanks for the mention Sonalee!)

2010-12-20T11:33:00.005Z

My aunt who runs a boutique in Ludhiana took me to Anzaar bhai's workshop today where he's getting rid of his old embroidery machines, which are now replaced by computerized machines. As sad as I am to see this happening, I'm absolutely delighted at the prospect of buying one (of the 60 that he is hoping to shift) off him. I will be bringing it home on Thursday morning and employing my favourite embroidery man, Ahmed bhai for a few months to make up some cushions and napkins for me.

I have been preparing for this and therefore acquired some of the following tools!

the masterji chalk - I remember going to the tailor with my mum when I was little and loving all the colourful chalks that he used to mark the pattern on the fabric. This particular brand is called मोहिनी or 'mohini'.

the master scissor - While my special 'master scissor' (no.10) is being custom made, I have borrowed one for the time being.

embroidery threads (various colours) - mostly Clock and More. the best place to buy in Ludhiana is Mohan (in model town) and Novelty (in bhai randhir singh nagar)

the embroidery scrissors - to finish the pieces and to use as a thread cutter.(nb: made in china)

the 'inchy tape' (tape measure) - only Jyoti tape measure!

darning needles

on the 'to buy' list - wooden embroidery rings, fusing to put under the fabric, big spool of white cotton thread for the bobbin, tracing paper to transfer the design onto the fabric, neel to physically transfer the design from the 'khakha' (tracing paper design)

I decided to help Anzaar bhai recycle some of the hundreds of Clock and More boxes (emboridery thread boxes) he stores in his workshop. I'm sure he was more than glad to let a few go. These are now neatly piled up in my room. I think I will offer them as gift boxes (should anyone request gift packaging) when I start selling my cushion covers, tea towels and napkins!

Clock and More are the most popular embroidery threads used in Punjab. these are silky 'resham' threads used to embroider fabric for suits and sarees. Others are Pari Chaap, Pearl and Telephone (from Delhi); and some local ones like Manish and Rose.

(nb: More is like 'Mor' = 'peacock')

I absolutely love the colourful boxes and logos.

Here is some of the packaging of the actual spools. Equally colourful and delightful!

2010-12-20T07:16:00.000Z

2010-12-18T08:34:00.002Z

found some old photos and letters my mum had rescued from our old house before it was demolished. here are a few that I love.

the postcard was written by daddy (my grandfather) to bua (my auntie) in 1958 when he was travelling, the letter was written by my great grand parents to mummy (my grandmother) after she married daddy and moved to India from Pakistan.

the last few photos are of mummy's best friend, shanta aunty. i remember her fondly, she had the coolest spectacles.

I'm still scanning but was keen to share so there's more to come.

2010-12-14T08:24:00.004Z

If you're in Archway, stop by the Selvedge shop... in the window is a piece designed by Celia for the 9th day of Christmas and by me for the 12th day of Christmas!

2010-12-14T05:47:00.000Z

head over to columbia road on sunday morning to buy your Christmas tree this year! I love being home, but must admit I'm really missing the Christmas festivities this year.

2010-11-24T17:25:00.002Z

Had a lovely few days in Pushkar with my friends, Neha and Simran. Rajasthan is such a colourful and vibrant state. We didn't buy any camels, but got a quotation for one - Rs.12,000.
We didn't buy.

However, a horse was sold during the fair for 50 Lakhs.

More photos to come.

2010-11-09T10:13:00.000Z

my first lomo and diana prints. very exciting!

2010-10-28T12:18:00.000+01:00

pool magazine, an upcoming Indian design magazine published an article about my work. Thanks Sonalee.x

2010-10-28T11:37:00.000+01:00

longing for blue skies.

not long now.. off to india next week!

2010-10-24T22:03:00.000+01:00

I will be exhibiting at the Frost Fair in Finchley on 14th nov. Please drop by if you're around.x

Selvedge Summer Fair

2010-07-08T23:43:00.005+01:00

the lovely people at Selvedge hosted their first Summer fair. It was an honour to participate, along with my friends Jonna, Celia, Caroline and Gemma. I couldn't have done it without Paola though! Thank you thank you.

Selvedge
Celia Lusted
Gemma Waggett
Jonna Sarrinen
Caroline Dulko

2010, almost summer

2010-05-06T22:09:00.002+01:00

2009-09-21T17:09:00.003+01:00

I've been trying disposables from Boots and have been quite pleased with the results. The last time I went to get film developed, I discovered B&W disposables. I love the grain, not too sure about contrast. Perhaps getting them developed in a proper lab will be a better idea. I love the point&shoot nature of these cameras, and the anticipation to see what was captured in that barely audible click. You click and it's done, no post processing, no editing. shoot and print. *simple*

2009-06-12T11:18:00.003+01:00

View my page on Central Saint Martin's

Showtime

2009-06-11T12:59:00.005+01:00

Here are a few photos of my recent work. The degree show is finally up and goes public on the 20th of June. If you happen to be in London from 2oth June - 25th June, please do stop by. Looking forward to seeing you there. x

2009-03-20T20:07:00.003Z

Using the last of the expired film Elisabeth gave me. What better space to use it other than our much loved print studio. I'm missing it already!

Visit Pyttipannu for more design news.

lines/cutouts/dots

2009-03-16T22:41:00.002Z

first day of spring

2009-03-15T21:07:00.003Z

2009-02-10T22:20:00.004Z

Dungeness

2008-09-06T08:33:00.012+01:00

A nuclear power station, two lighthouses, massive acoustic sound mirrors, random houses/vehicles/objects placed along the beach and plenty of shingle.

Dungeness is one of the most bizarre places I have ever been to.

It was, as I would imagine, the end of the world to be.

It wasn't the silence that terrified me, it was the subsequent lack of quiet

After a rather dodgy (yet helpful) map from the friendly man in the shop, we could see them, but couldn't find a way to get to them - The mighty sound mirrors.

In the end (with a little help from some locals) we managed to get as close as we possibly could.

It was almost a relief to not have a camera, because mostly I get so caught up in documenting the places I visit, I forget to really enjoy them. In this case, all I had was mama's 25 year old Yashica Electro. Despite having being taught how to use this (when I was 6 years old), of course I didn't have a clue. So, with a little help from Lewis, I managed to take some photos (few actually came out half decent, others not so good)

[word of advice - If you're heading to Dungeness, wear appropriate shoes to avoid tearing the pair you think might withstand the shingle. I've realized I have the worst possible judgement when it comes to deciding which shoes to where when. This has resulted in the binning of 2 pairs in the past 2 weeks.]

2008-07-14T12:35:00.007+01:00

I walked all around London looking for Polaroid film.
Jessops (like many other places) is already OUT OF STOCK.
Looks like everyone is stocking up.
Why didn’t I think of this earlier?
[Ah, it is possible it’s because it’s so freaking expensive. It’s almost depressing]
:(

Impulsively, I went into Boots and bought 3 twin packs,
(which the lady at the counter carefully took out from the special ‘locked’ cabinet)
To start with, I asked for 2 twin packs, but she managed to convince me to buy 3.
(good salesmanship, I’d say – I wonder if I could attempt to sell someone 2 blinds for the same window – just in case one breaks and the same wood is impossible to source because the tree is now extinct or something)

Anyway, I now have 80 exposures :D
(20 from the last time)
Not quite as impressive as all those people who are showing off their ‘stash’ on the Flickr group called ‘Polaroid stash’.
I can’t believe people have freezers full of Polaroid film.
Crazy.

How can Polaroid decide to stop producing the film if there’s still demand for it.
Surely, if there’s demand – there should be supply.
Isn’t that how the demand and supply chain works?
Fingers crossed that Fuji will take over.

ps - still mourning for the 1 Polaroid I sacrificed in the Ganges. It just slipped, and drowned - poor thing

2008-07-03T13:41:00.006+01:00

, originally uploaded by only because mushroom asked me to.

The Battersea Power station is such a fascinating building.

It's really sad to see what's become of it after all these years.

After many attempts to resurrect it,

(one being trying to convert into a theme park -

a really silly one that, I think)

they are going to tear it down and re build it

to make residential flats and multiplexes.

I wasn't sure if I thought it was a good idea,

till I went and saw the space for myself.

It really deserves it.

It's a lot better than letting it remain an unused power station.

They claim it's going to be a totally sustainable development,

the first of it's kind in all of Europe.

Read more about it here - http://www.battersea-powerstation.com/

It is open to the public (for the last time) this week,

till the 5th of July.

7918

2008-07-02T01:10:00.002+01:00

, originally uploaded by only because mushroom asked me to.

Going back to the land of colour tomorrow,
have a few travels planned and
friends to meet,
but I think I will miss my land of grey

only a little bit.

2008-06-28T22:15:00.003+01:00

, originally uploaded by only because mushroom asked me to.

They laughed at me,
when I stopped to photograph this gentleman.

Not because they thought I was a tourist in my own country,
but because they couldn't comprehend just what I found interesting about a drunk man taking advantage of the space because the shops were closed on a Sunday.

What struck me is how oblivious he was to the world passing by him.
It was a small and very noisy street, kapde wale gali (even on a Sunday - first day of Navratras I think, and very close to the Golden Temple, and I don't believe he was drunk)

Still, he slept,
while thousands of people made their way to the Golden Temple via this very street,
while rich people in Sumos caused traffic jams here because they couldn't be bothered to walk a little,

while I stood there photographing him.

2008-06-28T22:04:00.002+01:00

Despite pledging many years ago that I won't start an online diary,
I have given in, for the second time.

It seems to take over your life -
this internet.

My friends are trying to delete it.
Maybe it's a good idea