Yeh Delhi Hai Mere Yaar...

["This is Delhi, my friend". Foot tapping song from the movie Delhi 6]

[Dastkar calendar 2011] 

It's spring in Delhi (almost!). My favorite time of the year in the city. Delhi's calendar is overflowing this month with all sorts of interesting events related to culture, art, music, crafts and food. Mr. Blog insists that I share with you the various craft events I'll be heading to in the coming days (yes, Mr. Blog is considerate like that).  So if you stay in or around Delhi, or are visiting Delhi, make sure you too drop into these fabulous fairs:

Virasat and Dastkar

The Dastkar Basant Bazaar 2011 (spring fair) is at a new location this time, and is also accompanied by the Virasat cultural festival. As always, I will be making more than a couple of trips, not only for the crafts fair, but also for the Dastangoi performances by the über talented veteran and new performers. Read more about the art of story telling - Dastangoi here.


When: Feb 11th - 25th
Time: 11:00a - 8:00p
Where: 15-A, Sector 7, Dwarka

(click on the poster to enlarge)

Jaya Utsav

A festival to celebrate the living traditions of Mahabharata has literary evenings, cultural performances, workshop and sale by master craftsmen, ritual demonstrations and more as it's lineup. Download the program details from here.

When: Feb 10th - 25th/March 10th
Time: 10:30a onwards
Where: IGNCA, Janpath

(click on the poster to enlarge)

Surajkund Fair

The annual fair celebrating Indian crafts and local dance/music is currently on.

When: Feb 1st-15th

Time: 10:30a onwards

Where: Surajkund, Faridabad

(click on the poster to enlarge)

And the perennial favorite Delhi Haat, has a 'Handicraft Cluster Creation' fair running till Feb 14th. I am also thinking of checking out the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair this time [at Greater Noida, from Feb 19th to 22nd].

And for all my readers who aren't anywhere near Delhi, fret not! Mr. Blog, the new camera and I shall bring vignettes from each festival we visit.

Have a good weekend folks!

 

Creative peeps and stores

AA Living

AA Living, Mumbai’s home interiors store is dedicated towards making a home chic, comfortable and contemporary. Nestled at Harkness Road, the store has a vast range of home furnishing products and is a stylish reflection of the new-age, and modern customer.

AA Living also has a special offer for An Indian Summer's readers: Click here to get a 10% off discount coupon (that you will need to print out) for their entire range of housewares!

Rachana Reddy Accessories

Rachana Reddy Accessories was born out of the creative passion of bringing forth avant-garde fashion accessories, artful concepts & detailing to life. A graduate of the Cordwainers- London College of Fashion, her travels & interesting assignments in the fashion industry have helped add to the distinctiveness of her designs.

Moving away from heavily ornamented & embellished concepts, her accessories aim to blend tradition with contemporary luxury for the versatile new age woman. Conceptualized, designed by Rachana, the clutches are handcrafted by skilled local artisans.

Find more information on Rachana's debut collection - Lotus Sutra here.

Anjali Venkat

Anjali is a glass artist from Chennai. Combining her passions for travel and glass, she has attended workshops in different parts of the world - Italian techniques of working with glass in Italy, glass blowing in Oslo, art pieces with fused glass at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, and also attended workshops in Perth, Australia.

Anjali uses traditional glass working methods and materials to create fine and exclusive pieces for personal adornment and accessories for the home. She likes doing small intricate work and loves wearing sparkling art glass as jewellery. Another passion is reusing things and giving a new twist to old tired materials. 

Find more of Anjali's very interesting work here.

Desi Craft Show 2012

Are You a 

crafter, artist, designer

Doing some amazing work with traditional crafts 

or just making amazing things  

+

Based in India

+

Want to show you work in NYC 

=

Tell us more about YOURSELF and YOUR WORK 

and be a part of DESIcraft Show '12

Atim Annette Oton and Manreet Deol are excited to collaborate to put together a show in New York city in 2012 called DESIcraft. 

We want to present a dynamic face of emerging contemporary Indian crafts and explore its use in new unusual exciting ways. We want to create inspiration, awareness  and  help foster creative exchanges that lead to business collaborations/ leads. The show will feature 12-15 artists who work in varied materials and product categories. The show will be in a premium retail environment or a gallery space and coincide with important trade shows /events going on in the city. 

Send info on your current work or new projects/ideas you may want want to develop specifically for the show no later than Dec. 20th. Write to Manreet!

Thank you folks for submitting your work/information to An Indian Summer!

Have you been...

...to the Dastkar Nature Bazaar yet?

It's on at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore from the 6th of this month till the 15th. 

Do visit and let us, the non-Bangalorites, know what you pick up from the fair!

Some more good news for readers from Bangalore and Mumbai -  Puja Bhargava is exhibiting her jewelry for the very first time in Bangalore [12th to 14th Aug at Basava Ambara], and in Mumbai [30th - 31st Aug at Concern India Foundation's exhibition at World Trade Center]. 

You would have seen Puja's designs at FabIndia, and at the Dastkar fair in Delhi. Each time I visit her stall, I can hardly resist adding a few more pieces to my collection.

 

And, have you seen Kanika's Anek Design yet? 

Kanika, a textile designer from NID, is not only an avid blogger, but also makes these beautiful accessories and retails them via her newly opened etsy shop.

Do visit her etsy shop...yes, she ships worldwide! And folks in Mumbai can visit her at the Anvesha exhibition from the 11th till the 13th of Aug. Details here.

Books. And a giveaway

Tara Books

Tara Books was started by Gita Wolf, initially as a publisher of children’s books. Now their catalogue has expanded to include art and design books for adults, beautiful stationery and posters, as well as a select list of fiction. The thing that immediately draws you to the books published by Tara is the rich visual appeal. Designed by Indian artisans and young designers, each book published by Tara is a collector's copy. And the best news...you can buy their products online! Shop here, and connect with Tara on Facebook to get updates on their latest releases.  

The Art of Book by Seagull Publishing

Seagull Publishing is an independent publishing house based in Calcutta with books in the area of contemporary fiction, philosophy, literature, drama, cinema, music and a selective list of literature in translation.
Seagull is celebrating 28 years in publishing this year, starting with an exhibition 'The Art of the Book' that celebrates Seagull's passion for good design through a recent series of digital collages and book covers created by their designer Sunandini Banerjee. 

You can buy prints from this exhibition here. And browse through the many books (India and UK site) and art prints available for sale online.

And, The Loaded Trunk Giveaway

Do you remember my post on Roni and her fabulously Loaded Trunk? Well, she is back with a fresh stock of treasures from all over the world, and is hosting giveaways on her site to celebrate her first year mark. Drop her a line and you just might be the lucky winner!

Contest Contest

Sharing with you two exciting contests happening in the world of design:

British Council's Young Creative Entrepreneur Awards | India (& UK)

If you are an entrepreneur who is promoting, managing or running a venture centred on a creative sector, make sure you apply for this award. The YCE awards give recognition to creative entrepreneurship across the sectors of Design, Music, Fashion, Communication, Visual Arts, Screen, Interactive, Performing Arts and Publishing. If you participate, you get a chance to win a study tour of your respective industry in the UK, get to interact with creative industry leaders in the UK and also get to participate in a relevant trade events.

Find more information here and here.  

And here and here for UK participants.

Felicity International Graphic Competition

The primary objective of this project is to promote a debate around the basic theme of life in the community and how improvements can be made. The competition is an opportunity to express, manifest, symbolize and imagine solutions for a better city capable of improving the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The two ways to participate are via 'Intellectual Proposal' and 'Intervention'.

Find more information here

Stuff launching and happening...

Time again to share some good stuff that came to my inbox...

My Dream Canvas

One serendipitous evening, I discovered Anuradha Varma's beautiful blog My Dream Canvas, and also discovered connections just a couple or more degrees apart! Anuradha is an avid photographer who not only shares interior inspiration, but also her many travels on the blog.

[First image via My Dream Canvas]

The Homely Place

A lovely home decor blog by artist Natalie Singh. Do make sure you visit her other blog showcasing her art

Bolly Instyle

If you love all things Indian, you will love this blog. Shital Taylor puts together style, trends, furniture, clothes, accessories...anything that is inspired by India, for your viewing pleasure.

Contest : Umbra

Celebrate design for a chance to win a $5,000 Umbra shopping spree! Want to know how? Click right here for contest details..

Valeri Goodman Gallery - NY

Internationally acclaimed French Decorative artist Eric Schmitt will be exhibiting his new collection, a limited edition of Bohemian hand-blown glass and bronze vases created for Fleurs Bella a creative studio working with flowers and various objects, and for Valerie Goodman Gallery a 20th Century and Contemporary Decorative Arts Gallery in NY from May 18th. Do hop in if you happen to be in NY, and tell us how you like it!

Dastkar 2010..

...is here!

Like the last time,

I will be making my customary multiple visits to the fair

and will bring you loads of pictures 

of traditional Indian art and craft

as well as

contemporary designs and products from young Indian designers

So if you are in and around Delhi,

mark the dates

and maybe we can meet

and chat over some delicious kashmiri kahwa

on a balmy winter-turning-to-spring afternoon :)

Dastkar coords

Dates: Jan 12th-21st, 2010

IGNCA Lawns (India Gate area)

~ Stuff launching and happening ~

Meera Dabir

From designing and making props for movie sets, to creating magic on the walls of homes and establishments of many high profile clients in India, to now doing a masters in design in London - Meera is clearly in pursuit of creative happiness! When she started in India 10 years back, she used what ever paints and pigments were available and experimented with and invented her own techniques and colour concoctions, making sure that effect looks organic. Steering clear of the commercial synthetic effects, such as walls mottled using a spray gun, she aims for effect that is well blended and subtle and looks like as if there were worlds lurking beneath the surface - like an abstract painting; not like a pig dressed up for the county fair! She firmly believes that the thing with building colourscapes, is like poetry - it's all about feeling.

You can see more of Meera's work here, and if you would like to engage her services as an artist/designer, or consult with her, send her an email

Hayan Maani

Hayan Maani is a multi talented artist from Jordan, and his work covers a wide array of design directions -from paintings and calligraphy to logos and advertising, all within a journey of over 20 years. He firmly believes in the power of expression, individualism and originality. Take a look at his site for some incredible work of art, the bronze sculptures being my personal favorite.

Sonal Nathwani

Sonal's work reflects a blend of Asian and European influences and sensibilities. She was born in Malawi to Indian parents, and grew up in England, and polished her innate talent at a fine art course at the renowned Charles H. Cecil Studios in Italy. Take a look at her gallery to view her lovely paintings

Plum Pretty Sugar

Charlotte Mills runs and owns the brand of Loungerie (bedding, loungewear) called Plum Pretty Sugar. The fabrics and inspiration, both are from India. Her creations, specially the loungewear are deliciously dreamy and summery. You can buy these from her etsy shop.

The Loaded Trunk

Doesn't the name 'The Loaded Trunk' sound exciting? It reminds me of treasure hunts, and when I looked at Roni's online store, it was like a treasure hunt come true! Incredibly beautiful rugs, fabrics, art objects - all collected from different parts of the world, specially the orient. You have to go and take a look....and buy me a rug while you are at it ;-)

Roni: I'll be seeing you in six weeks. Give me a shout when you land in India!

The Style Saloniste

Dianne Dorrans Saeks, the very well known author of many design and style books, wrote a beautiful tribute to the legendary Rajmata Gayatri Devi, the incredibly beautiful and famous former maharani of Jaipur. The article is a fitting tribute to a princess who has been a symbol of Indian erstwhile royalty for the world. Thanks for sharing the article and your experiences, Dianne.

New blog alert : Mocca & Me

Interior inspiration from Netherlands, a blog written by Natascha Roobol. Click right here to get new insights and ideas for your home!

Rachel Leonard

Rachel is multi-talented person, writing a blog, making jewelry and also working on art projects. Her blog is very aptly named 'My Right Brain' :)

Gypsy Girl Guide

Alessandra de Souza is a photographer, writer and film producer with a 'gypsy' heart! Look through her beautiful site for her photographs, writing, and her exciting adventure: Journey to Jordan along with Tara of Paris Parfait fame! Also take a look at her etsy shop for photographs from India..

3 Bees Paperie

Celebrate the upcoming festival of Eid and Diwali with beautiful cards from 3 Bees Paperie!

thank you for sharing your work and talent with me and my readers!

~ Stuff launching and happening ~

It's time again for me to share with you the work of some incredibly talented people, products from some unique shops and new launches in the world of design and style blogs! A big thank you to all these wonderful people who have graciously emailed me links to their work, for it to be showcased on An Indian Summer. A whole bunch of more creative links and showcases are coming up next week!

I Me Am Designs

Chetna Vij Sharma, the brain child behind this design firm, is a graduate from The Pratt Institute, NY, and has been working as a graphic designer in India. Look through her portfolio to view some very creative print, interactive and styling projects. She has also launched a line of kitschy Indian bags, boxes and wrapping paper.

Ching Teoh's art work

Ching, from Malaysia, is a self taught painter. Her rich and vibrant paintings are inspired by colors, beauties, patterns and textures of nature, and reflect a multi-cultural influence. See more of Ching's work on her site and you can buy the paintings from her etsy shop.

Eva Hanusova

Eva, from Czech Republic, became fascinated with the handmade jewelry world while taking classes at School of Visual Arts and Parson School of Design in New NY. Besides working on her jewelry line, Eva also designs home accessories and dabbles in the world of folk art using primarily chalk pastels and acrylics

Not your grandma's needlepoint!

Laura's brainchild, Not your Grandma's Needlepoint is unique, whimsical one of a kind, canvas design. Using her photographs as inspiration, she has created customized canvases by borrowing fantastical imagery from a variety of pop culture influences, including pop art and sixties psychedelia - bringing the traditional craft she loves so much into a contemporary context.

Linda Arthur

Linda, a self confessed textile junky, is an artist from Canada with a passion for painting. Do look at some of her brilliant work on her blog..

Milgayi Style Diary

Milgayi is an premier image based directory of fashion and lifestyle web sites dedicated to South Asians worldwide. Sudeepa Khanna, the creative woman behind Milgayi brings to the readers the finest web links in various categories such as world-class South Asian designers, exquisite apparel, beautiful home decor, and timeless jewelry

DecorStyler

Décor Styler is a log of interior design trends and ideas, focused on inspiring the finer things in life!

Bloom.acious Cafe

Bloom.acious cafe is a spot where readers can get ideas and info about a range of subjects, as well as post updates about design/lifestyle projects they are working on. Readers can also start a group that focuses on their favorite topics, or join one that has been already started and add ideas and information there!

Maharani Wedding Blog

Maharani Weddings is a majestic blog soley dedicated to the elaborate, detail-oriented Indian bride. Conceptualized by Shawna, this blog bring you the most opulent ideas and unique vendors all with style!

Home Addict

Home addict, has been conceptualized by Caroline Gauci, a French textile designer working with weavers in Cambodia and Thailand on Ikat textiles. Following fair trade principles, her creations are modern, with graphic designs, using age old weaving techniques.

Design and Asia

Falling for the charms of Asia, Amandine and Sacha, a french couple, launched Design and Asia, an online 'traveling boutique'. They travel for months at a time in search of new products that come from all four corners of Asia. Each item is found with special care and is shaped by best artists, each item is unique and made in the rules of a responsible and ethical trade

Terra Furnishings

Terra Furnishings support an eco-conscious lifestyle and like to work with people who share a similar philosophy. They welcome the opportunity to work with design professionals and provide industry incentives to assist with your client and project needs. Do check them out - they are offering a discounts for retail showrooms/stores & can do wholesale pricing on many of our products.

Teo Jasmin

Teo Jasmin is an interior design company based in Paris. They have an eclectic collection of furniture and furnishing, each inspired by a geographical region or city. Check them out for their interesting use of photographic prints..

Sixx Design's Book Launch

Downtown Chic, co-written by husband and wife team, Robert and Cortney Novogratz of the NYC-based firm SIXX Design, has been launched. For over more than a decade, this young, hip and artsy couple has developed and designed many unique properties in Manhattan, rebuilt entire city blocks and turned funky into fabulous, with every detail considered and executed with the utmost taste and luxury. See all on their site and the book!