ALSO

Reason for not visiting the blog is FACEBOOK. No! I am not spending (rather wasting?) time on social networking for liking and gossiping and poking in others' lives. But started my own FB page named as LEEHKIN. Here its the link: LEEHKIN, or if link doesn't work just search LEEHKIN. I am more active there hence this first-love is getting sidelined, but will keep coming and visiting. Please do join + like LEEHKIN and show your same support and love. By the way, I also have a website www.leehkin.com, thought of moving ahead in more professional way and reaching out 'potential' people through proper channels ;)

Hope to see you all here and there.

P.S. Hope you figured, why I named it LEEHKIN?

Happy New Year {Gudhi Padwa)

With the promise of being regular here

Jaipur : : Travel Diary

In around of Jaipur • City's hustle bustle • Old city charm and of course exhibition

Whenever I am in Jaipur, make sure to visit this place. This block print I tried with craftsman who demonstrate to every visitor.

Qalam Aatma : : Jaipur • January 2013

The first month of this new year is almost gone! Suddenly time is running too fast. I was absent from the blog world because of exhibition in Jaipur. I landed today after a hectic but super exciting week-long exhibition held at super awesome place called Jawahar Kala Kendra. Qalam-Aatma, a calligraphy exhibition organized by a Qalamkaari Creative Trust Delhi founded by super talented Qamar Dagar.
Few of them were the same bunch of artists who participated in last month's ONE ASIA exhibition. There were few new artists (they were actually hidden jewels) who Qamar founded in and around of Jaipur. We total 21 artists came together and interpreted our individuality in our own skilled manner.

Abid Saghir Jaipur, India (displayed marble and metal pieces where letters are carved, inlaid and etched–real masterpieces!) • Adil Writer Auroville / Mumbai, India (letters on ceramic? Yes, waxed and then fired with experimental techniques–amazing results) • Amir Abdullah Khan India (Master– guru, blessings are always with us)  • Ashok Sharma Jaipur, India (neat and consistent devanagri writing) • Bahman Panahi Iran / Paris (Great calligrapher and musician, what a awesome combination and skills; reflects the personality in his work) • Dharmesh Jadeja Auroville, India (Architect by profession. Boldness, energy of devnagri letters are incredible, again experimental ceramic plates and tiles has given new dimension to letters)  • F. Wasifuddin Dagar Delhi, India (Lovely person, lovely voice and lovely hand also) • Idermurun Khurelbaatar Mongolia (Never seen such a beautiful script) • Irshad Hussain Farooqi New Delhi, India (National award winner craftsman, he carved letters in wood, he has magic in his hand) • Jyoti Naoki Eri Auroville, India / Japan (Founder of ONE ASIA project, this time he tried Indigo, cloth and wax, his batik experiments are hotcake of the show) • Keiin Yoshimura Tokyo, Japan (Classical dancer, performer also writes harmoniously) • Matiullah Nawab Wasifi Tonk, Rajasthan, India (Ideal example of traditional calligraphy, salute to his skills and patience) • Michele Archambault New York/Paris (Ikkat collector, practices Chinese calligraphy, must see her work) • Mohammad Aslam Jaipur, India • Mohammad Yasin New Delhi, India (Senior most artist-90yrs+ displayed his old work still seems very fresh and contemporary)  • Nikheel Aphale New Delhi, India (he is owner of this blog, hope you know him well ;)) • Poosapati Parmeshwar Raju Hyderabad, India (Calligraphy and mythology, another layer of letter art, truly inspiring) • Qamar Dagar New Delhi, India (Founder and pillar of the QCT, pictorial calligraphy is her speciality, amazing sense of word-play and colours) • Syed Imtayaz Hussain Jaipur, India (Calligraphy can be written with mica? yes created really enticing Urdu script pieces with this unusual material) • Syed Salman Chishty Ajmer Sharif, India (Photo interpretation of calligraphy, they are still but incredible depth as they move you) • Tanjung South Korea (Very graphic and experimental) • Werner Sasse Germany / Korea (I am his fan now, his experience and command shows in his work)

It was a great platform where calligraphy is presented in traditional and contemporary form. It was a  visual cum educative treat for everybody who can't imagine calligraphy (alphabets) can be translate this way.
There were workshops arranged for everybody. I also took one session on 'contemporary calligraphy', I had fun; most importantly participants also had fun. Its always exciting and interesting to explore calligraphy with fresh and raw talent.

Both images are from ONE ASIA facebook group.

{HappyNewYear}

Its hardly any time left to arrive 2013. This year went really fast for me, I was super busy and didn't get much time to do anything extra (sadly; completely ignored the blog as well). That's the life of freelancers I guess, but no complaints.

This recently concluded ONE ASIA exhibition was a wonderful experience, where I met so many talented people from different parts of Asia. We all volunteers are still in touch and we are a big family now. This is what I have displayed there, got a nice corner to showcase the work.

Also please have a look at this link for other happenings & artists of ONE ASIA event. (Images by Jacky and Jyoti)

And lastly, I wish you a very happy, fun filled and of course safe new year. See you in 2013 with lots of new stuff, exciting projects.
(Just to share the excitement: I am writing this post on my newly bought iMAC, I am not used to desktop as my MacBookPro laptop has to retire, hence getting used to BIG screen and missing track-pad)

Text read as Best Wishes for the New Year (written in Devnagri script)

ONE ASIA DELHI 2012

Just to drop in to invite all of you for ONE ASIA event; also an opening of a Ek Sutra Calligraphy exhibition. Here in Delhi at IIC on 14th December 6 PM onwards...
Please spread the word, share it on social network (www.facebook.com/pages/ONE-ASIA-project/)
Read more about what is ONE ASIA here http://oneasiaproject.org/

Sketches

I am back to my sketchbook—actually loose sheets of paper found while organizing my studio. There is something unique of these stale, old, damp papers. Inks get really excited when they meet their lost old friends. Nevertheless it always works for me. Will try to make them meet more often. Enjoy!

Sev-Ampersand

Over the weekend M decided to make something crunchy, snacky 'Sev' or the so called 'Bhujiya (in North-India) for little D and obviously for us too. These are basically crispy, salty and mildly spiced (specially since one year old D can't take a lot of spice). They are in either straight or circular depending on how you move your hand while making it. Considering it was a first time experiment they turned out really tasty and are a good munchy stuff while surfing, reading and watching TV etc.
While I was reading and enjoying my snack; I felt something odd, uneven in my mouth. What caught my attention was this unusual shape. To my surprise it was none other than our favorite 'Ampersand'. It was completely unintentional and a surprised which M was totally unaware of.
Here is a darling '&' with her portfolio. In some angle it also look like a person sitting in leg-folded position.

Here its a tool which created this masterpiece. It requires hell lot of energy and pressure to get noodles from its nozzle.

And here are the nozzles—to get different kinds textures, patterns etc.

Next time, intentionally will try rest of the nozzles to create Sevography.

Essential Kabir

Hachette has come up with a gift edition called  Essential Series. It is a series of poetries translated from the works of great poets like Gibran, Rumi and Kabir.

I got a chance to design a cover for Essential Kabir which was already conceptualized internally.

Its a single letter devnagri 'Ka' stenciled out on the front cover and poem(doha) on the back; screen-printed in single black colour. 

Here are the renditions:

Final cover with cutout 'K'

'K' explorations

Back cover explorations:

Spread:

Its a must read, its a bilingual and simple...

I wish every projects should often happen this way.
That FINE day,
one call came,
He introduced with reference.
Details exchanged.
Briefed briefly.
Time–Checked.
Money–Agreed.
Work started.
Exchanged styles.
Received Feedback.
Reworked few.
Approved.
Finalised.
Delivered.
Appreciated!!

I got a call from one studio who wanted to write matter on Nine scrolls. For one of their client's international guests. They were planning to keep these scrolls in respective guests' room as a surprise cum thank you note for visiting India for a particular project. The studio have had the scrolls and they wanted somebody to write the matter on it to add personal touch.

I like such quickies ;)

Featured in An-Indian-Summer

Leehkin is featured in
AnIndianSummer-Design Blog!
The blog with
Amazing design inspirations!!
The blog with
Awesome visual treats!!!
For
–Homedecor
–Textiles
–Graphics
–Prints
–Travel
–Interesting &
–Talented people...

I am humbled to be a part of this.
Go on and enjoy the sunshine!
http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.in/2012/03/oddles-of-talent.html

Thank you Bhavna, Thank you!

Nameplate

I got this opportunity to design a nameplate for a family lives in Gurgaon. Their house is very tastefully done and paid lots of attention to the details on interiors, furniture and each and every corner of the home which is neatly 'designed'. Hence, the challenge was to maintain the consistency outside too. After all I believe 'the nameplate talks about your personality; its another identity'. We opted for the 'Devnagri' lettered nameplate as non of the residence on their floor has the names/surnames written in Hindi. So it would be really 'cool' to be up there. I also composed English names along with main Hindi Calligraphy to make it visitors/guests life simpler. (Who can't read, understand Hindi–such a shame!).

Greetings

Wish you a very joyous new 2012.
Wish you a very successful new 2012.
Wish you a very healthy new 2012.
Wish you a very peaceful new 2012.
Lets welcome 2012 with great hope, ambition and big smile.

Let me share the pictures of my last exhibition which took place in Russian Centre of Art & Science.(Group show). I displayed total eight pieces. Exhibition was a good experience in terms of my personal learning. Good response. Met new like-minded people. New Contacts. First time I put up the show in black & white (didn't feel like using colours rather my mind refused to use colours). First time I worked on bigger scale. The feeling of playing with letters and ink on such big canvas can't describe in words:) My mind subconsciously chose Devnagri alphabets and as usual they didn't disappoint me.
See the results here:

Wall one

Wall Two.

One of the biggies

Series

The superb venue with work of rest of the artists.

EXHIBITION

What a great occasion to end this year!
We, the same bunch of people who I had exhibition last year at Arpana Caur Gallery, showcasing this time at Russian Centre for Science and Culture, New Delhi, India. Its from 10th Decemeber (Saturday) to 12th Decemeber (Monday) from 10.30am to 6.30pm. I know; its for a short period but it falls on weekend, hence don't miss it.
We are total 7 artists with different set of skills and styles. I am displaying total 8 artworks (of course-calligraphy ones). Details about show, venue, experiences etc. will follow in the next post.
Here its the invite. Please consider this as a personal invitation and feel free to pass it to your friends, colleagues, families, etc. If you are not from Delhi, it would be appreciated if you spread the message to locals :)

Hope to see & meet you soon!

{HAPPY DIWALI}

Pool Magazine Feature

Interview in the Pool Magazine*!

*Pool is the first International Design Magazine from India now currently with it’s 15th Issue in print. It is a monthly printed magazine. More than 150,000 readers read and follow POOL worldwide. It is being seen as a voice of creativity from India. 

Pool’s advisory board has very well known designers from all over the world from various disciplines. 

 The huge potential reader base of Pool comprises of - Independent Creative Professionals, Design Consultancies & professionals, Creative Businesses, Educational Institutes & Industry, Art & Design Student community. 

Thank you so much Pool team for featuring me!

Workshop + Exhibition

Are you ready to dirty your hands?
To spill the inks on paper without any fear?
Lets learn A,B,C,D again, but newer and experimental way!
Come and join me to play together to create the magic of letters.

On this Saturday 1st of October, in Faridabad (Near Delhi), School of Experiments is organizing a calligraphy workshop with me and followed by 15 days long exhibition.
Look at the poster for more details and spread the words and come to enjoy your weekend (post lunch)

New News

This year too, I am honored by the Letter Arts Review, a well known USA based calligraphy magazine. My letter lamp (previous post only) got selected for this years LAR's annual juried issue. From total 540 entries of 170 artists from 26 countries. I feel excited and thrilled to get shortlisted.
I am really thankful to the jurors Massimo Polello, Italy and Holly Cohen, NY and also editor Christopher Calderhead for appreciating my work and made me share the space with other well known calligraphers.

This is first of the other good news. Past 3/4 months were really hectic and busy–on personal as well as on work front. Never got the chance to say hello and let you know what I was upto.
Here its the second news, its not really news, but wanted to share it with you as its a piece of graphic and you might find interesting. I was thinking of having a tattoo for a very long time and finally I got myself inked (an auspicious day when India won match against Pak in world cup–yes, I went in the break and inked myself). This tattoo is a symbol of 'god of knowledge i.e. Saraswati', I love this form since childhood, simple yet meaningful. I always appreciate the geometry. Tattoo is done by my friend's friend ISA, she is true hippy by heart and an excellent artist with excellent skills. Well, you must be thinking I should have done calligraphic tattoo? Just to kill the predictability and not making it obvious I opted for this non-typo work...but yes the next one is about the my love letters.

Now the last and the most happening news of my life. We were blessed with a baby girl on 11th May 2011, since its been joyful ride and feeling of parenthood its still sinking. We named her Devayani (means Goddess or mastermind in Sanskrit and its also a name of one of our Galaxy).

I am shuffling between Delhi and Mumbai because of this and will be back finally in August with the promise to share some more interesting stuff I was doing in this hectic period.
See you soon!

++ Tall Dark Handsome ++

Presenting another version of letterlamp which I have made long time ago. This time its in metal; more sturdy but slightly heavy than the previous one. It showed its presence in ArtHouse exhibition too.
This LetterLamp is designed by using geometric abstraction of Devnagri (Script) consonants. These structured letters and basic skeleton of alphabets helped to create the grid like composition. Beauty of the lamp lies in counters of letterforms which create luminous small windows. This three sided lamp (prism shaped) is made up of 2mm thick aluminium sheet and powder coated in black with slight texture.

Switched Off Mode:

Switched On Mode:

It has cover/lid/cap on top which has light source attachment and its removable.

Well, this tall–dark–handsome–intellectual is also available for sale! To make your corner seriously, thoughtfully beautiful get in touch with me at anikheel@gmail.com.

A little work is left for inside. Planning to change the light source. I am going to replace the T5 (which is very long) to normal CFL. Right now its diffused with thin film sheet but can be replaced with white/milky acrylic or can be left open!

Commissioned Art Work

This is a commissioned work did for client who is also a regular follower of this blog for her residence in Gurgaon, India. Recently I visited her place to see the piece well framed and mounted on the wall. This 'harvest' artwork is definitely adding value to the wall; eventually her space which is well maintained and tastefully done. This artwork measure approx 3.5 ft x 2.5 ft and on Natural Evolution paper with colour inks and various tools.

: : Sketches : :

Find out the artist' name which I did show with:

Did this sketch in the train after field visit in Sitla (Kumaon, Uttaranchal, India).

Quotes from the upcoming book on Bhagvad Gita (which I did cover)