PERSONALEEHKIN

Nameplate

2012-02-01T13:02:00.000+05:30

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

2012-01-02T15:16:00.001+05:30

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

2011-12-06T14:11:00.000+05:30

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}

2011-10-31T11:14:00.001+05:30

Pool Magazine Feature

2011-10-05T18:09:00.000+05:30

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

2011-09-30T11:11:00.000+05:30

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

2011-08-08T11:40:00.003+05:30

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 ++

2011-05-04T12:39:00.001+05:30

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

2011-04-01T12:30:00.000+05:30

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 : :

2011-02-08T16:42:00.001+05:30

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)

A tiger at twilight and Cyclones : : Manoj Das

2011-02-02T14:33:00.004+05:30

Presenting another book cover which I designed for Author Manoj Das–A tiger at twilight and Cyclones, publisher Penguin, India
Two different stories in one book.
Initially I did sketches on paper but for final I solely depended on digital media (illustrator) for lettering.

Aksharaya : : Calendar2011

2011-01-24T13:45:00.002+05:30

Remember I mentioned about the type-workshop I have attended in Alibaug? On Thursday, the client Sona Commercial Pvt Ltd finally launched the calender here in Delhi which has all designers' artworks they made during workshop. Works included by the faculty, students, recently graduates, professional designers from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangaluru etc.
There were many participants so they selected best 12 to fit in this 2011's calendar. Here are some pictures of what we have done and the madness, fun behind these 12 leaves.
The Venue:

We worked in our rooms too...day & night!

Intricacy in progress, by Sulekha a designer from Bangaluru.

More madness but definitely fun...

Here is display of final leaves of the calendar, where they presented each page as an artwork and was looking really awesome.

L to R: Puppet in Gujrati-kathputni (Snehal), Water in Kannada (Hiren), Love in Hindi (Rocky)

The above photos are by Pooja Saxena, a Delhi based communication designer and avid typo lover. Find the word gurumukhi 'Ghumangheri' in her labyrinth artwork, can't find it then check her awesome blog.

Unfortunately my work is not included in this calendar, but never mind this calendar justifies the great skills, talent and creativity. But I am sharing what I have done. The letters have been composed or rather built in a way to represent a concrete grid like cityscape; not with ink and brush but with only papers of different thickness and colours where each Devanagri Vowel helps create the desired feel.

Seriously, It was a nice trip and great collaborative effort. Lots to learn, lots to know! This motivates me do go deeper and acquire more friendship with letters. The journey actually began with the end of workshop. Standing on the deck, cold breeze, admiring Trajan of Gate of India, like minded people around who drink, eat and sleep types...memorable experience!

Cheers and many thanks to Sarang, Noopur, Santosh Kshirsagar, Pooja, Hanif, Rocky, Sulekha, OJ (Ojaswi), Locopoco (lokesh) and entire Whitecrow, Aksharaya team and of course Sona Commercial.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-17T14:21:00.000+05:30

Agree!
Its bit late, rather I completely forgot to wish you.
...later thought...why not now?

Here I wish you all very beautiful, well kerned, classy, leading 2011.

Lamp for GreenHouse

2011-01-09T21:07:00.002+05:30

During my last days in office, we were busy shaping up Greenhouse! GH is a cultural activity space, its an alternative education zone and its gathering space for interesting people, makers and creators artists, film makers, educators, photographers etc. Its located at awesome arty and design hang out place called Hauz Khas Village in Delhi. Recently we had a small official opening.
Studio people bought few lamps for this lovely space. These ready made spherical lamps with metal wires bound together had plastic bindings. Being designers; we all were itching to do something random/creative/interesting to it. I decided to do embellishment in calligraphy.
I used white ribbon (not the satin one but the one which local women used to tie their hair with) Its an inch high and 12/13 meter long translucent, nylonish ribbon wrapped around the sphere. The mix of Hindi, English calligraphy is scripted on that white ribbon.

It was bit tedious job to wrap the ribbon as its flimsy, nylon in nature.

Thanks Kassia for the last photo.

Jimmy The Terrorist : : Omair Ahmed

2010-12-20T14:34:00.001+05:30

Once Maithili told me, designing book cover is like designing movie poster. Only difference is the size. All design principles remain the same. It should have loud shelf value, also how a movie poster communicates 3 hrs in a single sheet similarly the book cover should manage to tell the gist of 300 pages.
I completely agree with her when I recently got an opportunity to design a book cover. The story is about a guy called Jamal who became a terrorist after stabbing a police inspector and being beaten to death, he calls himself JIMMY. The author Omair Ahmed aesthetically captured the tragic life of Jamal and his father Rafiq and circumstances which transformed him to become aberrant human being. This story is set in northern part of UP, India around 1990.
After reading synopsis and few chapters of this fiction I decided only calligraphy would do the justice for this kind of subject. Thankfully I managed to reflect the same expressions of the content through the words. Editor, design head and the most important the author accepted the result and were happy too about the cover.
I got the chance to attend the launch of the book too. I was quite thrilled to see the blown up of cover used as promotion materials, backdrop etc. In the night this contrasting cover with black calligraphy on the stark white background with red accent was standing out beautifully in ambiance.
Here its the book:

And here is the full spread, designing a book jacket is 'more' fun, more scope to play.

Photo Credits: Aman Sagar

A New Beginning

2010-12-17T12:01:00.000+05:30

Breaking News!
Yes, I quit my full time job and I am full time at home.

Plans: No plan is the plan
I will do whatever I want
I will do whatever I enjoy*
Calligraphy? For sure
Graphic design? Bread and butter
What's wrong with you? A Risk
Do you need any help? Get me some projects or buy my artworks+products or just wish me luck:)

*I wanted a well deserved break from my routine life. I will literally sit and think and sleep over my ideas and give some time to myself. I will make sure those ideas will see some day of light. This would also give me the opportunity to pursue my calligraphy in art form as well as for commercial purpose and of course graphic design as well. Now onwards I will be working as an independent designer and calligrapher I am also open to working/collaborating on projects.

So, keep visiting this blog to see what I am upto...

Typography Workshop : : Aksharaya

2010-12-04T15:36:00.000+05:30

Recently I attended a typography workshop/camp which was organized by Aksharaya group, Mumbai and sponsored by a well-known paper company. This camp was took place in 'Alibaug' a 2 hrs ferry ride from Mumbai.

I was excited from the day when they invited me to participate. After lots of emails exchange about cordinatation, briefing, accomodation, communting etc. we finally reached Alibaug. These were all new faces for me, I haven't interacted with any of these participants before. It was a great experience to share creative space with them; learn new interesting things, methods from them and of course a fun with them. This camp was full of joyrides and productive outcome too.
The brief was to create word/s using any of the Indian script but only with paper/s. Well I can't reveal much details about this but I can share some glimpse of what we were upto! Soon this group will officially disclose the magical moments of Alibaug, then I will also share the same with you guys.

Its wonderful initiative from a body like Aksharaya and its great to know my country is also started these kinds of events for 'letter conscious people' like me. Looking forward to more come from and many more hidden talent, skill and passion flows.

SWARMAYEE: Logo for academy of music and art

2010-11-18T12:33:00.004+05:30

I designed this logo for a very small scale music and art academy in Mumbai. It is run by a couple Ved and Arti Nair. Ved was a music composer of film Khargosh, which I have done a film title and credits. It was really a short notice job as they needed it urgently for their upcoming event.

This is what client said:

You are simply too good!!!

And that too at such a short notice!!

I saw the design and its really wonderful -

the rhythm created by those 'extensions',

the balance achieved and the subtle details,

especially the lyrical swan's neck-like figures!!

Musicality of/within your design is just brilliant!!

You have given much more than my friends could imagine!

They are so happy and proud of possessing the design.

FEATURED IN: 40 Fantastic Calligraphy Blogs

2010-11-17T15:05:00.002+05:30

GOOD NEWS!!
This blog (personaleehkin) is featured in www.webdesignschoolsguide.com under '40 FANTASTIC CALLIGRAPHY BLOGS'. I am super excited and thrilled about this mention, recognition and of course motivation...
Here is the link where you can read the full article: webdesignschoolsguide
Also screen shots if the link expires, doesn't open

Edible Letters

2010-10-12T17:23:00.001+05:30

Apart from lettering+calligraphy and Bollywood movies, I have another passion for FOOD! No... I am not talking about my culinary skills, but I am talking about how food makes me peppy and charged! Yeah I am total FOODIE! I love to eat and experiment new food. Being a vegetarian I have a limited choices but I still manage to find some way the other interesting things and combination to satisfy my hunger.
What if my these passions come together, lettering and food? letters created with food? Don't be amazed just have a look at these images. I did this small experiment in office kitchen when our cook was serving evening snack. (Yeah we are one of the luckiest studio where we get homemade lunch and snacks and n amount of teas and coffees as per our *demands*)
Here are the Palak Chillas (Spinach Creps) converted into letters:

This is Devnagri letter 'e'.

This is Devnagri letter 'a' (not the apple 'a').

This is Roman letter 'A'.

This is Devnagri letter 'a' (Yes the apple 'a').

It was complete fun and a good break between office work. Thanks Dayanand for letting me use kitchen and Rikta for helping to shape my letters.

: : Show 2 : : Glimpses

2010-08-18T13:15:00.002+05:30

Finally I got some time to post few pictures of the latest show. This show was awesome experience in terms of meeting different sets of people, getting their reaction and appreciation was just fantastic. This exhibition had more professional touch than the previous one.
The venue was simply fabulous, its an academy of art and craft situated near Siri Fort (excellent location, easily accessible from any part of Delhi) run by the great artist Arpana Caur. It has two floors with basement where they have library, vocational training centre and of course two mid sizes exhibition galleries. Here is one of the gallery where we displayed our work. Many friends, colleagues, relatives (of other artists) were present for opening.

Some of my work, I displayed total 6 artworks.

This is devnagri 'T' with anuswara.

This is devnagri 'L' with double maatras.

I also displayed some 'diaries' for sale. More details on the next post :)

A Group of Young Artists : : {Show TWO}

2010-08-04T16:47:00.001+05:30

I would like to invite you for an another exhibition. Again its a group show of SIX young artists. They will showcase the mixed media artworks and paintings at Arpana Caur Gallery from 3-8 August, 2010. Its in Delhi, near Siri Fort Auditorium, whoever is in Delhi during that time please do come and visit the show. I am showcasing total 6 artworks with 5 other artists who have completely distinct styles.

Right side middle one is mine (I am sure you must have guessed it obviously ;)

LETTERFORMative : : Show {One}

2010-08-04T16:25:00.004+05:30

Finally we took down the show! LETTERFORMative was an awesome experience. It was nice to know common man people are getting aware and amazed by this art, Calligraphy. Well, my intention was always to showcase Devnagri in modern form and should reach international platform. I enjoy experimenting and playing with various tools, techniques and materials. I personally like to make calligraphy more 'image centric' and create a visual abstraction of letterforms; where I am OK, if legibility takes a back seat. All letterforms have an excellent structure, body; its just a matter of peeling of each layer and exploring its hidden beauty.
Making an artworks were a game of ups and downs. It was frustrating to achieve a desired stroke after wasting days & days and papers or sometimes it was a joyful moment when accident with ink, paper and hand resulting in never-seen-piece.

Here are some pictures of behind the scene and actual show:

Slowly going up

Finally all are up

In the ambience

I also made one lamp, displayed below (right side, Prism shaped). I am in the process of making such products.

Other artists were from JJ School of Art, Mumbai (Sarang, Noopur, Pradnya and Yashodeep) have a unique style. More abstract, slightly quirky and minimalistic. They have taken these alphabets in different level. This bunch is purely dedicated to type design and typography. I found overall more systematic approach than 'free' but that's their perception of looking Letterart and no doubt it was looking kickass!

Other artist cum faculty was Mr Kharsani from Ahmedabad, very experienced amongst rest of the gang. All the artworks show his trained and well-prepared 'hand' and knowledge of DNA of each alphabets. I amazed the way he gives energy and freedom to his letters.

I would like to thank Mocha ArtHouse team, my studio Codesign for their support.
Here is curator Sandhya and me, trying to click photo of artworks, but in vain, because of stark glare and reflection; literally shooting stars, glares.

This show encourages and motivates me to do another show and look at this art more serious.
Yes I am already participating another show...see the next post for details and excitement.
Some photos by Vinay Jois.

The Festivals of India : : Calendar

2010-07-20T14:36:00.005+05:30

Remember 'The festivals of India' post? This is the detailed post of the same. Its a calender I have designed for a client 'Tricolite' who manufactures and supplies big electric machines for big scale companies. The theme which they decided this year was 'festivals of India'–different festivals celebrated in different parts of India in different months.
We decided to use calligraphy. Not only for lettering but explored the forms and graphics with calligraphy techniques. Basically all the graphics were made with strokes. It was a challenging experience in terms of creating 'imagery' with such constrains. With lots of experiments with nib thicknesses and dirtying hands and papers, finally we were ready with sets of graphics related to 12 festivals. Later it digitally scanned, composed and colour corrected.

Here is the cover:

We were actually running behind the time. The calenders should have reached the customers by mid of January. Because of some production hiccups we managed to deliver it by end of February. Hence the calender starts with April 2010 and ends with March 2011. Here are some glimpses of months/festivals.

This project was an experience! I was going through a severe pain, had a major dental surgery which became very complicated and was absolutely bed ridden for 5 days, couldn't open my mouth and move anywhere. This calligraphy came as savior. I have to be forcefully at home. D told me about this calender and was desperately in mood to do what I really like.
Actually this calligraphy worked as the best remedy for me to recover fast :)
This is how it looks as a spread:

Close up of forms and inks and texture:

Client as well as their customers were really happy to receive this 'piece'. Thanks Meera, Ayush and Dahiya and Mohor. Photocredits: Maithili Doshi.

Preview

2010-06-25T19:04:00.000+05:30

Sneak preview of ongoing exhibition in ArtHouse. As I promised I will get back to you with detailed information about exhibition my experience, responses, artists etc. in next post. Till then enjoy this.

My First Exhibition : : Invitation

2010-05-28T17:49:00.001+05:30

I am really sorry for this long gap and couldn't post so far. The reason of disappearing was the exhibition. Yes, I am displaying my Calligraphy work (almost 15) in Mocha ArtHouse, here in Delhi. Its a group exhibition, called LETTERFORMATIVE. There are total 6 artists, four from Mumbai, one from Ahmedabad and me. It's an excellent experience of experiments and learning. Hope to get a good response. I will write in detail about exhibition and other artists in the next post.
So here it is...
Leehkin is cordially invite all of you to calligraphy exhibition which will be on from 30th May till 10th of July, almost a month long. Whoever is in Delhi, visiting Delhi during this time, please drop in to the ArtHouse. PS: The artwork used in the invite is created by me ;)

Conversation with Passengers

2010-05-07T09:54:00.002+05:30

Recently I went to Palampur and Andretta by train. I love train journeys. Its fascinating to just watch and hear people around you. I am the last one to initiate the conversation though I enjoy what they discuss, tell, crib about...publicly ;)

Moleskine Mania

2010-05-07T09:48:00.002+05:30

Moleskine • Many thanks Avinash!

Letters Arts Review Annual Issue

2010-04-08T11:54:00.001+05:30

My work got selected and published in this year's annual juried issue of Letters Arts Review, an excellent calligraphy magazine. There were total 314 entries created by 98 artists from 20 different countries. I am very happy and excited as judges selected my work and gave the opportunity to stand with other well known calligraphers. Also the exposure of Indian Devnagri script on international front. That's really motivating and gives me kick to do more challenging stuff.

An artwork which I sent was a popular poem by Late HarivanshRai Bachchan. Its in Devnagri script, written by Lamy fountain pen with blue ink on orange cartridge paper.

Thanks Alice, John Neal, Christopher Calderhead.

Photo Credits for submission: Rajesh Dahiya

Scribble*r

2010-03-11T12:47:00.005+05:30

Some online experiments with scribbler and LOVED it! Thanks Ghate

A BIG THANK YOU!!

2010-03-07T12:45:00.003+05:30

Its been pending for a while; I take this opportunity to thank everyone to make this blog active and successful.  I am enjoying this blog thoroughly not just calligraphy and design are my passion but also to meet nice, like minded people from various parts of the world. 
Thanks everyone to follow this blog religiously, visiting same site week after week and months...32 followers so far, not bad at all.  
Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments that motivates me and charges me to create something new!
Keep blogging and keep visiting Leehkin!

A BIG

Brownies!!

2010-02-20T13:17:00.002+05:30

A brass cut-nib is lying with me since I bought it from Florence (Italy) two years back. After that I never dared to touch it, don't know why; may be I was scared that I will ruin its well finished, classy angle and material. But finally I made up my mind and used it unrestrainedly and what a BLISS!!
During this our first time rendezvous, I also found a new love for Brown ink which equally gave stunning result...complete Brownie points!!

Pictures by: Maithili

Coming Soon

2010-01-23T16:31:00.003+05:30

This small calligraphy project (details will reveal later) with studio's regular work keeping me busy these days. Wait and watch this space for some interesting experiments. (I never tried this before :)

Happy New 2010

2010-01-05T11:57:00.001+05:30

Corners of sketchbook

2009-11-13T18:11:00.005+05:30

Ink flows and...

2009-10-23T15:09:00.006+05:30

HAPPY DIWALI!

2009-10-16T11:51:00.001+05:30

Wall Art Featured in Colour Decor

2009-09-15T16:11:00.005+05:30

Wall art mosquitoes and Devnagri alphabets are featured in colourdecor blog. Its wonderful blog by Patricia based in Dubai, her great eye for an aesthetics, innovative mind and passion for colours and interiors reflect in her blog world. Please go there for awesome visual treat.
Thanks a lot Patricia, its an honour! (of these beautiful art of lettering too).

Basking in the sun!

2009-08-16T13:40:00.003+05:30

Took this photograph around 545am (yes, i know its very early morning). Loved the colours which sun threw on the wall and hence the glorified alphabets. Wish you all very warm, fresh and bright good morning!

Micro Experiments!

2009-08-16T13:24:00.009+05:30

Letters look beautiful in any angle & dimension. Here are some of the micro views of few alphabets. It could be nice sets of paintings on wall.

Close ups of AB and C.

Enlarged micro views: ink and textures!

TYPOQUOTES!

2009-07-12T16:04:00.005+05:30

Hellos! Sorry for not updating the blog for a while, tied up with some work and new settled life :)
But now onwards; will be regular with more interesting stuff...Promise!!

Pilot pen with black ink on Junk, Raddi papers

New Chapter

2009-04-10T11:59:00.010+05:30

The new, fresh n exciting phase of my life is just going to begin after few days!
One week to go...then I won't be single anymore.
Yeah! I am getting married to my girlfriend in Mumbai next week!
It will be short & sweet Maharashtrian wedding, but yes with typical Indian wedding touch!

This post is not about my goodbye to bachelorhood but about the invite which I have designed!
Here are some glimpses of those cards:
There are two versions: Marathi (my mother tongue) and English

Here its English one...

So will be in front of my laptop after a while, I will definitely get back to my this love soon!

Koshish!

2009-03-13T22:30:00.001+05:30

This is another request/comment from Meenakshi who runs a NGO called Goonj in Delhi. She wanted someone to write Harivansh Rai Bachchan's very very inspiring poem for her daughter and she found that someone on arth n nitya blog!
I thoroughly enjoyed writing this motivating poem. As you can see flow of inks spontaneously forming meanings on paper.

Here its a full preview

Gist of poem (non Hindi readers):
Never give up. Keep trying. Failure is a challenge one has to face and do not stop trying to succeed. Only those who try, succeed. Nicely blended with metaphors of ants, boat men, etc.

Sketchpen & calligraphy tool with black Indian ink on white cartridge paper.

Meaningful Meaningless!

2009-02-19T14:20:00.008+05:30

Sometimes, something comes out really interesting when you work without any context, meanings, ...briefs! See, what I have found again! These 'randoms' were made during our lectures, while thinking in library, while sketching for project but ended up doing something like these:

Ink bottle cap's hairdo

I love cartridge paper, more older the best result!

PS: Don't even bother to read what its written :)

Happy Valentine Day!

2009-02-14T22:35:00.002+05:30

I don't believe in such kinds of days! Just saw the 'love' in one of my sketches so sharing & spreading with you all :)

Cloth Letters

2009-01-25T15:47:00.014+05:30

I was cleaning my cupboard and found pile of art card glossy sheets. Bit damped, yellowed A2/A1 big sheets were peeping from folder & telling me 'use-us-now-LAZY!!
Here I used a cloth (cotton gamcha kind of rag which is rough in nature) as brush and quite happy with its unexpected awesome results.

A to Z family! Can become a font...

'd' stroke; how each letter ends!

Liked the thickness & texture it creates.

Stunning blot at the end of 'w'

...and that's the 'brush'

Its quite amazing to see the play between 2 different materials where one is rough but flexible and second is smooth & glossy.
Its like ice skate dancing! It will be cool to make them moving.

Namaste 2009

2009-01-02T11:56:00.004+05:30

Leehkin welcomes a very successful, cheerful, healthy and safe 2009!

Groeten and Saludos!!

2008-11-23T21:41:00.011+05:30

Hellos and Holas,
Yeah! am back from well deserved vacation. After these all museums, art, shopping, food, language, trams and metros, etc and etc now its very difficult getting back to the grind.
Both these places offer incredible visual treat. I am mainly putting design related stuff, what to do, Graphic designer within me can't skip the print, typo, colours, textures and what not!!
Amsterdam was bit cold and windy, so roaming around in the streets was slightly intriguing. Culturally rich, disciplined architecture, structured layout of the city reflect in the warmth of localities. Its a mecca for designers! Everything is so well 'designed' that you never face the 'functional' problems and you just goes well with the flow.
Must things to do: Van Gogh Museum, Rijks Museum, Visit Red Light:), Magic Mushrooms, Canals, Cheese, I Amsterdam 3 days Card, walk walk and walk or hire a bicycle.

Barcelona was pleasant. It is blessed with both beaches and hills and also the masters like Miro, Gaudi, Dali. There were surprises at every corner of the street. Wide roads along with modern as well as heritage buildings, sculptures make you feel in bliss! I think Barcelona is must must visit destination before you die! I am fortunate to experience this lovely city.
Must things to do: Gaudi Gaudi and Gaudi Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, La Rambla, Picasso Museum, Olympic Stadium and Museum, Tapas, Walk on the Beach, Look for Small Cafes, Dance sessions at Cathedral and again Walk Walk or take Undergrounds metros

P.S: Design studio in Amsterdam, Koeweiden Postama really liked the diaries
Groeten and Salutos mean 'Greetings' in Dutch and Spanish language respectively.

Pause

2008-11-04T15:00:00.004+05:30

Its time to take a pause for a bit!! Leehkin is off to super alluring Amsterdam and lovely Barcelona for few days...yes going solely for a vacation purpose! Its studio's annual vacation

We will be going to visit one design studio in Amsterdam, so planning to give them some gifts or souvenirs from India. These handmade cloth covered diaries with strings attached represent true essence of Indian hospitality. Craftsmanship, colours and Devnagri initials of that studio members make an excellent gift idea and very personal!

There are total 24 pieces all together...

Mix of both...bright, vibrant and rusty, dull. (Cathy, Pier, Jorn, Jacques, etc.)

Detailed view...string is bit intriguing but definitely adds 'Indianness' to it.

That's the packaging, covered with Indian regional newspaper.

Chalo friends, see you soon with heaps of clicks, faces, enchanting colours, incredible objects and of course alphabets and numbers.

Happy Diwali

2008-11-02T11:23:00.003+05:30

Leehkin wishes all readers a very Happy Diwali!

House Warming!

2008-10-25T11:49:00.002+05:30

House Warming invitation for Ayush's new house in Gurgaon. Marker pen and Adobe photoshop with Dahiya's artistry touch.

Calligraphy for friends

2008-10-05T14:10:00.010+05:30

This nameplate is created for my very good couple friend Arun and Vaani. Arun works with NDTV and Vaani is a film maker by profession working with Discovery Channel. They are in process of buying a own house in Delhi, so I thought lets begin with this...

Here its another co-blogger friend Megha, owns a BRILLIANT blog called 'arth & nitya' (named after her childern). I quite liked the names and found very much artistic potential in these beautiful letters and here it goes...

Lettermobiles

2008-09-18T11:02:00.006+05:30

Sleeping mode sketches

2008-09-16T21:54:00.007+05:30

A few sketches made during my recent travel from Delhi to Mumbai (home) by Rajdhani Express. Mostly captured the passengers in sleep mode–safe n steady!

Leehkin is honored!

2008-09-02T10:50:00.003+05:30

Leehkin is in news!
It feels so great Alice, thanks a ton!

Sketchbags

2008-08-08T12:46:00.041+05:30

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No TV+Itching+Toying+Texture+Colours+Canvas+Shopping Bag+New CutPen+Flow+Recycle+Idea+Gratification!
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Sunday Afternoon!

2008-07-08T11:01:00.004+05:30

KHARGOSH

2008-07-05T17:19:00.016+05:30

Title and credits done for a movie called ‘Khargosh’ (Rabbit), directed by Mr. Paresh Kamdar and produced by Mr. Rishi Chandra. He wanted all the credits and title in Hindi which suits the film’s tone and flavour.

Director’s own word:
“It is really too good! I will go for this option. It has got everything. The restrained flourish of the tails– their ends merging into the black; the texture within the letters, their complex tonality and its position–right toppish also dynamises the black background. All these together create terrific complexity which is very reflective of the complexity that Bantu* experiences in his journey in the film. Very Good Work!!! THANKS!!!”
* Protagonist of the film.

LEEHKIN WISHES NIKHEEL

2008-06-26T13:13:00.010+05:30

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEAR NIKHEEEEL
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(though its belated, but why not celebrate own birthday whenever you want to?)
Reason behind posting this is I gave some thoughts to what I want in life which is just reaching 30. No, its not any philosophical thoughts where I found ‘Sukhee jeevan ke dus nuskhe’ but practical wishes in life. Don’t know if they will get fulfill or when will they get accomplished, lets see!
* Travel to all seven wonders of the world, or at least travel all over India—each and every corner of it.
* Should confidently called myself Graphic Designer
* Nice to everyone.

BHUGOL

2008-06-18T23:36:00.008+05:30

Film title done for Chaitanya Modak’s classroom project during NID.
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Bhugol
15 min. | Mini DV | Colour | 2005 | INDIA
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'Bhugol' may literally translate to geography but it also directly states that the world is a sphere. The quest for one man to find the edge of the earth is the escape of another. Yet this journey itself is a scenic and timeless humanscape which reflects and blends into the vast geography it navigates.
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Festivals/Awards:
• Mumbai International Film Festival, India, 2006
• Vikalp Mumbai screening of Best student Films, India, 2006
• Kara International Film Festival, Pakistan, 2006

IPL Fever II

2008-05-28T22:13:00.003+05:30

Ink, Paper and Letters

IPL Fever I

2008-05-27T15:34:00.014+05:30

Ink, Paper and Letters...

Switching the boredom of switches

2008-04-23T11:13:00.004+05:30

Art–Pet

2008-04-23T11:01:00.012+05:30

Is this काष्ठशिल्प (wooden sculpture) or is this just a natural phenomenon? I found this, when I was having lunch under the tree in NID's Heritage campus, during summer time, when college mess was closed. I was cleaning up the space before sitting and spotted the wooden beak peeping from beneath the grass and got curious. I took some time to ascertain the bird like wood or wood like bird. For a moment, I thought it was a dead bird and after a closer inspection, I thought it must be someone's missing art. Amazed and puzzled, I had a quiet lunch with the bird and without thinking further, I carried it along with me. I cleaned it, varnished this 'art–pet' of mine to prevent it from termites. Now its lying in my collection showcase.
I still wonder about its origin and those questions remained the same till date.
What is this? How is it possible? Who is the person behind this. I have no answers but I acknowledge the miracle and creator of this masterpiece.

ELEPHANT PROCESSION

2008-04-01T18:12:00.004+05:30

My parents recognized my inclination towards art at an early stage (instead of spoiling drawing room walls, its better spoiling books with official permission!) and started sending me to the drawing teacher Mr. Sudhakar Chandorkar for training. Later, I started participating in many drawing–painting competitions. He and my mother used to teach in the same school. So they used to communicate about upcoming competitions regularly. It was wise of my parents and my teacher to send me for those competitions, where I was exposed to other students’ talent. I also achieved the confidence of visualizing ideas in a short time. Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes I did not. I also made a few friends during those competitions as the same bunch of students used to be present in most of them.

There were many other learnings I went through. In one of the events, we had to draw about any one of the 3 given topics—Fair in the village (Mela), the beach and procession on elephant. I was confused about which one to choose. Mela was my winning entry for a past competition, so I was confident about the first option. The second option, beach, was quick and easy to draw; water would cover half the paper, so it would be a simpler job. Almost finalizing the beach option, I checked my color box and shades of blues were almost exhausted. Till that time I didn’t give any thought to the third option because I hate drawing animals or I should say I couldn’t draw animals well. Its tough! But having no other choices and time left, I challenged myself to opt for ‘the elephant procession’.
It was a nightmare, I finally drew an elephant and horses looking like identifiable creatures on the cost of a 3 inch eraser scrubbed down to an inch in size. After a long struggle, I finished drawing the procession. We used to show our finished work to accompanying parents who were the most curious souls. My mother’s expressions made it look as if my drawing was completely unrelated to any of the given topics!

Results were to be announced after a half hour break. My mother had dropped all hopes of my winning after seeing my masterpiece. But we still waited for other friends, who had done a better job... apparently. Judges had selected 5 winners and announced their names in ascending order. A sudden strike of Lady Luck, I happen to be the no.1 winner. My mom was shocked and I was also surprised but happy. Later the jury members spoke to my teacher that—I was the only one who dared to choose the third option and made a great picture (effort). This ‘only’ elephant procession stood out amongst the cliched, playful beaches and fairs.

Calligraphy

2008-03-04T17:39:00.007+05:30

Pass time activities—Playing with letters.

Catchin' eyeballs

2008-01-20T02:40:00.009+05:30

I would like to share my final year diploma project—Catchin’ eyeballs, sponsored by B4U television Mumbai. (B4U–Bollywood for you).

Here are some screenshots/storyboard of master ident. All these are created digitally. Its based on masala of Bollywood. It combines all spices and characters into one thread that derives story.

Haathi Chaap

2008-01-15T19:36:00.008+05:30

I bumped into Delhi Haat to visit the yearly nature bazaar by Dastkaar (www.dastkar.org). Its an amazing festival where you get to see craftsmen and artists from all over India. This year’s theme/mascot was ‘Elephant’. To follow the theme, one organization called ElephantPooPaper (http://elephantpoopaper.com) developed paper products, selling under the brand ‘Haathi Chaap’ (elephant print or elephant brand). I was surprised to know that all the inside papers, the cover, the hardboard (gaththe) were made of ‘elephant poo (dung)’. They even put the charts to describe entire process from collecting dung to the final products. Quite a thoughtful eco-friend!

Unmatched

2008-01-15T19:08:00.005+05:30

Just an observation, this is very common matchbox in NCR region. The brand or name of the matchbox is ‘DELHI’. Its strongly represented by ‘Gateway of India’ which is located in Mumbai. So is it a typography error or visual error? Or designer wanted to show the presence of capital by showing the visual which actually represents the ‘real’ capital of India. Or it might just be a plain case of weak knowledge about history (or geography)?

Keep reading this blog; I will soon write about my matchbox collection, where you might observe some interesting facts.

Namesake! i to ee

2008-01-06T19:38:00.004+05:30

Naam main kya rakha hai? But there is always a story or meaning behind everyone’s name. Especially in case of Indians. There is an interesting story of my name, where central characters are these alphabets ‘ee’.

I used to be Nikhil till 10th’s board exam form submission. My form got rejected because of some reason, all clerical staff were curious, wondered and couldn’t found the reason! After all tallying and going through in detail everyone relived to know its cause of spelling mistake. On the birth certificate, its Nikheel, so it was not matching with ‘identity—From that onwards I have to call myself Nikheel (stretching on ‘khee’) keeping in mind, I changed the Devanagari writing too–निखील.

Ohh, do you believe in numerology? Suits your creative style ha! Something unique! Easy to get login/email ids—I started liking the ‘difference’ and gradually said good bye to ‘i’ and accepted the presence of ‘ee’. Now days I started signing off my causal-emails by ‘ee’.