For most of us, finding the right art to deck up the walls can be tricky. Even more so, if you do not frequent exhibitions, or understand the distinction between originals and prints, or interpret the meaning. Thanks to a dozen websites that sell art now, buying one has come within reach. But, the paradox of choice still exists. Scrolling through literally thousands of images across websites to choose just the right one can itself be a daunting task. Abstract or landscape? People or wildlife? What size? What color? Moe than the budget I think it is the thought of deciding what to buy, and if it is the right choice for a wall that is intimidating. If you are confused, you are not alone. We’ve all been there. I’ve rounded up a dozen paintings all well under Rs 15000 so it won’t put a dent in your savings account.…
Yes, you read it right- creating memories on the wall. If you’ve been looking for that perfect piece of art like me to deck up your wall so much so that the wall has been bare for years now, don’t look any further. Go make something of our own. For starters, here is an easy peasy one. All you need is a framed canvas, some paint and a pair of hands of yours and your family :) If making a trip to the stationery store to get a framed canvas seems tough, just make the wall your canvas. When my son turned three, out of boredom and desire to have some fun, one afty I created his hand print on a canvas. Now that he’ll turn six in two weeks, am I glad I did that? Saving memories for posterity. Some more ideas of using hand and foot prints. Alright,…
Sometimes unplanned weekends are all the more fun. Just on a whim, when I go to know last Wednesday that Monday was a holiday for my son, we decided to go to Hyderabad. Booked tickets on the bus, made reservations at a hotel at a great location, packed lightly on Friday evening and off we went on a two day holiday. Recipe for a great weekend: one day of exploring the city and one day of catching up with friends you haven’t met in years.
It’s been over 25 years since I last went to Hyderabad and this was a first personal trip for my husband and son. The highlight of the trip was that it coincided with the end of Ramadan and festivities were on to celebrate Eid. I’ve never seen Bangalore celebrate Eid on such a large scale. After a while, it felt little awkward as if something was amiss if I didn’t see a “Irani Haleem” sign board every 50 meters. There were a few streets that completely took us by surprise – a street full of paint stores, one just for wedding invitations, another for hardware and electrical stores and yet another for just flowers – flowers of all kinds, sizes and colors, and fruits.
There was so much chaos and yet it looked so organized. As we meandered our way through the old city to the Museum, the contrasts of two cultures existing effortlessly side by side was hard not to miss. This is why India is secular: it was along drive from Golconda Fort to the Museum and I dozed for a few minutes. But, while driving through one of the narrow lanes, I woke up startled by the ringing of the temple bells. The temple was flanked by a mosque on one side and a famous haleem outlet on the other. Most of the old houses have not been renovated, at the max, just painted. So those small windows, painted wooden doors secured with a chain iron lock on the top, and STD-ISD-PCO (it’s hard to see these in Bangalore) signs, was a treat to the senses.
Sunday, we met up with old friends and had lunch at Nautanki Gali – which is what this post was supposed to be about. But, I digressed. There’s nothing much I can describe in words about the restaurant other than that it was everything Indian(rural), kitsch, adventure, happiness, colors of life, street food ( spicy chat and sinful chocolate fountain desserts), celebrating life, making memories and indulgence – all packaged into one. Over to pictures:
A view of the hallway leading up to the dining area designed as a thoroughfare with steel balti seating for waiting guests and bright street-like painting on the walls.
A closer look of the art work with some funny captions. Inspiration comes from the graffiti on the streets, back of trucks and auto rickshaws around the country.
A quick little question that you have to answer without thinking too much. Ready? What was your last purchase for the home? The big couch, fancy dresser, or pretty mugs at an exhibition. For me, the cheer a big investment brings is short-lived, but the small indulgences keep the cheer flowing all year long. Don’t you think it’s the little, unexpected changes around the house that put a smile on everyone’s face? Like when you painted a wall, or changed the seating arrangement, or bought some bright cushions? When my son gets back from school to see a new Pooh sticker on his door, or a Batman sketch on his side table, he is overjoyed. Last week, while cleaning his shelf, I found some wall vinyl stickers my brother had sent a year ago. It just lay there for I was in the search of a perfect wall and…
