Sindhoor By Nidhi Chanani
The New Indian Bride is kicking of 2011 with a new discovery that brings a smile to my face each and every day. The source of all those smiles - artist, designer and illustrator Nidhi Chanani. I recently stumbled upon her sketch Sindoor and its charm, simplicity and sweetness warmed my heart. I was on a mission to find out more about her and find out I did! I learned she is married, lives in San Francisco and Sindoor is her favorite sketch! She made it for her Leading Man on their first anniversary. She also just started pursuing her art full-time in 2010. Of course, once I tracked down Nidhi, I had to ask her a few questions related to my favorite topic – weddings! Here is what Nidhi had to say:
TNIB: Did your art play a role in your own wedding?
Nidhi: It did! I drew our wedding invitation as well as characters for table assignments. I also drew our thank you cards… Our invitation was one of the first images I created and shared with a large number of people. In a way, it was my first taste of what I do now, sketch of the day, and the response was very positive and supportive. I am still surprised by it… and touched.
TNIB: How has being married influenced your sketches?
I wouldn’t say that being married has influenced my sketches. Actually, I never wanted to be married! I wanted to be in love… to love someone and be loved in return. That is what influences me, the exchange of words and whispers, knowing glances, soft kisses, laughter and silence… With love in my life, I am able to see and feel the beauty of those moments. That, I hope, comes through in my art.
TNIB: How does art influence your married life?
Nidhi: Art impacts our lives because it is part of our every day. My work is fairly personal, I am influenced by my relationship, friendships and everything around me. I believe that pursing my dreams and working at it each day has made me stronger and by extension made my relationships thicker and more personal.
TNIB: Are any of your sketches about your wedding/marriage/relationship?
I would say that almost half of my sketches are about my relationship! I feel incredibly fortunate to have love in my life… it inspires me and pushes me to create.
Even Nidhi’s responses make me smile! Who wouldn’t want to have their life’s work be influenced by being loved and loving in return.
If you want to smile each and every day become a fan of Nidhi on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nidhi-Chanani/114296911945787 and sign up for her sketch of the day at http://e-nidhi.com. If you are in San Francisco Nidhi will be part of The Sweetie Pie Art Show just in time for Valentine’s Day http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153035968078416. I opted to bring Nidhi into my home by framing one of her prints from her Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/nidhi. My first print just arrived and I have been oohing and aahing ever since!
Thank you Nidhi for spreading smiles and love through your art. It is warming my heart each and every day. The New Indian Bride wishes you enormous success in 2011!
