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Finding a way into their art

Ample supplies
Last Updated 22 April 2016, 17:49 IST

Local stationery stores have large supplies of graphite pencils that come in all shapes and sizes but one has to struggle to find less popular kinds like charcoal pencils.

In a place like Bengaluru, which has a booming art and craft scene, artists struggle to find the right material for their work, be it pencils and pens for sketching or papers, beads and fragrances for other craft work. But the seasoned ones, who have been crafting for years, know where exactly to find the best art supply stores in the city.

Although these stores are tucked away in nooks and crannies, they are frequented by committed artists who find solace in them. Talking about what an art enthusiast can expect from these spaces, a group of artists and crafters share their experience. Swathi Swamy has been frequenting art supply stores since she was a child as her mother is also a crafter. She says that though one can find anything on the internet, she prefers visiting stores and spending time picking up supplies. “Unless they are imported products that aren’t available in India, I like to check what I’m buying. One can’t tell the quality of art supplies if bought from an online store.” This is why she suggests various stores around the city for newcomers.

“When I want to buy something in bulk, I go to Raja Market. They have everything one needs for jewellery and soap making. I buy canvas and drawing material at Bhaskar Art Centre on Avenue Road. I also visit Mahendra Novelties and Vasanth Stores in the same area. In Raja Market, the trick is to visit the stationery stores on the first floor; they have more variety when compared to the ground floor ones,” says Swathi. When she doesn’t want to buy in bulk, she visits Commercial Street. “I buy ribbons, laces and smaller items at Ravis Craft Shop and chemicals and bases for soap making, dyes and blocks for block printing at Devi Store (on Ibrahim Sahib Street). One can also go to Reliance Stationery Mart and Orion Paper Mart on Commercial Street, and Itsy Bitsy, which has multiple outlets,” she adds.

Shailee Adke discovered the wonders of Raja Market and Avenue Road when she was a textile design student at Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology 7 years ago. She runs up to the first floor of Raja Market whenever she gets a chance and stocks up on
sequins, beads, paper and dyes.

It’s not uncommon for people, especially art enthusiasts, to hoard supplies, which is why well-stocked stores are always a blessing; they never turn a customer away. Sonal Shah admits that she goes crazy when shopping for art supplies.

“I won’t know when I’m going to use it but I like to stock up. I like Bhaskar and Bhaskar on Avenue Road the best because they home deliver, for free, whatever you need. They also know what they have in their store so they prompt. But if I can’t go that far (I live in C V Raman Nagar) I visit nearby stationery stores in Thippasandra,” she says.

While these old stores are always crowded and are located in small gullies, they stock the latest and best supplies one could need for any art related hobby. And unlike online stores or large retail outlets, they give their regular customers good discounts. Shefali Pandey, who swears by the brushes of Bhaskar and Bhaskar, says that though stores like Itsy Bitsy have a variety of imported goods, the supplies on Avenue Road are much cheaper. “And not all stores there require you to buy in bulk, though you can,” she says.
So if you are someone who loves shopping for stationery, these stores are the ones you should try for a personalised experience.

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(Published 22 April 2016, 14:19 IST)

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