Hidden motifs

Nimisha Jain calls her interest in arts and crafts more of a family hobby than an individual inclination, something that has been passed down from generations.

“I was interested in this field since my school days because my mother, sisters, cousins — everyone used to do this. But after marriage, I went to Ireland for a long time and couldn’t pursue it as much as I wanted to. I used to buy the raw materials whenever I came to India for vacations but it is only after coming back that I started all over again.”

She adds, “My husband is also very creative and gives suggestions about what materials and colours to use in my creations. My elder daughter is another budding crafter and I look forward to her comments and reactions.”

Variety is the buzzword for Nimisha and she dabbles in a medley of techniques and styles to create paintings, decorative items, decoupaged artefacts, coasters, boxes, trays and more. Bright, vibrant colours and Indian motifs characterise her works. She admits to being fascinated by Rajasthan and Gujarat art and as a result, mirror and ‘kundan’ work can be found in plenty in her creations.

Asked about her favourites, she says, “I made a kundan mirror for my balcony once. The reflection of the night lights coupled with the rich blue colour reminds one of royal palaces and gives a festive look to my house. Apart from that, there is also an old tin trunk that I salvaged from a lady who was throwing it. I painted it and now it livens up the decor.”

Nimisha usually dedicates 2-3 hours every day for her passion and says that it’s the reactions from her friends and family that motivate her. “ I always gift handmade things to everyone and they love. Now they ask me for specific items as gifts (laughs). I feel very happy about it. They use the things which I have given them and every time they see it, they will be reminded of me.”

The favourite among these reactions is what her father once said to her. “A long time ago, I made a small board called ‘Mom’s cafe’ for myself. My kids are foodies and they keep wanting something new. My dad saw it and the first thing he told me was ‘Make it for your mom also. Her kitchen is always open for everyone.’ I was so happy.”

Her daughters are following in her path and her husband is enthusiastic about this field as well. “My elder daughter wants to choose a creative career later and I am happy she feels so. My husband has taken it upon himself to help me learn new things. When I go to my parents’ place for the vacations, he goes for painting classes and then teaches me whatever he learns. He went for a Madhubani workshop recently.”

Asked about her future plans, Nimisha says, “I want to learn all the different types of arts and crafts found in the different corners of our country and then set up a corner in my house to display these.”

(Nimisha can be contacted through her Facebook page ‘Studio304’)