Hobby-nobbing creators, all

Unfazed by the booming start-up culture and the thriving e-biz route, a volley of young Bengalureans are blazing their own trial — by creating kooky accouterments and artifacts, sans an intent to sell, but for the love of creation! In a candid conversation, they tell us about how the passion is panning out — and what truly drives them.

“It was a random thought to learn something new that led me to take up crocheting. I decided to buy the needles and other material to get myself
started. Browsed a few YouTube DIY videos, and the next thing I knew I was hooked,” says Pavithra Natarajan, a senior social media analyst, who pursues the ‘granny hobby’ and often dons her own creations.

“I dabble in everything from making shrugs to bags to bracelets to cute Mary Jane shoes. They’re products of my imagination that I take pride in flaunting!”  Quiz her if the idea of sales ever struck, and she promptly replies, “I  don’t want my creativity to be hindered by the preferences and time limit of a client. Moreover, it is a hobby, to relax, so I like creating for the love of it.”

Similarly, when engineering student Navya Rao took to the canvas to unleash her creative flair, a flurry of sales invites came her way. But the young artist chose otherwise. “I’ve been doing abstract art and oil painting for quite a while. I see painting as an opportunity to channelise my creativity and use it as an artifact – most of my oil paintings are used as home décor. I’ve even tried my hand at creating interesting pieces of art on my old tees and have worn them. There’s a certain sense of attachment that comes upon the completion of a great piece of art,” she opines. Admitting there’s absolutely no harm in trying to monetise out of one’s talents, she believes other factors motivate her. “Pursuing something for the love of it may not give you a pay check. But it will make you a lot prouder of your abilities. I believe, as an artist, the biggest driving force is self-satisfaction. And that’s exactly what I expect from my art,” she says.

Reiterating how one must indulge in an activity that milks productivity, Annie Bulah, a homemaker and tatting artiste says, “It elates me to see my tatting art unleashed on the unlikeliest of places — like in the tablecloths on my dinner table, as pen holders, bracelets or earrings. I like showcasing. Since it’s easy to get swayed by a hectic schedule, one must indulge in an activity that fosters productivity. A passion that offers the opportunity to experiment and play with your imagination.”