Nidhi Chanani is a San Francisco-based freelance artist and designer of Indian origin who likes to create art to make others feel happy. Her multicultural background is clearly reflected in her illustrations - from saree clad Indian women, illustrations of Indian festivals to illustrations of her with her hubby (whom she lovingly calls hubbahubba), who is of American origin.

All her illustrations are made using Flash and Photoshop along with the use of scanned paper textures. We found the pièce de résistance to be the wood burning artwork she creates by intricately burning lines on raw wood, which is influenced by the mehendi(henna) art from the Indian sub-continent. Nidhi was very kind to spare some time to talk to us about her penchant for creating art. Read on for the interview:

Nidhi, lets start with an introduction to yourself for our readers.

I am in Indian-American artist, born in Calcutta, living in San Francisco. I create a new illustration nearly every weekday. I have been working professionally as an artist for a little over two years.

You studied literature and went to art school for a brief period of time. What was it that made you take to art as a profession?

I danced around art all my life, collecting art books and doodling in sketchbooks. I also loved writing and reading... I feel that illustration allows me to explore both writing and art as its a wonderful way to tell a story. I was encouraged by the previous editor of India Currents Magazine who published a comic I used to write, it was only then that I considered pursuing art as a profession.

Making Friends

Silent Sunlight

Your art has a variety of styles to it (from day to day illustrations, kids illustrations to comic strips). What are the sources of inspiration for your art?

I feel like we are surrounded by inspiration. Every day. It's hard to see it sometimes, because there are a multitude of distractions but I really believe that beauty is everywhere. I draw a lot from my life and from the simple desire to draw... If I want to draw a monster or a dinosaur, I take that desire and tell a story with it.


What tools do you use to create your artwork (digital or otherwise)?

For my illustrations I use flash and photoshop with a heavy dose of brushes and textures I've created. For my wood burnings I use raw wood and a professional wood burning pen.

Your wood burning art is absolutely amazing! Tell us more about this artform and its background.

I'm not sure its background, actually! I was introduced to it by an artist friend who was creating acrylic paintings on wood with the line work burnt in the wood.

You you you

What is the inspiration behind the wood burning art? How long does it take, on an average, to finish each of these masterpieces?

Each piece is different, some heavily influenced by mehndi art, and some by pattern or flowing intricate lines. I don't have a specific inspiration for them, but I do created them with the intention that they keep giving... My hope is that each time you look at the piece, you find something new, that it takes more than one taste to fully digest. The time for each piece ranges, from initial concept to the final protective coating it can take days.

What other artists do you look up to? If you could peek inside the studio/toolbox of any other artist whose would it be and why?

I have such a long list, so I'll go with the most recent. I've been enjoying the work of Michel Rabagliati a lot. I'd love to see him complete a comic page from start to finish.


Besides art, what are you passionate about? How do you like to spend your free time?

Hmmm! I'm passionate about love! I love spending time with my hubbahubba, my kitties, my family and friends. It's mushy, I know, but love is my fuel and I couldn't do anything without it. I love San Francisco, everything about this city makes my heart sing. I also enjoy reading, cooking and traveling. I'll be visiting both Chicago and Kauai for the first time this year!

Country Girls

City in the Rain

Save me San Francisco

You sell your artwork through Etsy. Can you tell us why you did not opt to use a shopping cart solution on the website so that you could sell the items directly?

There is an ease with etsy and originally that's why I went with it. Now that I've been actively using it, I realize its so much more than a shopping platform. Its a wonderful community of artisans, crafters and customers, and I enjoy the benefit of being part of a bigger handmade community. I am also not ruling out having a shop on my site as well, its simply a matter of finding the time to implement it.

What are your future plans as an artist?

I am very interested in creating a longer narrative, whether its in comic or children's book form. I would also like to find more venues for my wood work.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring artists?

Do not chase this or that style or technique - focus on creating what you love and the rest will follow.


Thank you Nidhi for taking the time for this interview, your artwork is truly refreshing and clearly reflects your passion. We wish you the very best for the future.

You can view Nidhi's Artwork at:
Website
Facebook
Etsy Shop
Flickr