CHENNAI: Vivid and abstract patterns of traditional Madhubani, interwoven in the contemporary art form — doodling is what Shweta Pandey, a Bhopal-based doodle artist, is bringing to Chennai at a Zen doodle workshop by MyCopie this weekend. A graphic designer-cum-artist, Shweta became interested in the art form a year ago. “I visited a lot of art fairs and met many traditional artists who do Madhubani and Warli art works. It sparked by curiosity,” recalls the doodler.
With suggestions from friends, Shweta decided to mix doodling with Indian art forms. “It was initially challenging to balance both. But when I started working on it, I figured out a way to highlight both in their original forms,” she says.
Often confused with Zentangle, Zen doodling has none of the specifics of the former. While a small art work takes four hours, a bigger size takes up to a week. “That’s why a fixed work time doesn’t work when it comes to art,” she explains. “I work when I am in the mood or want to express something. When I doodle I express it through design and use colours accordingly.”
Drawing inspiration from nature, trees and leaves, Shweta says her art reflects what she sees around her. “I love making designs of peculiar animals, stones and plants. In this workshop, I will ask participants to observe nature and come back to design,” she says.
Talking about traditional artists, she rues their skills are not recognised. “Mithila artists are just brilliant. Art for them is not just a profession; it’s a way of life. I am planning to start a portal where these artists can sell their works online,” she adds. Shweta wants to incorporate illustrations and modern concepts in her doodles. She will be conducting a workshop on June 5 at IIT-M Research Park, Taramani. To register visit, https://goo.gl/uD4s2k