'Chai's world' - Bringing illustrations to life
This is an ongoing project that I post on my Instagram page (@ArtOfChai). I illustrate and photograph 'Chai', a cartoon version of myself in different real life surroundings and express how I see the world through him.
There’s an incredible feeling of seeing a character come alive in real surroundings, that I absolutely love ! I usually draw, paint and animate digitally. I have always enjoyed taking photos of interesting things I notice every day. I wanted to explore and see how I can express myself through a combination of my illustrations and photography.
Mmmmm Love the aroma of fresh South Indian filter coffee. Here's Chai fulfilling his cravings!
Chai enjoys climbing /walks / runs on the hills in the evenings. Pune is blessed with hills (or 'tekdi' as they are known) in the city. If you come to the city, they are a must visit. Hi from Vetal tekdi!
We hardly get time these days to relax. Find some grass, lie down on it and chill.
Paanipuri or rather aptly named 'Gol gappa' where you make the O shape to say the word just like you make when you eat them! This great fusion of crispiness, wetness, spicy sweet and tangy tastes should be declared a wOnder of the world.
Self portrait.
Through the Dosa portal! Dosa is an Indian dish originating from the southern part of the country.
Wisdom tooth pain means the scary trip to the dentist.
Haircut time !
Chai loves chai (Tea in Hindi).
Chai being a good husband. Helping carry all the shopping bags for his wife, Ru.
It is time for Holi ! ( Holi is a festival of colors celebrated in India ).
It was our 2nd wedding anniversary so I decided to show both – Ru & Chai enjoying a long talkative walk like we have every day.
Chai listening and swaying to 'Afreen Afreen', one of his current favorite songs.
When you get your hands on a box of mithai ( dessert ).
Take a moment to look up and notice the trees around! They have the ability to calm us down and unwind a bit. Also we start to notice the world a bit differently.
That's Chai ready and packed up with his passport for our trip to Malaysia !
Chai excited to see a lot of birds and koi pond fish at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.
The time we went island hopping in Langkawi and got filmy on the boat.
After a Kayaking ride in the mangroves surrounding Langkawi, Malaysia.
Snorkeling in Pulau Payar marine park, Malaysia.
Chai had been looking forward to try some Malaysian food. Here's him about to jump into a bowl of Nyonya Laksa.
50 SHADES OF BLUE. When choosing what to wear is a very difficult question.
Lots of Colors! 😃
Chai loves visiting the art store every now and then. It's like visiting paradise!
Chai loves visiting the art store every now and then. It's like visiting paradise!
Chai loves chilling on beaches listening to the waves come by and the breeze blow the hair.
Chai stepped out in the afternoon and all that left of him was an omelette. Damn summer heat!
Chai doing touristy things in Kuala Lumpur.
How much ever hot summer gets, it always has a silver lining for Chai - Mangoes!
Chai just can't get enough of Mangoes. Excuse his messiness, not something one can control when you have fresh cut Mango on your plate.
The third and final stage of experiencing mangoes to the fullest. Here's Chai savoring the lingering taste and letting out a flavorful burp. The sense of delight that mangoes bring is like nothing else!
Here is a little glimpse into my process including coming up with ideas, drawing, cutting and photography.
Doing this project pushes me to be more creative and demands of me to be more observant of my surroundings. It is a good opportunity to step out and draw/color something directly on paper, cut it and finally bring it to life by photographing it with real surroundings. It combines a lot of my interests into one.
Thanks for checking out the project !
You can see more of these on my Instagram page - Instagram.com/ArtOfChai .
Thanks for checking out the project !
You can see more of these on my Instagram page - Instagram.com/ArtOfChai .
