It was the week before I take some time off work, and gosh, am I happy that it is over.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
1.
Much of my work time went into drawing an endless stream of Devanagari conjuncts, writing features for them and testing them out for a type design project at TypeTogether. The monotony of this exercise is strangely hypnotic and therapeutic. Otherwise, I spent a whole day working through my creative block to send design directions to a client. I got a positive response on that work, so phew! The remaining time was dedicated to creating more delivery files for a lettering project, which is all but wrapped up. I am relieved that when I get back from my vacation, there will be one less thing on my plate. I will miss working with this team of folks though, all-women and so funny, kind and generous.
2.
Mid-week, the new batch of India Street Lettering zines came freshly-baked from the printers. Immediately, I sent some copies to Pulp Society, where they are on display until September 15 as part of the gallery’s exhibition, Paper and Play. The exhibition opening was on Friday evening, and I flagged off my downtime with a visit. Amber and I celebrated this little win with dinner at Oh Calcutta!, where we haven’t been in ages. The restaurant had a hilsa festival going on, and so I got the chance to taste this fish for the first time.
3.
My little home studio has been neglected for weeks — mail piling up, books sitting on my desk, art supplies all over the space. With help from Amber, I gave the space a bit of love on the weekend. We also spent some time adding our latest book haul to the catalogue on Libib. Our library is inching close to being 1100-books strong, and that is without counting my collection of Pelicans, Jñyānabhāratī Bāla Pocket Books, etc.
4.
I had early birthday celebration plans with my family on Saturday evening and with Purneetha and Harshay on Sunday afternoon. Amber and I added a trip to the NGMA to the mix to attend a walk about the life and works of Amrita Sher-Gil.
5.
Earlier in the week, I got to spend a little bit of time with my cousin and Uncle, who were visiting my parents. Amber and I also snuck in a lunch with my Mom, while my Dad was traveling to a conference in Bangalore. At the conference, along with Prateek and his long-time colleague and friend, Rachna, he picked up an award for their work.
6.
I read about actress Shannen Doherty’s passing, and that prompted me to start rewatching the original Charmed. The show came out when I was just entering my teens, and as one of few series with all women leads, I devoured it. The rewatch has been much more sobering. The portrayal of the three Halliwell sisters is so typically framed by the male gaze, and I shudder to think how the show may have shaped my own body image.