Vishakha

INTERVIEW

Vishakha was born in a Gujarathi family which settled down in Cochin 25 years back. Vishakha’s home in Cochin is a treasurehouse of hand made items such as gift boxes, invitation cards, napkin holders, paper holders, spice boxes, candles and other exclusive decorative items. When did you start doing craft work? From my childhood days I had a habit of experimenting with things. Actually it was then a hobby. For the last five years, my favorite past time has taken a professional outlook. I have been making hand made items such as gift boxes, invitation cards, napkin holders, paper holders, spice boxes, candles and other exclusive decorative items. I have got regular clients and collect orders from them. What is the major difference between art and craft? Art is mainly to do with colours. The right combination of colours makes a perfect art. Craft is mainly paper work. It is the creation of an idea. It’s a labour of love and excitement which I genuinely want you to feel. How long have you been in the teaching field? What is your opinion about our new generation on their learning of art? For the last 3 years, I am in the field of teaching.The younger generation children are very intelligent and creative. They are keen observers and always excited to do new things. These are the positive signs I am seeing in the present generation. What is the philosophy behind your creations? The interest and the pain which I take to make new products every time is my only philosophy while crafting new items. You are mainly promoting eco-friendly products? Why and what is the demand ratio? Eco –friendly products are the demand of the time. People are coming back to nature and overall it is a good sign. Usually most of the resorts and hotels are promoting eco- friendly items. Which is the latest item in your list? I have made a 4 ½ ft boat gift box on the demand of one of my clients to accommodate clothes as well as jewellery. I am exploring new horizons in creativity by making napkin holders using bread and soap. I have also made tiny baskets and rings using the same products. It was a great success. You are greatly in demand for your creativity. What are the reasons, in your opinion? My two items you can not find identical. Each and every item is unique. My every item whether it may be crocodiles, magic wands, strawberries, dolls, teddy bears and snakes or cards,all carry some message. In festival seasons like Diwali,Christmas,Onam , children’s birthdays or any other occasion, people book their item a month before. Every gift brings a smile back to the face of the beholder. Which day do you remember as memorable in your career? During my childhood days, I used to pay a lot of attention to gift wrapping.I wrapped each gift in a unique way. When I met a friend of mine after 25 years, she told me that she still kept the colourful gift box safely which I had presented to her. What is the reason behind the charm and sparkle present in all your products? First of all I try to make products using natural things and also try to handmake every thing I sell. You have conducted events organized by the Varkey group for children. What did you teach them? I conducted classes for children without using a gas stove or oven. I helped them to make chocolates and cookies.