People
RECONNECTING WITH PEN AND PAPER
Mumbai-based artist Sumedha Sah is bringing back the practice of handwritten letters through The Snail Mail Project
Words: Charishma Thankappan Photographs: Sumedha Sah
At a time when modes of communication are constantly transforming – from 140 characters, emojis, to updating the current status in life via feelings, activities, or stickers; there is little remorse about the death of expression through words and language. While our fingers have learned to type at breakneck speeds, and often without even having to look at the keyboards; what our fingers have ceased being able to do is actually write with a pen on paper.
Amidst the chaos of an age that is scaling the peaks of technology for communication; one person is making a concerted effort to keep alive a dying tradition. The practice of writing letters – on the threshold of being relegated to a historical period in the evolution of humanity, is being kept alive by Sumedha Sah, a Mumbai- based artist.
‘The Snail Mail Project’ is a personal initiative by Sumedha, where she invites anyone to send her a handwritten mail. In return, she replies with an original illustration. Sumedha calls the initiative “an exchange of thoughts, ideas and art”. It is for everyone who shares a love for letter writing, she says. “The letter may be about anything, a book they’re reading, places they’ve been or their ideas about the world. It can be anonymous; a paragraph or a page; a letter or a postcard. They may send a doodle or a photograph; a pressed flower or a broken leaf; a word they love or a phrase they hate. I urge people to send me anything that engulfs their imagination or anything that they feel is worth sharing with the world,” says Sumedha.
Having grown up in Nainital, she cherishes her memories from her childhood. Exchanging letters with her father when she was young is what inspired her to conceptualise this project. “Nostalgia has been quite important in what I do.” So does her project stem out of a social responsibility to bring back a dying culture? “My attempt here is not to be an activist or a model to bring back a culture; it is in fact a deeply personal project and I am fascinated to find many people identifying with it, not just in India but all across the world,” avers Sumedha.
About the purpose and relevance of handwritten letters in today’s time, which evokes a conscious attempt at writing; as against the mindless ramble on instant messaging, Sumedha says, “There is something deeply humane about putting pen to paper. Letters and postcards remain to be read, appreciated and preserved years after they have been written. The electronic age may be faster but the charm of a letter in your postbox can never be compared to receiving an e-mail. A handwritten letter is immensely powerful; its value lies not only in its permanence but also in the fact that it helps us connect with our minds. Letter writing is personal and requires our undivided attention, it forces us to live in the present moment and contemplate our thoughts and ideas without other distractions.”
Sumedha says that the letters she receives are quite varied in content. “Some are descriptive like travel accounts, life stories or incidents, and some are more creative like poems, illustrations and even recipes,” she says. “The most common themes are love and travel.” She has even received letters of anguish, as in the case of an Australian national living in Mumbai who was vexed about the questionable behaviour of Indian men towards women. Sumedha says that she found it difficult to respond to this letter and did a lot of research and reading to come up with an appropriate reply. “However, in the end, I was left without an answer but only a few words I read somewhere long ago – ‘A society which disrespects its women is bound to fail’,” she says.
So has she found any regular pen pals through this activity? “The project moves away from the idea of a pen pal and rather focuses on something more relevant in today’s time. The essence of the project is to share your thoughts and ideas. Every letter is a onetime exchange and its popularity lies in its fundamental idea – to exchange, connect and co-create. All of us, busy bodies are looking for a way to slow down and connect with our world and ourselves. The Snail Mail Project enables one to take a breath, sit down in solitude, reflect and create.” To participate in The Snail Mail Project, you can contact her at [email protected]
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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