Say doodling and one is instantly reminded of one’s school and college days when one doodled on benches and notebooks out of sheer boredom. Now, doodle art is considered a niche art with artists exploring their creativity on canvases and accessories. Doodling on merchandise has also taken a new leap with artists using lines to tell a story and in a small space. Niyati Puri of Tree of Art is readying the doodling material for her fun and interactive workshop at Lamakaan on July 3. She states doodle enthusiasts can learn the endless possibilities of doodling. “Doodling differs from person to person,” she points out. “The themes are many and could be anything — from weather to the chai cup, one could discover new facets.” She also calls it a stress buster. “Doodling is a form of meditation. One is immersed in sketching random things but in the end a perfect symmetry emerges out of it.”
Wit and imagination
For most, doodling begins as a mundane activity. But with their animated imagination and humour, they make a career out of the imperfect and funny lines. Rohit Soni began doodling on benches, books and on the walls of his kitchen. Now, with a day job in Microsoft, he doodles on postcards, coffee cups, t-shirts and calendars. “Doodling gives one a freedom to sketch anywhere and anytime,” he says with a smile.
In the Jawaharlal Nehru Fine Arts University, young art students go back to basics and doodle with colours. Priti Samyukta, Head of the department of painting says in the first year youngsters have a session with freehand sketches. “The class is not called doodling but it is a playful way of making youngsters flexible while drawing. It is important that an artist’s joints especially at arm, wrist and shoulder are not rigid so that they feel free while drawing,” she explains.
Design artist Garima Shukla feels doodle art scene has a lot of potential as youngsters find doodles cool and prefer merchandise with an art element in it. “Youngsters between18-30 years like to add a striking element to their personality. Doodles on tote, wallets, posters, t-shirts and coffee mugs are liked by all. Even doodle-themes based on Indian society and surroundings and quirks are funny,” she states. The imperfect lines have a story-making ability, she adds. “Call it humour or instinct, tweak the doodles and there is a form and shape which brings the message across and makes people happy.”
Companies are cashing in on the popularity of doodles to incorporate them in different products. “Doodles are the best way to reach out to youngsters and help them appreciate art,” observes 3D animator Pavitra Sinha. To be a good doodle artist, the young artists affirm one needs to be witty and aware of one’s surroundings. “One can start exploring different themes and try to create a form and be relevant. The best part it is one need not worry about the shape of the drawing,” laughs Garima.
So, the next time you are free, get hold of a pen and paper and start doodling.
