OLIVETREE

Vo l u m e 1 j u n e 2 0 2 1

L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e

Salubrity
kitchen
Gujarati
culinary
experience

Revival Thewa
Chanderi Jewelry
History of this of the
wonderful loom royals
and why this
handloom is a must
have

Kids stop press

Wonderful DIY projects
for the munchkins while
they are homeschooling.

Heem Desai
We live in an ever changing world, be it
in our day to day life or for that matter
our interests. While most of us are
forever chasing the golden dream and are
constantly working up to sustain ourselves,
there are others whose jobs are not quite
so mundane. There are many who convert
their interests and hobbies into their dream
jobs and enjoy the work-life balance.
Heem Desai, Founder of www.olivetree.
life did just that. Creative by nature, since
his childhood, Heem has devoted his time
and efforts on learning different forms of art
and reading books on varied subjects that
helped him broaden his knowledge of art,
aesthetics and different forms of creativity.
Even as a child he has participated in
many plays and musical renderings in his
school. Growing up, his interest in the arts
and creative field piqued and he has won
many mentions and accolades for his
creativity. Finally, Heem took a decision
to do his ‘Masters in Interior Design’
where he was recognized for his skillful
project rendering and details.
This was just the beginning, Heem
decided to travel and acquaint himself
with different forms of crafts and
looms through interactions with the
artisans and weavers. He is proud of his
Indian heritage and culture and loves to
encourage local artisans and weavers to
this effect.
He previously owned a quaint little
boutique called ‘H The Farm Boutique’
that showcased very unusual furniture
that were designed by him and shaped
by various local carpenters and artists.
Today, Heem is the Founder and Creative
Director of an e-commerce website
named- Olive Tree that curates the most
unique and desirable products that are
all proudly Made in India. His website
www.olivetree.life showcases beautiful
products that are made exclusively
in India. A careful selection of most
desirable products is a crucial step for
them to be featured on the website.
Products and wares that were generally
not readily available from these artisans
directly, can now be easily bought on
our website. The lockdown situation
gave us the opportunity to work with
the artisans of India and bring to you
the most unusual materials. The journey
of research began in the month of
March, with consistent time and effort,
it dawned upon us that there are lots of
people struggling to be known for their
work. Who doesn’t like recognition for
their hard-work?

The effort then was to compile the list
of these local artisans and creators and
listing their products online with keeping
in mind a few aspects. At Olive Tree,
the main purpose was to focus only on
Indian artisans, to encourage, revive,
showcase and help develop them further.
Individually a lot many of the vendors
listed on Olive Tree are making the same
efforts and so we decided to join hands to
showcase India as it should be. Collective,
continuous and seamless efforts have now
helped these artisans to showcase their
most unusual products on our website.
Olive tree showcases products from
different genres of lifestyle needs. From
a piece of a furniture to a much-desired
saree or from health food to a beautiful
piece of art, we have it all covered.
With an effort to bring to you some
interesting facts about the rich cultural
history of India related to the art, creative
and designing aspects and on many
more such subjects, we bring to you this
collaborative efforts of many creative
bloggers and writers in the form of this
beautiful e-magazine that shall make for
an interesting read.
Do subscribe to our magazine at www.
olivetree.life/emag. The subscription is
free and can be cancelled anytime.
Team Olive Tree
E d i t o r ’s N o t e
Prachi Gandhi
The year 2020 has been tough for us
all. Being home-bound due to the
lockdown, has given us plenty of time
to ponder our future endeavours in
such unusual times. Our website www.
olivetree.life, is a creation of these
radical times.
More than a year has gone by and
with all your support, Olive Tree as a
company, has grown quite a lot. The
team is very excited about our new
launch and I personally, feel elated to
announce the launch of our very own
E-magazine.
This is an interesting initiative by our
team to bring to you some varied facts
and take you through the history of
diverse subjects that play an important
role in our current lifestyle. We all
love to adorn some beautiful looms,
but knowing the history of how these
beautiful textiles came to be around is a
fascinating story of its own and one that
will elevate the value of how we feel
about our clothing collection. The love
of art-work is in-built in most people
and only grows as we grow. An artist
feels most appreciated and recognised
when his/her artwork is displayed
for people to see and appreciate.
The magazine provides us with an
opportunity to get to know these artists
better too.
The magazine also covers some
interesting and unknown facts of
history related to the field of jewellery,
looms, antiques, crafts and much more.
There are many such beautiful subjects
covered in the magazine and we do
hope you have a good time reading
them.
To subscribe to our magazine please use
the link
www.olivetree.life/emag
 Editorial team

Publisher
Contents
life.olivetree@gmail.com Browse-Shop-Save

Olive Tree 01. Chanderi Fabric

History of chanderi fabric
Founders
Atul Desai 03. It’s Mango time
Ami Desai The salubrity kitchen featuring raw
mango and onion chutney salad
Heem Desai from Gujarat this time

Editor in Chief 05. Vasushri Article

Prachi Gandhi Interior design and decor Featuring
Vasushri Kapoor
Fashion Editor
Ami Desai 09. Magical Seeds
Rare finds. magical seeds from India
Editor
Heem Desai 11. Thewa 01 11
Internal Team Head Revival art and weaves Featuring the
art of thewa
Sujeet Kumar
Marketing and Advertising Head 13. Pop Stick
Popsicle sticks basket with yarn and
Mahiboobasab Jilani diy scented rainbow bubbles
Art and Creative Head
Subramanyam Attaluri 17. Raksha Jesrani
Artist feature. Rakshajesrani with
Editorial Contributors alcohol ink art
Vivek Prasad, Preeti Gupta,
21. Summer beauty care Tips 17
Navin Sigamany, Vasushri Kapoor,
Beauty Care through nature
Raksha Jesrani, Ami Desai, products
Heem Desai, Prachi Gandhi
23. The Stories of the
Photographic Contributors
Elephants’ Tree
Vivek Prasad, Preeti Gupta, The little unknown history.
Navin Sigamany, Vasushri Kapoor, Featuring hathi ka ped Hyderabad
history.
Raksha Jesrani, Ami Desai,
Heem Desai 05
26. Paper Mache
Creativity in India. Papier mache

7
 Origin and History of Chanderi Fabric

Chanderi fabric is one of the most sought out fabrics for sarees and kurtas. This
handloom has a fine luster to it that is unmatched with the other looms. The
detailing is then done with wonderful butti work and a very elaborate pallu and
border.

The origins of the Chanderi Ancient texts that have been

handlooms can be traced back to
the central state of India, Madhya
Pradesh. The first weave of this
fabric originated in a small town
by the name Chanderi. The loom
was named after the town that it
first originated in, located very
close to the mountain range named
Vidhyachal.
The mythological references
also portray a story regarding the
origin of the chanderi fabric. It’s been
told several times that the fabric was
first introduced by Lord Krishna’s
cousin Shashikala, though there is
no evidence to prove this theory and
can be construed as a folklore in the
life.olivetree@gmail.com region.
unearthed, speak of Madhya Pradesh
as a center for textile weaving between
the 5th and the 7th century. The cultural
regions of the state, Malwa, and
Bundelkhand have been the strongholds
of textile development in this region and
the people of the Vindhyachal Ranges
have a wide range of traditions that
have helped develop the handloom of
Chanderi apart from many more crafts
and looms. In the 11th century the trade
locations Malwa, Medwa, Central India,
and South Gujarat increased the region’s
importance.
It was not until the 11th century
that the chanderi fabric made a big
appearance in the region, gaining fame
over the last few centuries. This fabric

1 2
caught the attention of the royals of
this period and the royal family took
more interest in developing the loom,
to a point where the true potential of
the looms could be seen. Craftsmen
and artisans wove chanderi fabric for
the royals during the 12th and 13th
centuries.
The Chanderi sari weaving
tradition began in the 13th century,
although lehengas and kurtas were
already being produced for the
royals and the affluent of the time.
Around 1350, Koshti weavers from
Jhansi migrated to Chanderi and
settled there and began the process
of weaving sarees from this beautiful
loom. During the Mughal period
however the textile business of
Chanderi reached its peak.
Chanderi sarees are produced from
three kinds of fabric: pure silk,
Chanderi cotton and silk cotton
blend. Traditional coin motifs, floral
art, peacocks, and geometric designs
are woven into different Chanderi
patterns and developed to enhance
the borders and pallu of the sari. The
saris are among the finest in India and
are known for their gold and silver
brocade or zari, fine silk, wonderful
and comfortable fabric and opulent
embroidery.
Weaving is still the most lucrative
profession in the town of Chanderi
as the hand woven sarees are sought
by connoisseurs settled across the
world. Interestingly, the textile industry
provides direct and indirect employment
to more than 10 crore people and
accounts for almost two percent of
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
But, recently though the demand for
the Chanderi saree has shrunk and
weavers feel the heat. The reason behind
its shrinking demand is the economic
slowdown in the textile industry that has
affected its sale due to the pandemic.
According to aan insider estimate,
orders for chanderi sarees have shrunk
by almost 50 percent in the past year.
3 4
 It’s Mango time…..
H e r e i s a n i n t e r e s t i n g G u j a r a t i m a n go r e c i p e t o k e e p yo u c o o l a n d r e f r e s h e d t h i s s u m m e r :
Mangoes are rich in folate, which is used for healthy cell division
sweet-sour juice that is released from this
and DNA duplication. Mangoes are also an excellent source of Kachumber over Daal - Bhaat or the daal-
chawal. The Kanda Keri Kachumber goes
vitamins A, C and K and have good doses of potassium, beta-car- well along with Handvo, Thepla, Puda,
Dosa, Idli or virtually anything!
otene, folate, choline and magnesium.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Equipment Used: Steel Mixing Bowl,
Glass Jar for Storing Pickles.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups Mango (Raw), peeled and
grated
1 cup Onions, grated
1/3 cup Jaggery, grated
2 teaspoons Red Chili powder
1 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)
Salt, to taste.

To prepare this simple Kanda Keri Nu

Kanda Keri nu Kachumber Kachumber, keep all the ingredients handy
and prepare them as per requirement.
The Kanda Keri Nu Kachumber is Bring all the ingredients together in a
a traditional recipe from Gujarat large bowl.
that is made from grated manges Using hands, massage the kanda and Keri
and onion. Tossed in simple spices Nu Kachumber so that the jaggery mixes
and a little jaggery, the Kanda Keri well. Add the spices, salt as per taste and
nu Kachumber is a wonderful relish this simple condiment is ready.
that can be combined with almost all Once well mixed, transfer the Keri Nu
Indian cuisines. Kanda as known in Kachumber in a glass serving bowl.
the Gujarati is the onion and the Keri This Kanda Keri Nu Kachumber stays
is the raw mango. well up to a week in the refrigerator.
Kanda Keri Nu Kachumber is a classic
raw mango and onion relish made the
Gujarati way-sweet and sour. It also
happens to be one the most favored
summer condiments. Kachumber in
Gujarati means relish. In most regions
of Gujarat, a simple grated green salad
is also termed as Kachumber.
The presence of Kanda Keri Nu
Kachumber on the lunch menu marks
the arrival of the annual mango season
in most Gujarati households. It is
quick to make and uses a few pantry
staples.
Gujarat loves to generously pour the

5 6

Heem - When did you start your journey
as an Interior Designer? What was your
reaction when you got your first project?
Vasu - I’m a builder by license and was
already into construction when I realized my
pull towards design. I’d sit for hours lost in
drawings and plans, trying to make beauty
out of what most saw as a layout.
I used to get fascinated with the idea of turning
an empty shell into a warm and inviting space.
One of my first projects was a small boutique.
It was a challenge as everything was to be
customized yet useful and tasteful. That and
a 150 year old devdi renovation were my first
projects that happened simultaneously and
were like chalk and cheese from each other!!!
Heem- How did you manage getting
resources for your first project?
Vasu- A good amount of research helps for
the actual thing but I had to figure out a lot of
things- like space management, old structures
renovation and upkeep.
My background as a builder definitely made
things easier in terms of procuring materials.
But ID is a fine hand job. Detailing Is God.
If you are not able to give clean finish; no
matter how much amounts one spends, the
Vasushrikapoor
final outcome looks shabby.
Heem-After all these years how do you
7 8
feel as a designer and how was your
journey till now?
Vasu- The journey this far has been
satisfying and rewarding. Every project
as taught me a great deal. My job
as a designer is to bring beauty and
functionality to spaces in imaginative
and innovative ways.
Heem- Which project are you most
proud of and why?
Vasu- Each and every project is special.
Each project completed is a proud
moment when I can stand back, smile
and say “ho gaya”.
Heem-What are the aspects you
consider while designing?
Vasu- The design brief of course, the
personality of the client, space utility
and beauty. These are the 4 pegs
of design for me to start the design
process. Once the layout and concept is
shaped up then we do the 3D renders to
actualization.
Heem- How do you keep up with
the industry changes like new
products, designs, trends etc?
Vasu- Reading, exploring, and visiting
places as the inputs are vital for design.
There are enough platforms these
days to visit, see and collaborate with.
Studying about various aspects of
design and constant upgradation is
necessary.
Heem- Which one of these
you consider most important:
functionality or aesthetics?
Vasu- Both are important according
to me, one is redundant without the
other. That is where design comes in,
to amalgamate the two.

Heem- What is your design process?
Vasu- Design process...... Once the design
brief is in place, the design concept is
summarized. Creating a manual mood board
and showing reference images to the client,
so that we can narrow down choices.
After the layout and concept is in place then
we start with the step by step process of
planning.
Constant checking on progress, site visits,
taking the client for choices and shopping
apart from this being extremely vigilant helps
keep everything on track.
Heem- Most clients are difficult to please.
How do you handle this situation?
Vasu- Fortunately I’ve had great clients. But
whatever the issue, I’m sure a little bit of
patience and tact will ease out the situation.
Heem- What is your area of strength as
a designer?
Vasu- I’d like to call myself as an intuitive
designer. I can easily visualize what works and
what doesn’t go together. So at the concept
stage itself I’m pretty clear as to how the look
will be. This helps in the design process and
also the execution which in turn helps me
deliver on time. Delivering on great timelines
is one of our strengths.
9 10
Heem- While considering small spaces
how can you design keeping in mind
the best use of space?
Vasu- For me, in a small space functionality
is priority. Then we work on the aesthetics.
The constraint of space is a great challenge
as then we have to think of innovative ways
of space usage.
In Hyderabad, we do not have paucity of
space. In our projects in cities like Mumbai,
small spaces are a norm. Working with
different spaces and sizes is an exciting
challenge.
Heem- What are your inspirations and
why?
Vasu- Okay..... How do I draw/ get
inspired......
I create a few more mood boards sometimes
to take my mind off of the concept for
freshness. I also read up or go through color
palettes.
Taking walks refreshes my mind. Also
describing the concept in detail and
sketching it out helps.
meditate daily.
My family is very supportive and that really
helps.
Q13- what is your goal when designing for
a client?
A- Going ahead and visualizing their
utilization of the space that would be the
goal.
If, I, in my mind am not satisfied with the
functionality and beauty of the design,
against the discussion with the client, then I
rework it.
The goal is the same as that of the client -
value for money, a beautifully designed space
to be proud of and practicality of usage.
Q14- tell us about a tough project and how
did you handle it?
A- We were renovating a 10 year old
bungalow that the client had just bought
when the lockdown was imposed. Lack of
labor, shortage of material, skewed delivery
schedules, all played out havoc.
It all came together with the support of my
team and lots of networking
Q15- In the end tell us how do you balance
work and personal life. What is it that keeps
you going?
A - Work and personal life for me are
intertwined. It all boils down to priorities
at that moment. For me a typical work day
closes around 6 pm. After that I have time for
my personal life.
I also am fond of travelling, trekking and
photography. I take time out to read and
Magical Seeds From India: Manjadikuru
Also Known As Circassia Seeds (U.S. & Britain) and Jumbie Beads (Caribbean).
What is the smallest item in your
collection?
This tiny seed pod is amazingly filled
with even tinier carved artificial ivory
animals making it a lucrative collective
item. The little red seed comes from the
red sandalwood tree, common in India
and other tropical areas. Sometimes
called the Red Lucky Seed, Circassia
Seed, Jumbie-Bead, or magic charm
bean, the hollow seeds are filled with
carved ivory animals (usually elephants)
as souvenirs that would bring good luck
with each animal inside.
This seed, like a fancy perfume bottle,
has a carved stopper on top that fits
just right. Inside one can find miniature
paper-thin little animals. The animals
are intricately carved and some are
quite recognizable. There is a camel
and a giraffe, an elephant, and other
four-legged creatures.
Interestingly these are carved by hand
and the story goes like this:
The seed is plucked from the trees and
carefully dried in the sun. Once dry, the
head of the seed is cut open and the dry
white pulp is scooped out carefully in a
manner that it does not crack the hard
shell-like skin of the seed which is red
11 12
in color.
The pulp then is carefully broken into
smaller bits and each bit is carved
meticulously to a shape resembling an
animal. These carved prices are small
and thin like a miniature paper cutting
and are as small as an ant. A seed can
fit up to 100 such carved animals. The
opening is then closed with a carved
pulp stopper to hold these carvings
inside.
The animals are very tiny, each measure
less than 1/8” long. They are crumb
size! They were originally made to go
in the beans and given for good luck.
The whole bean is smaller than a dime
and has 10 tiny carved ivory elephants
inside!!! The bean stopper is also a carved
ivory elephant. The tiny elephants do
have some detail, but are so small they
are more of a primitive carving. This
is an amazing vintage souvenir piece
and each Bean with stopper measures
slightly under 1/2”.

Thewa- The bygone era and its revival.
Thewa is a special art of jewelry making,
which involves fusing intricately worked-out
sheets of gold on molten glass. It evolved
in Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan India. Its
origin dates back to the Mughal age.
13
Process:
Thewa is a traditional art of fusing
23K Gold with multi-colored glass.
The glass is treated by a special process
that makes the glass glitter, which in
turn highlights the intricate gold work.
The whole Thewa piece is handcrafted
over a period of one month by skilled
artisans. Thewa is an art that pulsates
with life, which shows the culture,
heritage and tales of romance and
valor of Rajasthan. The process of
making thewa work is detailed; time
consuming and intricate, taking up
to a month to complete each piece. It
starts with broken pieces of terracotta,
finely ground, mixed with chemicals
and oil to produce a thick paste. The
paste spread on a wooden base has a
23carat gold sheet of 40gauge thickness
set onto the mixture and the free hand
design etched on it. Black paint spreads
over the gold sheet that highlights the
design so it becomes clearly visible for
further detailed work with fine tools.
The craftsman removes the excess gold Thewa art works have also been celebrated
creating a design often based on the in a stamp released by the Government of
Hindu mythology or Mughal court India in 2004, and a Thewa artwork was
scenes, historical events or with flora presented as a gift to Prince Charles on the
and fauna motifs. occasion of his marriage.
Origin: The Thewa accessories such as pendant
In the year 1707, Nathu ji Soni invented sets, bangles, earrings, cufflinks etc., can
the process; the secrets of the craft that be worn on religious occasions, festivals,
passed directly from father to son over marriages and even parties. The rare and
the generations remain in the family
only, who call themselves ‘Raj-Sonis’.
intricate beauty of Thewa accessories add
a touch of glamour to your look whatever
Many of the members from this family
have been awarded by UNESCO,
be the occasion. Interestingly though,
through the ages Thewa has lost its appeal
National & State Government. Some of
the finest examples of this unique form
amongst people who now prefer buying the
artificial jewelry that look a lot like Thewa.
of decorative art are in local museum The craftsmen still make these wonderful
collections in India as well as abroad
including the Metropolitan Museum
art jewelry and one should have at least one
of these to add to their jewelry collection.
of Art and the Victoria & Albert.
14
 POPSICLE STICK BASKETS WITH YARN
Turn craft sticks and yarn into pretty
woven baskets with this fun Popsicle
stick craft. This simple technique
is a great way to introduce kids to
weaving and starts with a paper cup
as the base. Just glue an odd number
of craft sticks around the outside and
weave yarn between them, changing
the colors as you go. Large craft
sticks and snack cups make great
baskets, while small craft sticks and
paper cups make the perfect pencil
cup!
It is such a fun way to introduce kids
(and adults!) to weaving.
Ingredients
· Paper Snack Cups
· Small Wooden Craft Sticks
· Low-Temperature Mini Glue
Gun
· Any color Yarn (multicolor)
STEP 1
Use a pair of scissors to cut the top
section off of a 3.5” wide paper
snack cup, leaving about two inches
left on the base of the cup.
STEP 2
Add large craft sticks around the
base of the cup with a dab of hot
glue (on low setting), leaving just a
small space between them. You’ll
need to add an odd number for the
weaving to work. No need to have
them perfectly spaced.
STEP 3
To begin weaving, tie a knot of yarn
around one of the craft sticks and
trim any excess yarn. Push the loop
down to the top of the cup line. This
is where the weaving will begin. To
weave the yarn between the craft
sticks, alternate in front and behind
15
It is fun for kids and adults alike! Us-
ing a simple weaving technique, one
can create these pretty yarn-woven
baskets. They are a fun project for
you to work on together with your
kids. The options are endless for us-
ing different colors of yarn and Pop-
sicle sticks for weaving.
each craft stick as you work around the cup.
Continue this process to create rows of yarn.
You can push down the rows as you go to
make them even and close together.
STEP 4
To add another color of yarn, trim the previous
color and tie the end to a new color of yarn
with a double knot. Trim any excess yarn and
hide the knot on the backside of one of the
craft sticks. Continue weaving with the new
color.
STEP 5
Once you have reached the top of the cup,
trim the yarn and secure to the back of a craft
stick with a dab of hot glue. You can turn your
woven baskets into planters by filling them
with faux frosted greenery, floral greenery or
eucalyptus. You can also add fresh flowers
by placing a drinking glass filled with water
inside the basket. To make a smaller woven
basket to use as a pencil cup, start with a 9
oz. white paper cup and add 17 small wooden
craft sticks (4 1/2 in. x 3/8 in.).
16
 DIY SCENTED RAINBOW BUBBLES
Not only will your kids love blowing
these bubbles, but they’ll also learn
about color mixing and different
scents, too. Pouring your bubble
solution into the egg carton tray
allows for easy access without the
concern of spilling full bottles. You
can even use some tape to secure the
tray to the table if you’re worried
about little ones grabbing the whole
tray.
Use any glass or plastic recyclable
jars you have on hand for storing the
extra bubble solution. To make your
own rainbow bubbles this summer,
take a look at the instructions below.
WHAT YOU NEED:
· Egg Cartons
· Unscented dish soap
· Glycerin*
· Essential oils
· Food coloring
· Bottles or jars (with lids)
· Scissors
· Wire and/or pipe cleaners
· Wire cutters
*Note: If you don’t have glycerin on
hand though, corn syrup can be used
instead but may not produce quite as
bubbly results.
HOW-T0:
Step 1
Open up the empty egg carton and
cut along each hinge so that you
have three pieces. The two egg-
compartment pieces will be used for
holding bubbles, while the flat lid
piece can be recycled or used as a
tray for the bubble blowers.
Step 2
Time to make some bubbles! In a
pitcher, mix together 6 cups of water,
1 cup of unscented dish soap, and 1
tbsp. of glycerin. Make sure to use
unscented dish soap here, or the scent
will compete with the essential oils
later. Stir the solution to combine.
Step 3
This solution is your bubble base.
Pour into 7 jars or bottles, one for
each color of the rainbow.
Step 4
Add a drop of food coloring into
each jar so that you have red, orange,
17
Is there anything better than a sunny
afternoon spent blowing bubbles? Well,
how about these rainbow-hued bubbles
scented with essential oils? Have fun
experimenting with colors, smells, and
bubble recipes with your kids this summer
by making this playful bubble station!
yellow, green, blue, and purple. If you have
more jars, you can mix up extra colors too,
like pink or indigo. Once the colors are
mixed, add a drop or two of essential oil
to each color. Feel free to adapt this using
the oils you have on hand. Stir to combine.
Step 5
To make the bubble wands, use armature
wire as they bend very nicely. Have fun
making fun loopy shapes making sure that
they either fit into the openings on your jars
or are the size of one egg compartment.
Use tape to secure the handles if necessary,
or simply twist the wire together. Pipe
cleaners work in a similar way and are a
great option for younger kids. Once shaped,
your bubble blowers are ready to use, but
you can choose to give them a quick coat
of spray paint if desired.
Step 6
To set up your rainbow bubble station,
pour the colored bubbles into the egg
compartments. Encourage kids to smell
each of the solutions and ask which scent
and color combinations they like best.
Happy crafting!!
18
 Raksha Jesrani.

Getting to know her at an interesting juncture of her practice, Raksha Jesrani’s many
years of courtship with art suddenly have taken a serious turn. An art aspirant in the
form of an art appreciation student turned into an art collector is today transformed
into an art practitioner which speaks volumes about her involvement with art. Although
in a nascent stage of her creative career where she is confidently handling media and
techniques, she has already acquired a language of art which appears promising. She is
now moving towards a deeper practice of image-making and mapping down her thought
process which adds more value and substance to her practice. In a conversation with
Heem Desai, Founder and Creative Director of Olive Tree, Raksha Jesrani unfolds her
portfolio of Alcohol ink works and acrylic abstracts to indicate her seriousness and
determination of pursuing a creative yet professional journey which should expose her to
cynics and patrons alike. In a free-flowing interface she opens her studio doors to allow
her audience to take a peek into her personal working space.

19 20
 really got me started. Heem: The other set of works in acrylic form. It is addictive, meditative and
also indicate a play of the media. The exhilarating.
Heem: The final outcomes of your abstracts, landscapes and other patterns
paintings, flowers, are incidental to usher your work towards abstraction. Alcohol inks, on the other hand, are
your work. How did you come upon Would you like to share your views so much fun to work with. Sometimes
the form and developed it eventually? regarding this? one gets the feeling that Alcohol inks
are more forgiving and allows the
Raksha: I did a lot of experimentation Raksha: I see myself as an artist who artist ample maneuverability. But, it is
while I was working with fluid paint. does not want to be tied down to reality. a wrong notion. It takes a lot to master
Later, I stumbled upon this medium I am not God, but at least I can choose them. Nevertheless, it is totally worth
called Alcohol inks. I used to read a lot my own forms, what I want to draw and it. With alcohol inks, one is constantly
Heem: I always knew that you loved
and watch many videos. What I saw contemplate, not needing to adhere to the learning.
art, that you were also a part of an art
was so bewitching. The transparency real world. My canvas may reflect some
appreciation course way back in 2004.
of the medium itself was good enough things from the real world but they belong If you ask me to choose between the
So, how did you start painting fulltime
for me to adopt this medium. My to my realm of existence. two mediums, I don’t think I can give
finally?
decision was made: I knew instantly up one for the other. At present, I am
that this was my medium. And, so, I Heem: The medium of your work, alcohol so, so much in love with both of them.
Raksha: Yes, I always loved art. I was
gathered all the required components inks, sounds heady. Please share with
in practice as a Chartered Accountant
and started painting. your audience the spirit and substance of
and had children growing up. Therefore,
your medium? Heem: Your works in alcohol inks are
taking art fulltime was not an option for
The first couple of paintings was just transparent and have an effervescent
me. But, I did paint whenever I could and
playing around with colors and having Raksha: It is indeed heady, (she smiles as quality about them. Sometimes they
also explored different mediums like oils,
fun. Then I realized, that it is not as she understands the pun) as there is a lot appear as a complete spectrum and at
acrylics and papier mache. In fact, I have
easy as it appears. I put my head down of alcohol involved. Jokes apart, these are times you have left negative spaces.
a collection of paintings in all the three
and started working in all seriousness. inks, and one uses alcohol to move the Please share your logic and aesthetic
mediums of those days.
Slowly I realized that I was painting inks on the substrate. This ink works well values you have applied in such
a lot of flowers. I then enrolled in an on non-porous surfaces like photo paper, works.
Heem: It’s a year since you started to
online course that taught me to do yupo paper, Primed canvas etc. Special
paint, how were the initial days of this
things better. pigments are used to make these inks.
process? What are your learnings of those
days?
Heem: Your flowers are enchanting. Heem: Alcohol inks and traditional
They appear exotic to the eye, how acrylics: What is your experience when
Raksha: I started with a very fresh frame
do you relate to them? you compare these two mediums; also,
of mind and was open to anything. I think
talk about the pleasures and limitations
this approach did help me. I started with
As I told you earlier that I like abstracts of these mediums as you currently face?
acrylic pours and then went onto painting
and can relate to the formless. It is
with fluid paints. The acrylic pour was not
difficult to explain here but I am quite Raksha: I use acrylic paints in diluted
as easy as it appears in the videos. Plus,
certain about my choices. My flowers format. Not much scope to maneuver with
you don’t get the right colors and additives
too are not realistic; you can’t put a them. But, an important thing here is to
in India. I did a lot of experimenting for
name to any of them and say, here is make an ideal consistency of the fluid to
the first four months until I got it right.
a rose, or a Lilly, etc. Therefore, my generate good results. One has to work
Nevertheless, pouring paint was liberating
relationship with my flowers is more really fast before the paint starts drying.
and exhilarating at the same time. I realized
due to its form. Their fragrance is I love working with acrylics in the fluid
that one can be creative and do a lot with
generated by its aesthetic quality.
paints in ways so unconventional. This

21 22
Raksha: I love the transparency and
wispiness that I could bring in my
paintings with alcohol inks. The eye never
tires looking at the effects and the hues.
At the same time, sometimes the negative
spaces have more to say than the colors
themselves. Choosing colors that can go
together, experimenting with the unknown,
sometimes creating a new texture by
mixing unsuspecting ingredients, using
and trying out different substrates… all
add up to making the paintings.
important to enjoy one’s work, keep
experimenting, exploring and learning
and always keep the pores open to
absorb more.
I wish I knew what the future holds for
me. Left to me, I would like to keep
learning, experimenting, do a lot more
meaningful and impactful work and
ceaselessly enjoy creating it.

Heem: The progress of your acrylics

begins and continues as a textural process.
How do you plan to take it forward from
where it is now?

Raksha: That’s a good question. I plan

to explore more concepts, forms, shades,
shapes, colors. However, my focus, I think
will remain with the abstracts. I would like
to do more meaningful art.

Heem: Explain ‘meaningful art’. As

your work is extremely subjective and
above all abstract, please share your
views to understand what you mean by
‘meaningful art’.

Raksha: When I say, I want to add more

meaning to my art, I mean, I want my
artistic vocabulary to become very strong
and that I am able to depict what I see, feel
or think as effectively as I write and speak
to convey them.

Heem: It would be interesting for your

audience to know your plans ahead.
Please share your future plans and your
overall learnings as a practising artist.
Raksha: As an artist, I believe that it is

23 24

Summer beauty care Tips---
Now that we are getting to experience the real summer
heat, it is important to have a proper skin care and
beauty regime that not only takes care of your skin
but also helps you look good in the harsh weather. We
tend to overlook the obvious and ignore the needs of
our body and especially our face.
1. Hydrate your body with a lotion
Find a summery lotion that you won’t forget
to put on. It’s time to pack away your thick
winter body butters for more light summery
lotions. You don’t have time to wait for your
lotion to sink in, so look for something light
fast absorbing. Gels and purees are perfect fast
absorbers. Nothing spells summer more than
a light refreshing fruity lotion. Make sure you
apply right after you dry off from your shower.
You need to seal in the moisture your body just
soaked in.
2. Wash your face frequently
Preferably with cold water to remove the sweat
and dust that tends to accumulate on the face.
Using cold milk on a cotton ball is also an
option. It is important to protect our skin from
the harmful UV rays of the sun. Keeping our
skin safe in the sun is quite important. So,
don’t forget to apply sunscreen, at least 30 SPF,
before you step out in the sun.
3. Exfoliate your skin
The skin needs to be exfoliated, at least twice
a week, particularly in this season to keep the
glow intact. A paste of besan and milk or malai/
cream with some oatmeal or turmeric and
lemon will do wonders. Just rub this paste on
your face and neck gently in a circular fashion
and see the difference yourself. Better still, use
a paste of multani mitti, or Fuller’s earth, rose
water and sandalwood powder for acne prone
25 26
skin; whereas take sandalwood powder,
curd and add a pinch of turmeric powder
for mature skin for the same purpose.
4. Cleansing
Cleansing your skin is equally important.
There are many home remedies that are
known to give good results like yogurt
and honey, if applied on the face for 10
minutes will give you a nice and clean
skin. Also, don’t forget to moisturize your
skin regularly. Take a good moisturizer
and apply it daily to keep your skin
healthy and hydrated. Use a gel-based
moisturizer for oily skin and water-based
moisturizer for normal skin.
5. Aloe vera
This is also a great remedy for summers.
Freeze aloe vera juice into small cubes.
You can use these frozen aloe vera juice
cubes to rub on your face when you come
in from the sun, or before you apply make-
up and even at night. It will leave your face
fresh and glowing. Aloe Vera contains two
hormones, namely auxin and gibberellins.
These two hormones are responsible for
providing anti-inflammatory properties
that reduce skin inflammation. It has
known to cure chronic skin problems like
eczema.
6. Rose water
The perfect companion of our skin
during summers. You can dab it on the
face using a cotton ball in order to clean
and cool the face. Alternatively, you
could spray rose water on your face for
an instant fresh look. Rose water has anti-
inflammatory properties that can help
reduce the redness of irritated skin, get
rid of acne and eczema. It is known to be
a great cleanser and aids in removing oil
and dirt from the skin.
7. Watermelon juice, coconut juice and
cucumber juice
They are known for their cooling
properties. Apply these juices regularly
on your face to calm your skin from
the outside heat. Watermelons contain
vitamin A, B6 and C along with being
packed with lycopene and amino acids,
all combining to contribute towards
healthy skin. Do not just apply, but also
drink these juices regularly to ensure a
flawless skin.
 The Stories of the Elephants’ Tree
The baobab tree is native to Africa and
to see one so far from its home is indeed
a rare pleasure. So what brought this
African tree to our own Hyderabad, so
far away from its native land?
The Kingdom of Golkonda, of which
Hyderabad was the Jewel in the Crown,
had trade links with Arabia and Africa
as far back as the 1500s. In the constant
ebb and flow of visitors, adventurers,
pilgrims, holy men, soldiers, merchants,
and camp followers of all kinds, there
seem to have been some who saw it as
their duty to plant reminders of their
distant homelands in and around Hy-
derabad. The baobabs in Hyderabad
were probably planted by African so-
journers or traders who spent long
27 28
years far away from their homelands.
Some local legends claim that traders
from Arabia brought these trees here.
While these are fast disappearing - the
construction of ring roads claimed a
couple of them as victims early this mil-
lennium - at least one of them is fenced
off and protected by a guard. This is
also the best known of them, and likely
the only one that will survive for any
length of time in the future.
The baobab tree is native to Africa and to
see one so far from its home is indeed a rare
pleasure. So what brought this African tree
to our own Hyderabad, so far away from its
native land?
The Kingdom of Golkonda, of which
Hyderabad was the Jewel in the Crown,
had trade links with Arabia and Africa as
far back as the 1500s. In the constant ebb
and flow of visitors, adventurers, pilgrims,
holy men, soldiers, merchants, and camp
followers of all kinds, there seem to have
been some who saw it as their duty to plant
reminders of their distant homelands in
and around Hyderabad. The baobabs
in Hyderabad were probably planted by
African sojourners or traders who spent
long years far away from their homelands.
Some local legends claim that traders from
Arabia brought these trees here.
While these are fast disappearing - the
construction of ring roads claimed a couple
of them as victims early this millennium
- at least one of them is fenced off and
protected by a guard. This is also the best
known of them, and likely the only one
that will survive for any length of time in
the future.
This tree is known locally as the hathiyon
ka jhad, or the Elephants’ Tree, and is a
popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The tree itself is fascinating as it is very
different from any other trees that are
commonly seen here. The trunk is massive
- more than 27 meters around - and the
branches fold in upon themselves to make
folds and knots that can be interpreted to
be any animal or bird if one is imaginative
enough.
For those with a little lack of imagination,
the guard on duty is happy to point out a
whole zoo of animal shapes on the trunk
and branches. The massive tree trunk also
holds another secret - its center is hollow
and has space like a largish room inside.
Popular imagination has been fired by
this room-within-a-tree, and many locals
will recall stories their elders told them
of how in olden days, this was used as a
hideout by a group of thieves. They will
even say there were forty thieves - anyone
who has heard of Ali Baba knows that
thieves always make groups of forty!
They will go on to say how the thieves
would hide within the tree trunk, and rob
29
unsuspecting travelers who passed by.
When the authorities came looking for
them, they would instantly vanish into
the tree trunk, leaving the kotwal and
his men bewildered and wondering if
indeed the thieves were men or jinns.
In those days everyone knew jinns lived
among men and had magical powers -
but that is another story for another day.
We know, however, that the thieves were
indeed men, and if they are men, they
will grow hungry and must eat. So one
day they grew hungry while inside the
tree trunk and lit a fire to cook some food.
They must have made quite a large pot
of biryani that day - the smoke from that
fire was enough to attract the attention
of some local folks. This time the kotwal
and his men would not be cheated - they
put aside their fears and raided the tree
and captured the thieves.
This story has many versions, with
different details added by overly
imaginative grandparents, and layers
of masala added by the overactive
imaginations of the storytellers who
remember more than what their elders
told them.
If we think back to the reality of the tree,
indeed the story is from a much grander
tapestry, and the people who planted it
must have had much more adventurous
lives than the imaginary thieves and the
kotwal who captures them. Traveling
thousands of miles across stormy seas,
dry deserts, and wild and terrifying
jungles, encountering peoples of different
languages and cultures, trading all along
the route before making a home here.
Having a little piece of their faraway
home with them in the form of a living
tree - the seed of the tree would have
been precious cargo indeed, as it came
Baobab Tree Map
through a long and dangerous journey,
like dragon’s eggs in fairy tales!
And today, centuries after they were
planted, we have the good fortune to be
able to stand in its shade and listen to
the incredible stories it whispers in the
breeze!
30
 Very few artist in today’s time are
working with papier mache in a massive
way. Preeti also took some time out to
show us samples and pictures of textures
walls, doors, furniture, clocks, mega size
masks and wall art made out of papier
mache.
In 15 years of working with papier
mache, Vivek and Preeti have a vast
experience with this raw material and
they take their inspiration from nature
Papier mache and human forms. Talking to Vivek on
his experience with papier mache was
very educational and he went onto to tell
So often we see papier mache products
us the plight of craftsmen in India who
at Indian fairs and mostly these products
work with papier mache. These rural
are the very beautiful boxes and trinkets
craftsmen mostly work with traditional
that one can buy. Papier mache is just
designs that limits their market and sales
not restricted to these few craft products
since most people do not want to buy
but can be construed as a craft line on its
the same products all the time. Vivek
own wherein the craftsmen create some
and Preeti have taken an initiative to
beautiful statues, lamps and many more
educate these craftsmen to start working
products.
on designs that are contemporary and
also feature the traditional designs.
It was a few years back that I stumbled upon
An initiative that is also very close to
the beautiful workshop that is owned and
our heart, At Olive Tree, we instantly
managed by a wonderful creative couple.
collaborated with Vivek and Preeti
Dr. Vivek Prasad and his wife Preeti take
in showcasing their creative products
papier mache to a wonderful creative form
on our website www.olivetree.life.
through their well thought of creations.
This journey has been nothing less
than a blessing. Showcasing products
I was taken aback to find very well made
manufactured in India and creating a
lamps and clocks that I instantly felt like
space that helps artists, artisans and
buying and taking it back with me for
craftsmen to showcase their products
my abode. The expertise in converting
has been a wonderful blessing.
the age-old techniques of papier-mache
To know more about Vivek and Preeti’s
and recyclable waste material into
papier mache products, you can just take
contemporary designer products, Vivek
a peek at our website.
and Preeti develop a fusion of art and
design, which gives new meaning to the
designer home decor products. Their
studio also houses some very beautiful
jewelry that one can buy and feel good in
doing their bit for the environment. Vivek Preeti Gupta
and Preeti take their passion a step ahead
by creating an initiative to conserve the
aesthetics of nature in art and exhibit their
creative approach by bringing in a very
appealing line of products that are a must
have.

31 32
 Published by
OLIVE TREE
www.olivetree.life
Office address
life.olivetree@gmail.com
Ph. +91 9885701000

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