Falling in love with a city is almost like falling in love with a human being. It doesn’t always happen right away. It needs patience, persistence and often the willingness to be vulnerable at times. The best way for an artists to express their love for the city is through their works of art. Shikha Nambiar, is one such artist, from Bengaluru, who, through her quirky illustrations is paying a homage to the city, she calls home now.
As part of the popular #100DaysChallenge on Instagram, Shikha decided to create 100 illustrations, #100DaysOfBangaloreByChica, capturing the essence and flavour of the city. Colourful sketches that best represent what Bengaluru means to her and many of its residents.
Shikha, a former lawyer and a freelance illustrator, moved to Bengaluru in 2011, to study design.
Speaking to ScoopWhoop, Nambiar says,
“I make illustrated products and postcards and people have been asking me to create Bangalore-related postcards. When I decided to participate in the 100 days challenge on Instagram, I thought of doing something related to Bengaluru.”
Each of her sketches are an ode to the city. From popular eateries to historical places to famous book stores, Nambiar captures the essence of the city through her artwork.
For Nambiar, her visual guide to Bengaluru also became a way for her to know her city better. She says,
“I did not want to sketch anything I had not seen, I wanted to experience the city on the whole. So I visited every place I wanted to sketch and explored the city in the process.”
What is it about the city that she loves the most?
“I love that it is so green. I love the trees, the small eateries, old monuments, it makes you feel you are part of history. Although I am not from Bengaluru, I call this home now.”
You can see all her illustrations on Sunny Skies Starry Eyes.