Varsha Vasudevan

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VARSHA VASUDEVAN KRIYA

Facebook @kriyacreations

Varsha is one of the first members who joined our group. She is a charming and bubbly artist and creates vibrant, bold artworks and home decor under her brand Kriya. We hope you will have fun reading our interview we had with Varsha at our last market at Katara on 26th February 2016.

What is your background and when and why did you decide to start your own small business?

With bachelors in visual communication and MBA in marketing communications I was all set to hit the media industry and have always been associated to it. I have experience in TV, Radio and advertising. My interest in arts started when I moved to Doha. As a newlywed moving to Doha and setting up a house was a thrilling experience. Not satisfied with the mass produced options in stores, I set out to make my own decorations and home décor was always my passion. My first project was making a tissue paper holder to match my sofa’s cushions. Then I was tempted to make a cutlery holder and so it began.

QatART handmade community

February 2016

They were well received and noticed by friends and guests who visited us and often I was asked to make the same for them. That’s when I realized that there was a gap in the market for unique home décor and with a little bit of nudging and motivation from my husband and friends, I decided to take the plunge to fill the gap with “Kriya”. My communications background helped me to create a brand for myself, position it and develop it. I still remember and cherish the day I designing my logo for “Kriya”.

What sort of products do you market?

My main category would be handmade home decor. That would include paintings, vases, coasters, clocks, lamps, tissue boxes, wooden wall hangings, piggy banks and souvenirs, most of which involve painting. I always try to use my painting skills to create utility products along with other stand alone pieces of artwork.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

I always stick true to my brand positioning. Kriya is “vibrant", " chic", " fun" and " groovy". My work would enumerate these qualities. I don’t hesitate to use bold bright colors. My work is always very colorful and has this sort of quirkiness to it. It’s for those who have really a wacky sense of humor or for those who love bright cheerful spaces and would love to add a splash of some color and some fun element in their homes. A lot of customers and visitors to markets say that my table is the most colorful. I think that’s where I stand out.

How do you stay inspired?

To me inspiration comes in many forms. Most of my inspirations come from my travels and learning about different culture and tribes. I am fascinated by learning new techniques from local artisans. A lot of my work is inspired by traditional art like warli, madhubani, aboriginal, African, native American, bohemian, and Islamic but with a modern twist, sometimes integrating it with pop culture and expressing a modern thought. I also get inspired just by visiting the shops and checking out new stuff. Youtube videos and other online tutorials are inspiring me as well.

Where do you buy your supplies?

Most of my supplies I find in stores in Doha: Al Rawnaq, Rameez, Ikea, Art Elements, Alwan , Jarir Bookstore to name a few.

How does your creating process work?

My creative process is totally an inner calling. I do what I feel like doing at the moment. There have been many times I have left some work half finished just to pursue with a new idea or give a room for a new thought. When I start working I tend to get totally absorbed and make a lot of new pieces when I am in that zone. Then I take a break for a few months until the next calling. I also spend a lot of time planning my presentation. The way I present a piece, its size, positioning and framing matter a big deal to me.

Before I start on my work I do however think of my ideal customer for that particular piece, put myself in their shoes and express myself as that person. That way I get to live and express that particular side of me.

What's the best thing about setting up your own brand?

The best thing about setting up my own brand is the satisfaction of expressing myself through my work and making it seen to the outside world all at my own pace with my own rules….totally empowered and highly gratifying.

Who are your customers and where do you sell your work?

I cater to a wide range of people. From children to unique art collectors. Mostly my work is appreciated by western expats some of whom are awed by the bright colors and willing to know more about the paintings and the story behind it. They also are the ones who are interested in souvenirs. A lot of my Middle Eastern crowd like my ethnic work that is centered around the Arabic culture, many of whom have commissioned some customized pieces for their homes. The children and teenagers love my quirky side and appreciate the funky pieces. I sell my work at Katara QatART markets, MIA bazaar, schools and various other events.

Why do you like being a crafter and a designer in 10 words or less?

Love creating something new from nothing – Such a high!

Name something you do in your spare time.

I enjoy reading and often burry my head in novels. I am a self certified board game geek, well probably not just board games…any game that stimulates my mind and totally crazy about reality escape games. I played them in different countries I have visited including the one in Doha. I also enjoy watching tv series. Can’t wait for the seasons 6 of Game of Thrones.

Where would you like to travel to next?

My hubby and I love to travel and we have plans to visit Marrakech soon.

What recent project have you enjoyed doing?

Kriya has received a lot of positive feedback and will soon try and set up an online selling platform. Kriya will also soon be on Instagram. Hopefully ;) I have to drag myself away from being lost in my own world of colors.

What do you love about being a QatART Member?

QatArt has grown over the years and has made a mark for itself in the Qatar arts and crafts world. The word has spread and with every growing day more people recognizing QarART as a heaven for genuine handmade products. I love being recognized as part of this community. Every time I see QatART mentioned in the media, or when someone asks me about the group, I hold my head high positively beaming. What I love the most is interacting with fellow members and customers from different nationalities which makes it a unique cultural experience.

QatART handmade community

February 2016

Do you feel QatART helped your business to grow and in which way?

Most definitely! QatART has helped me in so many different ways. It has been a key factor in the “Kriya”growth story. Right from getting massive opportunities in the form of different markets to making great contacts, QatART has opened doors which otherwise would have been very difficult open. It’s helped me broaden my thoughts and push myself from my comfort zone. This talented bunch of creative thinkers are like different pieces of a puzzle that beautifully fit together to help and nurture one another. The supportive environment is ideal for knowledge transfer. It is a huge inspirational force for me to keep doing what I love doing.

QatART has no doubt helped me grow as an artist and bring out the best in me.

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself.

Honest, optimistic, quirky, creative and sensitive

Do you have a motto?

The goal is to die with memories and not dreams.

What are your 5 favorite products from our last market at Katara? (photos on the next page) 1. ’Let's Cook' Apron by Yannies Apron 2. ’Moonlight Poppy field' artwork by Dreamz: My World of Colorz and painting Xperimntz 3. Dhow painting on ceramic by Painter.Kristina Aladwan 4. Feathers Decor frame by My Arts Stuff 5. Pigeon House Photo print by Candy Qatar

QatART handmade community

February 2016

QatART handmade community

February 2016