Shopper of Indian origin

KOCHI: Indian art and craft has lured people throughout ages. And a woman entrepreneur from Kochi has proved that Indian art appeals more when it dares to break the so-called pre-conceived traditions and cliches.Nisha John has carved a niche of her own by introducing ‘Shop of Indian Origin’ last month, an online blog, first of its kind. The blog is a globally curated platform for creative products from artists and designers linked to India which is meant to help thousands of art connoisseurs and designers world wide to know what Indian design and art really look like today.It all began when this UK resident realised that there is a whimsy regarding Indian art which is always displayed in a certain cliched form. “I noticed that the perception of Indian art and design was still ridden with cliches like mango motif, henna designs and miniature paintings” she said. She soon learned that a step away from the notion did wonders. And all through the power of her online ‘blogshop’. She brought in a diverse range of products in different designs ranging from furniture, clothing, jewelry, painting, photo and home furnishings with a tinge of ethnic sensitivity.Through the blog, Nisha advertises, markets and helps in payment of Indian art and designer products of at least 30 established and fresh young designers.Initially, starting of as a blog titled ‘Of Indian Origin’, last year she converted it into a shopping blog  since she realised that over 10,000 visitors from across the world checks the blog every month.And so began the inception of this shopping blog which showcases a variety of products by young artists who have the courage and talent to break through the conventions of Indian art.As a traveller, Nisha realised that most of her creativity was part of her upbringing. “The interest towards art and design has been with me since childhood, watching my mum paint and stitch probably got me into it. While in college I did the interiors of a few houses back in India (my parents home in Cochin and a few friends). I also used to design clothes for my friends and myself.”