#HGArtProject 027: An Interview With Rae Zachariah

Week after week we turn our Facebook page into a revolving art space to feature the exclusive works of young Indian artists. As we admire their art and designs, we give them a platform to display their work in the hopes that our readers will appreciate them too. Our 27th edition proudly houses the graphics of the talented Rae Zachariah.

Hailing from Kerala, this 21-year-old illustrator is a design student at Srishti Institute in Bangalore. Always drawn to creative fields, she has done a bit of freelance work - print ads, personalized children’s books, travel posters and so forth. Additionally, her wildly imaginative graphics came alive during her internship at Kindle Magazine. Scroll on for the exclusive interview.

I. Give us a brief idea about your background as an artist?

It was my mom and dad who introduced me to the wonderful world of art. I spent my early years playing around with paint, charcoal, sketch pens, sewing machines, clay, and every new medium further solidifying my intent to one day become a full time image-maker . I’ve been surrounded by the most wonderful influences - friends, facilitators, family and, of course, illustrators and creators that I look up to tremendously. Prashant Miranda, Guy Shield , and Micah Lidberg, to name a few.

II. Tell us about some of your biggest inspirations over the years?

I think the biggest sources of inspiration for me are Music and Colour. Listening to a certain song, or seeing an interesting colour palette triggers something. Sometimes I listen to one song on repeat for days while creating an image, so that weeks later when I look back at it, I remember the song I was listening to and what it made me feel. I also end up totally sick of that song, but it’s worth it! (most of the time)

III. Could you tell us more about the thought process behind the artwork you made us?

I was listening to a song called Dust in your pocket’ by Glass Animals. This GIF began to take shape while I listened to their slinky, beautifully dark, mysterious music.

IV. If you could work with the Indian government for an art project that you get to suggest and lead, what would that be?

If I were to work with the Indian Government on a project, I would love to create a huge series of illustrated travel posters for India.

V.  What are your future plans? Any projects you would like to kick off, or possibly work for a big art house?

A few years down the line, I see myself working with a magazine or publication house. Maybe illustrate a book perhaps? Or, at a graphic design studio. Maybe open up my own studio someday! It’s all so uncertain at this point. I don’t know where the future is going to take me. As naive as it sounds, I’m just excited.

VI. Could you share 3 of your best designs and elaborate on each one of them?

One: I was looking at a collection of ads from the 50’s and 60’s and was shocked at how incredibly sexist they were.

It was almost hilarious to scroll through phrases like ‘Keep her where she belongs’ or ‘This product does everything but cook, That’s what wives are for’. It seemed so ridiculous that this was actually, at one point, a successful marketing strategy. So I decided to do a few advertisements of my own with pin-up girls and these chirpy sexist ad slogans (with completely hypothetical products).

Two: This was an illustrated GIF cover for Kindle Magazines December Issue. Done in acrylics.

Three: An illustration done for Prince Jewellers Akshaya Tritiya offer.

VII. Quick question round:

- One track you’re currently listening to? Dust in your Pocket – Glass Animals

- An artwork you wished you did? Eventually I want my work to be in The New Yorker

- An art project you wish you were a part of? A project with the “Makerie Studio”. They make the most stunning paper
sculptures.

- Your favourite munchies? Chocolate. Anything sweet really. My friends jokingly say I take some coffee in my sugar.

- Paint or wacom bamboo? A mix of both.