Ep 22 - Capturing the Spirit of Mumbai with Zainab Tambawalla
In this episode, I speak with Mumbai-based artist, illustrator and urban-sketcher Zainab Tambawalla (Instagram), about her sketch-reportage project to tell the story of 6 artisans practicing different trades in the city of Mumbai, India.
She shares stories from their lives, professional struggles, and the enormous hardships of the past 2 years. Her project urges us to notice the lives of people who are often at the edges of our tunnel vision. It invites us to pay attention to our urban landscape in a more conscientious and empathetic manner.
We talk about Zainab's journey as an artist, her work in the animation industry, and her turn towards becoming a freelance illustrator. What does urban sketching have to offer someone who has been drawing and painting their entire life? We talk about the value of exploring new media and styles of expression, and discuss how drawing on location can help us appreciate the culture and history of the places we live in.
Conversation Summary
The “Spirit of Mumbai” Project
How was it conceived? How did Zainab do the research?
What did she learn from the project?
The stories of different artisans through the trials of COVID and other economic uncertainties in the Indian market
Zainab’s artistic choices during the project and how that taught her some new things about storytelling through USk
Zainab’s background and education in art
Career as an animator
Becoming a freelancer, and the challenges of working for oneself
Working as a children’s book illustrator, and the unique skills required for this job
Association with USk Mumbai
Size and diversity of the group, enthusiasm for sketching in that part of the world
Can we learn something about a city’s history and culture through drawing on location?
Zainab’s Work
