Dehradun, Seldom do we come across individual tales of tragedy inspiring beauty. Shanali Bankim Sharma, the case in point here, did just that. She is the lady behind the unique brand ‘The Woodpecker’ a five-month-old start-up that excels in making hand-painted household wooden wares.
Born in Pathankot, Shanali moved to Dehradun when she was eight years old and made the valley her home. With an MBA in Finance, Shanali started painting “as a meditation or mode of expression,” after she lost her husband three years ago. Looking back she remembers how, “Painting gave me strength to stand up again,” adding, “It all started with painting on wooden logs for friends. I then added a few more utility products that could replace plastic and would inspire people towards a more eco-friendly living, and since that day its been an upward, onward journey.”
It was this motivation and determination that gave birth to ‘The Woodpecker.’ Shanali’s love for the outdoors and photographs clicked by her late husband inspired her hand-painted bird and floral series.
Today, her backdrop, the Himalaya and the abundance of Nature inspire her art on handcrafted wooden ware using natural oils for polishing, with each item being a piece of heart, part of a soul and a moment of someone’s life that will definitely add more beauty to your home.
Officially launched online in March this year, The Woodpecker is gradually growing, “the response has been very positive and people are appreciating it, they say it’s a unique idea and no two items are alike,” says the artist.
Shanali also works on developing skills in students of government schools and encourages them to use their creativity bent of mind and hands. She supplies her young students with art supply, holds workshops and teaches them the nuances of painting and art in the hope that they carry it forward, “These young minds, aged between 11 to 17 are soaking it all in. They enjoy what they are being taught, which is very heartening to see” she signs off.
Wooden trays, platters, home decor, candle holders, coasters, stone art, lamps, wine-trays, cheese platters, latest collection of Ocean coasters and trays are available at Alaya and Himalayan Weavers, in Dehradun. You could also order online through Instagram & Facebook Page.
Follow ‘The Woodpecker’ on:
(https://instagram.com/the.woodpecker.ddn igshid=1dksry19obyl0)
Shanalib.art (https://instagram.com/shanalib.art?igshid=h5gvh5e9jhgf)
https://www.facebook.com/TheWoodpecker.ddn/
https://www.facebook.com/ShanaliB.Art/
