Magnification of Spirit

After riding the high of the buildspace season 5 IRL event , I came home to my lonely desk - Nevertheless feeling motivated that there were people who may be interested in reading my book. Finding community is incredibly difficult as an independent illustrator and even though social media platforms are supposed to help us ‘make’ connections, most times I feel like I am lonelier than ever, drawing away and making things by myself in my studio.

Meeting people in real life reminded me how important it was to feel like you are a part of something.

In a fitting article from The Marginalian by Maria Popova, she discusses how Patti Smith talks about ‘Seeking out that which magnified your spirit’.

Seek out what magnifies your spirit.** Patti Smith, in [discussing William Blake and her creative influences]talks about writers and artists who magnified her spirit — it’s a beautiful phrase and a beautiful notion. Who are the people, ideas, and books that magnify your spirit? Find them, hold on to them, and visit them often. Use them not only as a remedy once spiritual malaise has already infected your vitality but as a vaccine administered while you are healthy to protect your radiance.

Patti Smith’s original podcast captured by the New York Public library podcast explores her thoughts on love friendship and relationships and surely worth listening to.

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Illustrated Journalling

In an attempt to show everyone my completed illustrated journal of my recent trip to Portland, I made a flip through video. I am still getting used to this new format, but I hope this gives you a calm moment to look into my journals. Maybe next time I’ll do one with a talking walk through explaining my thoughts ?

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Eskimo Cookbook

While searching for obscure and fascinating dishes from around the world, I stumbled upon a subreddit dedicated to food historians. Curious, I engaged with the community, asking them to share any unique recipes they knew of. One member pointed me to a delightful find: the Eskimo Cook Book created by the students of Shishmaref Day School in Alaska. This charming collection of recipes was compiled by the students, featuring dishes taught to them by their mothers and prepared in their homes. Each recipe is accompanied by endearing illustrations, and the book exudes a genuine warmth that comes from unpolished, unedited text. The proceeds from the book's sales supported the Alaska Crippled Children’s Association—a true gem in every sense.

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Next week, I’ll share updates on my next dish will be on my upcoming book Food for thought : an illustrated book about obscure food from around the world!

Till then, take good care!

When I asked people to share experiences with food that were close to their hearts, I never expected to hear such heartwarming stories from such a diverse group of people.

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Today I want to tell you Marcus's story.

Marcus fondly remembers making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) with his grandmother to celebrate the summer solstice in Chinese culture.

As a first-generation American, gathering with family and friends to make these traditional Chinese dumplings, which require a lot of time and effort, was Marcus's way of showing his love and affection while also staying connected to his roots.

Zongzi varies across different parts of Asia, with each region adding its own unique twists and flavors.

Zongzi is typically savory and made with glutinous rice, filled with ingredients like pork belly, mung beans, and chestnuts, all wrapped in lotus leaves.

Zongzi is traditionally made and consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The legend of zongzi is tied to Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and minister who drowned himself in protest against corruption. Villagers, wanting to prevent fish from consuming his body, threw rice dumplings into the river.

Pretty cool, huh?

Since then, zongzi has been made to honor Qu Yuan's loyalty and to celebrate Chinese heritage and culture.

To Marcus, zongzi is a poignant reminder of the love and connection he shares with his grandmother, as they gathered with friends and family to carry on this cherished tradition.

As an Indian-born immigrant living in the United States, zongzi represents fragments of tradition that communities pass down through generations—to honor those we've lost, cherish what matters most, and uphold community and love.

What unique food experiences do you have? Would you like to see them illustrated? If yes, submit below.

Submit

Hi, I am Anjana. I am an illustrator, designer and maker of many things. You can follow my journey here.

I've always been intrigued by food. Not just because it tastes good, but also because of how different parts of the world treat food. Food can inform us of climate, culture, and geography.

There is so much to be learned about food that it has caught my attention enough for me to decide to author and illustrate a book based on obscure food from around the world.

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So, what is obscure food?

Well, it's not the kind of food that is so obscure it repulses you. No, it's more like the kind of food you might find only in the cozy comfort of someone's home on a cold winter day. The kind of food you fondly remember when you are stuck in your college dorm room. The ones you associate with memories of comfort, companionship, and excitement.

This is NOT a book about the "30 most delicious foods from around the world," . Because that would include "chicken tikka masala," "pad thai," and the "American cheeseburger"—stuff that most people don't make and eat on a daily basis at home. I've realized that people don't have the fondest memories associated with food found on most restaurant menus.

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I've been thinking about so many ways to make this book feel special and meaningful. Not just something where I Google the most famous dishes from around the world and illustrate it, right? How do I make it personal, but still relatable enough that everyone 'gets it'?

Here’s a sample version of a spread.

In this AI-generating, mass-producing information culture, I believe everything I put out into the world should be meaningful, genuine, and ‘REAL’. So a few decisions were made.

1. Every single page will be illustrated.

2. Every single text will be hand-lettered.

3. At least a portion of the book will feature dishes from real people from different parts of the world, relaying their personal experiences with food.

The version below is a draft - just for me to get an idea of how this book could look. What do you guys think?

Leave a comment

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So far, these are the rules I've set. It's simple. I want this book to be about food and community. A celebration of what makes us HUMAN.

If you want to be a part of this book, all you have to do is fill out this form by clicking the button below. It takes about 5 minutes.

Be a part of this book!

If there’s anything else you would like to talk to me about, hit me up. I reply to messages! Also, actually comment below and let me know what you think. Like actually comment, lol. Here’s the button.

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Hi, I am Anjana. I am an illustrator, designer and maker of many things. You can follow my journey here.