Creativegarh provides the perfect opportunity for professionals to explore their talents

Arun Verma has found the perfect outlet for his creativity, through Creativegarh, an online community he has been maintaining since September 2000.

Delhi-based sculptor, creativity facilitator, writer, information architect, jewellery designer, filmmaker, graphic designer, lamp and furniture designer and creativity networker, it is hardly surprising that Verma has a lot to share. A 'serial' creative, is how he describes himself.  

An engineer by qualification, Verma spent 6 years writing copy at Maa Bozell followed by a stint at FCB-Ulka. At 30, he now devotes his time for LIQVID, an integrated e-learning solutions company.

"Three years ago when I moved out of mainstream advertising to independently work out of home, I suddenly felt the need for human interaction and collaboration with like-minded people. I was not only a copywriter anymore, so when people would ask me what I did for a living, I would tell them that I dabble in creativity," explains Verma.

The reactions from people were extreme. "Some were impressed. Some simply thought that I was a useless painter or character-less filmmaker. This and many more incidents made me realise that unfortunately, 'creativity' is perceived only to be a domain of writers and artists, and if you are not any of these, you are not creative."

Creativegarh was set up with the purpose of networking with like-minded people and exposing their creative talents. The members - aspiring, mid-career or established - share, bounce, discuss, exchange, show, sell and buy creative services and ideas through the online discussion forum.

Says Verma, "Most of my friends, associates and people I am in touch with regularly believe that they are creative, in some way or the other." The membership has grown to 1500, spread across 5 continents. "Creativegarh's belief that 'no matter who you are, what you do - you are creative' is evident from the fact that it is home to people from all walks of creative life," he says.

Manoj Vijayan, architect turned cover art designer from Bangalore, has been a member almost since the list's inception. He says: "You get to meet and chat with creative folks from all over the world and get an insight into how others work and think. It's also a great place to get answers to your questions and to help others with their doubts. I have landed two very good clients by responding to people who advertised online."

Jasmeet Chabbra, full-time employee at Reliance and a young novelist from Mumbai, says, "Creativegarh has been a wonderful experience in terms of meeting like-minded people, showcasing my work and getting a peek at all the wonderful things people do. I appreciate the humility and the warmth that the members share."

Verma also provides an offline opportunity for members to showcase and sell their work through the Creativegarh Art and Craft Gallery in New Delhi. "Set up in April 2002, the gallery is meant exclusively for members of this group. It showcases over 400 pieces of art, the work of over 40 artists." Regular customers include high profile banks, corporate clients, hotels and restaurants.

A total of 15 offline meets have been organised by the group members and one in New York is being planned, only proof of the widespread acceptance of Creativegarh. Guest speakers discuss creative ideas over coffee and also chalk out future plans for the group during these meets.

"The offline activities include special events and workshops," says Verma. A 10-day high altitude photography workshop at the Pindari glacier with Gurinder Osan, one of India's finest landscape photographers, was a noteworthy event.

"Creativity is all about being able to find better solutions. Sure, some people are 'more' creative than others. It depends on how well they hone their creative skills and divert their energies towards finding better solutions and hence a better world to live in," says Verma.

Shalini Verma, the one full-time Creativegarh employee, supports him in this venture. He now intends to move the Creativegarh gallery online. "It will act as a platform to artists across the globe as well as reach out to a wider audience." However, he is so occupied that he hardly finds time for his own hobbies. When he does, he indulges in creative experimenting - lamps and scraptures.

Shruti Dev, an English language teacher at a public school in Faridabad finds the gallery offers very practical and sincere feedback on all work displayed. She has sold unconventional jewellery, fashion jewellery, stained glass products, handcrafted mirrors and more through the gallery in the space of a year. Says Dev, "The exposure to my work has been encouraging and satisfying. Appreciation for my work always makes me want to get better all the time."

"Personal touch is the hallmark of Creativegarh," she concludes.

Links:
Subscribe to Creativegarh

Lamps & scraptures

Creativegarh gallery pictures
Offline meets
(You will need a Yahoo! user id and password to access the last 3 links)