Diwali is…
RHIANNA: the festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a vibrant occasion filled with a week of festivities.
How do you celebrate Diwali?
R: I celebrate Diwali by gathering at my family home, where we decorate with beautiful rangoli patterns and light diyas (candles) throughout the house. My family loves hosting dinner parties, bringing everyone together for a festive celebration. We enjoy a delicious spread of our favourite Indian dishes and sweets, and we sometimes have a fireworks display in the garden. It’s a special time spent with loved ones and enjoying lots of food.
A favourite memory you have of a past Diwali celebration?
R: One of my favourite memories of Diwali is spending time with my mum in the kitchen. She’s an amazing cook, and I truly enjoy learning new Indian recipes from her and understanding my culture better. In the lead up to Diwali, we usually spend time baking sweet treats and cooking some of my favourite childhood dishes. It’s a really nostalgic feeling and one of my favourite parts about going home for Diwali.
What inspired your window installation?
Sheethal: I drew a lot of inspiration from Indian street art, architecture, and the intricate geometry of Rangolis to create a design that’s vibrant and has a culturally rich edge. These elements offered endless possibilities with their bold colours, detailed patterns, and unique symmetry. It was important for me to embrace these influences as I wanted to create visuals that felt both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
Talk us through your creative process when designing…
S: Lots of research! By exploring various elements in depth, I could begin to extract distinctive motifs, colours, and shapes. From there, I started experimenting with combining these elements, layering them, and reimagining their arrangements to develop unique, original patterns.
Describe your window installation in 3 words…
S: Colourful, ornate and traditional.
How did you get into designing, who inspired you to take this path?
S: I've always enjoyed being creative, but it was likely my GCSE graphics teacher who first opened my eyes to the world of graphic design. He introduced me to the endless possibilities within the field, from packaging to brand identity to character design. He made sure designing was fun, which interested me into pursuing this path further.
One thing that people may not know about Diwali…
R: One thing many people don’t know about Diwali is that it’s celebrated in different ways across various regions of India and by different communities around the world. Each community has its own unique customs, foods, and rituals, making Diwali a festival that's rich in culture.
One piece of advice you’d give to younger creatives starting in this industry?
S: Stay inspired and keep learning! Follow other designers, attend design talks, and stay updated on design trends. l also often like to draw design inspiration from other fields, like music, television, and movies. So explore artistry from other creatives, even the ones outside of your field, as it can help fuel your ideas and keep you engaged with the design world.
