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Fabric is the seamless canvas on which designer Suhana Medappa likes to print anything that catches her fancy

Textile designer Suhana Medappa does not believe in printing popular, kitschy Bollywood posters or iconic musicians for her line of home linen and clothing. Instead you will find that nature is a huge source of inspiration in her collection, which she retails under the label Free Spirit. More than cutesy, popular culture prints, Medappa's range of prints are all about the colours of the season, dried leaf patterns, rustic figurines and even stained coffee mug rings on sheer fabrics like silk, silk blends, cotton, cotton blends and linen.



"Colour is a big trigger for my inspiration. In fact, anything gets me going -- whether it is an image I've spotted or a print I've liked or the texture of a fabric," says the Bangalore- based, 27 year-old Medappa. Her inspirations include old coins from her coin collection, wine glasses, grass, the Tamil script, fingerprints, migratory birds and even Absolut vodka bottles.

Print perfect
Medappa also develops prints, in-house. "My work is done in the studio through traditional screen printing. We use natural dyes to ensure it is an eco-friendly process," says Medappa. The Print Journal is the company under which Medappa develops prints and retails for her brand, Free Spirit. Started in May this year, the company's name, The Print Journal came about from Medappa's blog by the same name, which is a journal of her print work. Under the label, Medappa does wall art, home and table linen, fabric for clothing, sarees, stoles, dresses and tops. And the good news is that you don't have to approach Medappa with bulk orders. She will print as per your choice, on individual pieces. "My clientele consists of anybody who is looking for a uniquely printed piece, a designer seeking to develop a specific print or even shops that might want to stock fabric," adds Medappa.

Early days
A graduate of the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore, Medappa honed her skills after a specialisation in Textile Design, working with Satya Paul for a year in Gurgaon. Working there, Medappa realised that she wanted to do go beyond a mere desk job and opted for a hands-on printing work where she could experiment with graphic prints. Currently, Medappa works out of a studio space with a tiny shop attached to it.

Call 09900565302
Email theprintjournal@gmail.com
Log on to www.printjournal.blogspot.com