Google doodles have been a wonderful medium for the company to celebrate important scientific and cultural milestones, and also take a stand on important issues. Today, on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Google Doodle highlights unique stories from 12 talented women artists from different parts of the world -- one of which is Bangalore-based Kaveri Gopalakrishnan.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Google India launched its campaign #HerStoryOurStory, to unfold and uncover inspiring stories of everyday women. Why? Because "Many studies show that one of the major barriers that prevent women in India from growing, is the lack of relatable and realistic role models from a similar background," according to Sapna Chadha, Director Marketing, SEA and India, Google.
Kaveri Gopalakrishnan's Google Doodle is part of this larger campaign, where Google is highlighting noteworthy women from every walk of life -- not just in India but from around the world. Each artist story reflects themselves, women in their lives, or womanhood more broadly. An independent comic artist based out of Bangalore, Kaveri has been writing and drawing comics professionally since 2013. Her original comic artwork was exhibited at 'Comix Creatix: 100 Women Making Comics,' London. Here are excerpts from our interview with Kaveri Gopalakrishnan.
What's your Google Doodle all about?
My comic is a story about the magic of books, and how reading was a big part of my growth. Google approached me with the theme of ‘Growth’, and I instinctively wanted to make a story on my childhood and the books that surrounded me, and the sort of difference reading made: in this case, literally wings to fly.
How does it feel to have your art as part of a special Google Doodle and how did you get selected?
I’m excited, and honoured! I’m in the company of some wonderfully talented storytellers from around the world, and our stories are on a huge platform of reach, which is such a warm feeling. I was approached by the Art Directors, who wrote in saying that they liked my work and wanted me to be a part of special international Women’s Day Google Doodle. The brief and personal theme provided was clear for myself, but I had absolutely no idea about who the artists were or what their stories would be like. The process was: free-ing, really. I developed three ideas for the comic, and the art directors guided me into honing my final story, throughout. It’s been a really comfortable balance of working, wherein I definitely feel ownership over a personal story, while being supported and advised by a very encouraging team.
Do you have a mission for your work?
If there is any mission for my work, it’s to be as honest as I can with my storytelling. I’m a harsh critic of my own work, and like challenging myself to get better while staying true to creating the kind of content that I can respect, at the end of the day. I’m still discovering new artistic challenges with every project I take on.
What's the message you want to share with everyone on Women's Day?
Let’s try to stay informed, and engage in a healthy discussion. The little bits of wisdom and hope here and there, that I have accumulated as woman, and that keep me safe, are through these conversations. Also: I think we can push to make the public spaces in our country safer and better-lit.
Would You Like To Share Your Story?