Illustrations in 'Loveflakes' || The role that artworks play in highlighting the essence of the book

Bharati Malhotra, Vibha Malhotra, Poonam Bhalla

Vibha Malhotra's book Loveflakes has now been out in the world for about a month, and apart from the poetry in the book, the book cover as well as the illustrations (by Bharati Malhotra and Poonam Bhalla) accompanying the poetry have been talked about at various forums. Consider the following, for example:

From a comment by Mr Vikram Dutt, former civil servant, disability expert, documentary film maker, inclusive and special education consultant:

"Had a great weekend after many months, when both Saturday and Sunday were fun-filled fulfilling days:

‘You may not feel my arms around you,

but those clouds and feathers you fly through

in your dreams?

They are me.

All me.’

Evocative Lines, accompanied by almost Kahlil Gibran-isque illustration. These lines reflect my soul and my belief in God. Written by my dearly loved friend, Vibha Malhotra, and published in her just released first book of poems Loveflakes, which she kind-heartedly inscribed and presented to me."

The artwork by Bharati Malhotra that Vikram Sir called Kahlil Gibran-isque

From the Foreword by Kashiana Singh, Poet and TEDx Speaker:

"The illustrations accompanying each poem are poems themselves. They are the unspoken parts of the poem that the reader will linger and dwell with before moving on to the following verse. Finding the entry point from the poem to the illustration to the heart of each pair of poems/pictures is the most beautiful aspect of this collection."

Poonam Bhalla's surreal art that accompanies 'Feral'

From an interview with Rajkumari Sharma Tankha, published on LifeandMore:

"[Rajkumari] Each poem carries an artwork. Are these art works done by you or someone else?

[Vibha] I have collaborated with two very talented artists, Bharati Malhotra and Poonam Bhalla, who were generous enough to allow me to sift through their artwork and select the pieces that go with my poems. I am eternally grateful to them for this."

Bharati Malhotra's art that accompanies the title poem of the collection

From writer and reviewer Esha Chakraborty's review published in The Daily Guardian:

"What makes the book even more beautiful is the artwork accompanying the poems. They add depth and meaning to the poems and draw the reader deeper into the chaos of love." 

Poonam Bhalla's art that accompanies 'Inner Child'

From reviews on Amazon:

"Loveflakes is, what one may call, a gem. With carefully chosen words and an elegant expression, the poems make for a very interesting and enjoyable read. Each poem is a work nurtured with love. Along with the beautiful cover and beautiful inner layout, Loveflakes is truly a work of art," says Akshaya.

"It glimpses the skirmish, affectionate, compassionate, and lovable bits from my life. And the pretty ART work alongside each poem halted me to correlate the two and to fill some virtual colours in it," says Vikas Sharma.

Poonam Bhalla's artwork that accompanies 'Alchemist'

"Loved reading it. Would recommend to anyone who is afraid of reading Poetry. This book draws you in. Book also has beautiful illustrations for each Poem," says an anonymous Amazon Customer. 

""I have been a poetry lover, this book is easy to recite, lyrical …. All the Best to the poet … love the flowers," says Manish. 

Bharati Malhotra's artwork that accompanies 'Predicament'

Many Congratulations to Cover Artist and Illustrator Bharati Malhotra and Illustrator Poonam Bhalla. And thank you. Your work has contributed a lot to Loveflakes and added more depth.