Photographer Naveli Choyal is a woman we are drawn to for her innate power to find tenderness and beauty in the everyday details. Lending her eye to the world's most contemporary industries, Naveli's imagery comes charged with an ancient energy of slowness and intentionality.
This series of self-portraits reveals Naveli at home in New Delhi, holding serenity before the day begins, in the company of her dogs and amongst her collection of treasures. Our conversation aims to unlock her intuitive creative process and explore her essential daily rituals.
What are your earliest memories of textiles or clothing?
I have two vivid early memories related to clothing. As a child, I was fascinated by the home science projects my aunts worked on. They had this file filled with small prototypes—doll-sized versions of various patterns and cuts—and I loved browsing through it repeatedly. The tiny, stitched pants, gowns, and other garments captivated me.
One of my aunts even stitched a dungaree for me as a birthday gift. I was amazed by the idea of creating your own clothes, along with the possibilities of designing, embroidering, and customizing garments. Additionally, my aunt, grandmother, and mother used to stitch their own clothes. Our home would be filled with piles of fabric as they sat together, discussing what to make next. They’d browse magazines for inspiration or sketch designs they had seen in movies.
India has deep connections to tradition and ritual, are there any specific practices that you have adopted into your day-to-day life?
I love rituals and routines, but with my current lifestyle that involves frequent travel, I often feel disconnected from them. However, I make sure to practice a few daily rituals, including pranayama and listening to Hindustani classical music (ragas) in the morning, which help ground me no matter where I am.
How does your upbringing and family inform your practice as a creative?
My grandparents migrated from a village to a town in Rajasthan, yet they held onto their traditions, rituals, and practices even after the move. As a second generation, my parents embraced a blend of both village and town life. This duality has given me a unique perspective—a way to observe life as both an outsider and insider, which deeply informs my creative practice.
Are there any colours or textures that you regularly gravitate to?
I tend to gravitate towards natural, earthy patterns and the beautiful colours found in nature. They feel grounded and timeless to me.
Can you tell us about your love and connection to ancient crafts, and where you feel this fascination stems from?
I grew up in a family of craftsmen—both on my maternal and paternal sides. Craftsmanship was woven into our everyday life, so my love and connection to ancient crafts feel like a natural and innate part of who I am.
Flowers seem to be a recurring motif in your personal work, what are the meanings behind this for you?
I like the tenderness and beauty of flowers. The tenderness has so many emotions attached to it, which makes it simple and special for me. They speak a language of hope, love, happiness, culture, beauty, sadness, joy, memory, celebration.
Your visual vocabulary looks at the contrast between technicolour and natural landscapes, or the contemporary against the ancient. What does this storytelling of tension between the two inspire for you?
I think it comes innately from curiosity and appreciation of the past along with the convenience and accessibility of today.
Is there anything new you are currently learning, or perhaps something that is invigorating your practice?
I’m currently delving deeper into my family’s history. Whenever I go back home, I sit with my extended family members or my parents to learn about their experiences and how they perceive the changes over time. It’s been a fascinating and grounding journey for me. Also learning about myself as a creative person and what excites me to create something new. I try to navigate that through my everyday acts.
What are your thoughts on female intuition?
It’s the only anchor in my life, I trust and practice intuition. I see it as a gift.
What does your downtime look like?
Spending time with myself and my dogs, cooking. I find cleaning also very therapeutic.
Best way to start the day?
Some good music and a good hug from my dogs.
Is there a piece of advice you carry with you?
I have always believed in the advice from my grandfather that no one can steal your time and your hard work from you, which has really helped me to simply focus on my work and not worry about the rest. But currently I find myself singing ‘Que sera sera’ these days ha!
What is a small luxury you indulge in?
Ayurvedic massages.
Do you have a go-to comfort food?
My go-to comfort food is Rajasthani garlic chutney paired with a day-old chapati. It’s simple but deeply satisfying.
What book are you currently reading?
Riddles in Hinduism by B.R. Ambedkar.
Tea or coffee—and how do you take it?
I am more of a chai person. Part milk, part water. I like a lovely evening chai at Triveni Kala Sangam.
Best local spots to explore?
I usually love spending my off days at National Gallery of Modern Art, Crafts Museum with many other different galleries etc if they are holding any exhibitions.
Is there a scent that transports you somewhere?
When the seasons change in October in Delhi, the entire city is filled with the faint, sweet smell of Saptaparni. I look forward to it every year, and no matter where I am during that time, that scent instantly reminds me of the city.
What’s the last thing that made you smile?
I recently found a stash of old photographs and letters that I had almost forgotten about exchanged between friends, partner and family, and that just made me smile wide.
Naveli wears the Edie Shirt, Della Top and Henry Skirt. Words by Yasmine Ganley.
