Home is where the art is!!

It has been quite a hectic month - shifting in to a new place and a new job role makes a deadly combination! Finally I have started unpacking my artwork and here is a quick sneak peak from my room, my art corner!!

 

My wonderland

I took prints of all of my artwork

Makhan symbolizes essence of love, consciousness

In Indian mythology Krishna in his childhood avatar is usually referred as Makhan chor or Chit chor.

Makhan mean butter and "Chit" means consciousness. This is how it is explained by few of the scholars -

In the first few years of childhood, the child has pure consciousness and has no power to discriminate between good and bad.  For her/him everything is eternal unconditional love. He is loving and lovable.  This phase in the birth of Krishna is called the phase of Makhan Chor. The child eats, sleeps or talks or steals nothing but love.

A loveable person always steals love from other and that is why Lord Krishna is called Makhan Chor.  The word Makhan is symbolized with the essence of love. 

Maratha!

Something I painted over last few weekends!

Black & White + Water colors = Magnified happiness :)

Was itching to paint something quick and different over the weekend and started browsing through few of my art books from old days. Was so inspired by all the images of rural/ tribal women that I decided to paint something similar.

What do you think?

Found my pod of happiness

Last few days have been super taxing (shifting home can really take toll on someone like me, I wish the movers and packers add an additional service of setting the house too!)

Anyways, I am living in boxes as of now. While unpacking one of my artwork box, I found this piece which I created when I was in high school.

 Imagine what happened to my unpacking after discovering this treasure box!! ;)

Tree Bark Planter!

This cute little thing came out safe of the electric furnace today morning. I am so pleased with the how the planter looks!!
After I reached home I was not sure on what to plant in, so went to my terrace garden and found this beautiful fern flourishing in one of the empty pot (as if it was planted there!). I carefully uprooted few and planted them in their new home. They sure look to like it!

I think this cute little piece of life is going to get a place on my office desk tomorrow!!

Tree Bark experiment at Ceramic Class

Learnt this coil hand modelling technique at class this weekend and made this lovely tree bark as my sample!

What do you think of it?

This is still raw, next call we will be firing all our articles in furnace and then tadaa, the home coming!!

Sneak Peek

I started this painting sometime last year and completed it this weekend (just few touch ups here and there). Its like she is never done for me!!

I will share the complete picture once I get my big camera back from Arun!! Yay, he is returning from his long business trip soon :)
 

Project - "Knowledge of the Land" Week 2 - Toor Dal (Pigeon pea)

Imagine my happiness when we accidentally walked in to this beautiful farm producing the most beautiful and flavorful Lentil - Toor Dal (Pigeon pea)

Toor Dal (Pigeon pea)

 The farm caretaker explained that the plant is still young and will require couple of months to ripe and dry. Post which the beans are split, seeds are separated, cleaned, polished, packed and are made ready for the market

I found below pics from net on various stages of peas (fresh, dried and split). This amazing pic (in centr) is from the site "Mahanandi Living in Consciousness ~ Indi(r)a’s Food and Garden Weblog" found via this link http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/archives/2007/12/02/toor-dal-fresh-dry-and-split/

 The more I started venturing inside this farm, well I was chased out by a big over sized bee (bhavra), how embarrassing!!!!

Meet Torty - My first artwork from the Clay Modelling class!

Once upon a time there was "Torty" a cute little adorable tortoise

Adorable but slow Torty surprisingly won the race against the fast hare named "Hary" and was presented with a pretty round hat which he took home with him and stayed happily thereafter :)

Doesn't he look cute??!!

Terracotta clay
~ 8 inches

Its Abstract time!!

This is going to be a quick update

I had a good relaxing 5 day trip to the beautiful, artistic pink city - Jaipur last year around this time. This abstract is influenced by the Jaipuri style art work from my hotel room (No body knew the name of the artist to give him/ her the credit)

Project - "Knowledge of the Land" - SPA for my Senses and Soul

Nature is critical to people’s lives

Nature is critical to people’s lives

Nature is critical to people’s lives

Sometime back on a road trip (Bangalore - Bandipur - Ooty - Bandipur - Bangalore) I had a strange experience. I was next to the drivers seat enjoying the green, beautiful, rich and resourceful land of Karnataka and suddenly I experienced what I call a brain freeze (not sure of a medical term for this situation, but I bet it exist). For few seconds I did not realize what happened and why but all my senses momentarily suddenly shut down, literally!!

Once back to normal (just a matter of few seconds) I realized what had hit me, it was the drastic - immediate change between the "Deep Green Forest" to " Concrete Forest". The difference between green graze land, clean air, acres of forest land, pure flowing river water and detoxifying-healing smell of nature to utter deforestation, barren land, dust and pollution.

I believe that "Nature is critical to people’s lives", however I realized the impact of this statement that day.

Having this experience in mind, I decided to indulge myself in to the beauty of nature and get a SPA for my senses as frequently as I can (aim - Weekly!!). Hence Arun and I kick started this new project called "Knowledge of the Land". In this project we roam in and around Bangalore over the weekend to understand the land - Flora, Fauna, what the land bear, local culture, art etc

 

Here is my first assignment "The vineyard". Bangalore is famous for its local wine - red, white and rose. Most of the vineyards being few kilometers away from my place, this was 1st on my list. Key natural aspects required for grown good quality grapes -
1. Climate - There are three categories of the climate that prospective vineyardists have to consider: macroclimate, mesoclimate and microclimate
2. Soil requirement - Grapevines are grown in a wide range of soil types around the world. Soil affects grapevine productivity and wine quality and it is comprised of many components like water drainage, organic matter, texture
I expect to get better with this project with time. May be make it more objective driven!

Planning for a nice vineyard day tour this/ next weekend. Will keep you all posted.

Ready to Use Art kit from Pidlite Hobby Ideas!

Over this weekend, I tried my hands on this ready to use art kit from Pidlite Hobby Ideas! This kit contains 1 carbon coated per-designed art page, a scrape knife and loads of fun and happiness.

Kits are available 2 shades with limited designs, Gold and Silver. I picked up this DEER kit with Gold color. After a good 2 hour of carbon scraping, this is how it turned out!!

 I will be framing this beautiful artwork for my art table!

Clay Modelling @ Clay Station!!

I have always been wanting to take a good long course in cermanics!!

I searched for years (last over last 2-3) but unfortunately could not find any place teaching ceramic work at Bangalore or even at Hyderabad :( it made me so sad

However I visited this lovely place called "Clay Station" near HSR layout Bangalore and was quite impressed with the kind of stuff they teach! (however still no Ceramics)

I managed and clicked few shots around this beautiful, full of inspiration place when I visited them and here a collage for you all

They teach stuff using Terecotta and Earhhware both on the wheel and hand modelling.

 

I am super excited for my call to start and am quite sure this will be fun - stay tuned!!

Experiment - Madhubani Styled Backdrop

Madhubani Painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns.

I specifically love the background technique/ formats used in Madhubani type of art and hence decided to try my artwork with Madhubani style background. This is how it turned out

Madhubani Style Backdrop

I loved the outcome of my small experiment and I will try out more! Let me know what you feel

My observations -

1. The backdrop should be at-least 3-4 shades darker.
2. The green land should merge more towards reality 
3. Keep experimenting!!

Kathakali Face Wooden Block

Bangalore has been wonderful and pleasant these days! Regular evening drizzles, lovely green gardens, blooming blossoms and of course the chaos. I am loving it all!!

It was a very hectic weekend (had so much of sleep and snooze to catch up on). However it had been long that I had made something lovely for my art shelf, so I decided to make this beautiful, colorful wooden block art.

Inspired by the 17th century, stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion - KATHAKALI

Kathakali Face

Observe the beautiful natural patterns and knots on this block, they are beautiful and I am absolutely in look with this colorful piece!

 

Grow Barve by Reflection!

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. This the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death"

                                                                                                                         - Leonardo da Vinci

Everything is a learning, growing strong and brave is the path I choose! What is yours?

Varalakshmi Vrath - Yet another wonderful AP tradition which I was blessed to participate in before my return!!

Varalakshmi: (Vara = boon, Lakshmi = goddess of wealth)

Varalakshmi Vrata is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam). It is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of AP, Telengana, Karnataka and few parts of TN. The Hindu festival going by the name 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day - Poornima in the month of Sravana, which corresponds to the English months of July–August.

Significance - Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Siri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvathi (learning), Prithvi (love), Keerthi (Fame), Shanthi (Peace), Santhushti(Pleasure) and Pushti (Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshiped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. This festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children (source Wiki)

Shilpa (not only a wonderful friend but also the one who is providing me shelter for my last week stay at Hyderabad) celebrates this festival every year with her family. This year I was fortunate to get the opportunity of experiencing it.

The early morning cleaning rush, setting room for pooja (mango and banana tree leaves, sweet aroma of flowers, fogginess out of dhup in the house) was the scene around when I opened my eyes!! The situation was rhythmically chaotic but so full of energy and positive aura all around!

 

Varalakshmi Celebration Glimpse

 Shilpa decorated (converted) my temporary bedroom in to a pooja room in no time - Flowers, Silver Utensils, Fruits, Lip smacking snacks, Aarti specifications were all set in no time.
Later in the morning when all arrangements were done, she started the pooja and we all tied flower garland with 9 knots around our wrist (married women get this privilege). Post which we all jumped upon the awesomely delicious snacks her mom made for the occasion.

It was a good day and a wonderful experience!

Here is my lovely friend, divinely gorgeous in her beautiful drape!

I leave some of my heart here

This artistic city of Hyderabad introduced me to this lovely ancient art form - Mithila; and I immediately fell in love with it. Now that its about time for me to relocate back to Bangalore, I thought this will be the best last post from this lovely city!!!

Mithila painting is a style of Indian painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state, India, and the adjoining parts of Terai in Nepal. Painting is done with nib-pens using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns and intricate designs.

There are paintings for each occasion and festival such as birth, marriage, Holi, Surya Shasti, kali puja, Upanayanam, Durga Puja etc. (source Wiki)

 

 

 

Mithila on my wall

Here is the closer look to each one of them

 

As happy as I am to apply the many learning from Hyderabad in to my life and to be re-united with my family, I know I leave some of my heart here!!

Zoe and Moe - Fun with Carpenter Pencil

Meet tribal king Zoe
His brother is named Moe
They have a big family
Zoe married 5 and Moe, well count them yourself!

Zoe and Moe

Carpenter Pencil: Good to sketch with but even better to sketch upon, yayy!!
Available in any departmental or carpentry tool store, they have better grip and dark lead texture.

This is a quick crafty activity, great for engaging kids (even older ones). I have used Acrylic colors, "0" number brush for fine work and few fallen feathers (I keep collecting from roadside or wherever I find them!)
Get few today and have some painting fun. Do send me your pics!!

Hand Painted the Carpenter Pencil

One more collectable for my "Expression" series

Earlier this month, right in between a frenzy "Expressions" series of my abstract work was born. I received encouraging feedback/ response for the first publication. Following which I painted this artwork. Planning to grow this series in future. Let me know your thoughts

Expression - Series of my Abstract

The "Red"

Hmmmm how do I introduce "Red" to you!! Well lets just say that I made her in 2013 and she has been one of my best possessions since then! She is beautiful, mesmerizing and magical!

She fills my heart with joy and beauty!! Since I made Red, she has been instigating and inspiring me to follow my heart. I started my blog, Facebook page -- Twitter and Pinterest just followed!!

I believe that we all have "Red" in our lives instigation us to follow our hearts, what is yours?

The "Red"

"Sufi whirling" - Dedicated to my Turkey Trip

March 2014 was very special, I visited a beautiful country for my community service assignment - Turkey!! It is a beautiful country with rich culture and extremely powerful history! Turkey is quite scenic and popular tourist attraction.

While in Turkey, was lucky to visit and experience "Sufi Whirling Ceremony"

Sufi whirling (or Sufi spinning) is a form of physically active meditation which originated among Sufis, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. It is a customary dance performed within the worship ceremony, through which dervishes aim to reach the source of all perfection. This is sought through abandoning one's egos or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one's body in repetitive circles, which has been seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun - Wikipedia

Inspired by which, I made this quick painting


Amazing Sufi

This one is with my Shimla stone on it, remember!!

Tweet Tweet!!

    Join me on Twitter @MeghaArtlife

The Wizard

I am at Bangalore this week away from my canvas and colors! The weather is beautiful and I am having some great family and friends time, loving it!!

Dearest mommy had preserved my year old potters clay in a plastic trash bag. She handed it over to me to take care of it (I think she wanted me to throw it away myself!!) Clay was dry and hence added some water to make a nice fresh dough.

I have no instruments here at Bangalore and hence tried my best to make this puppet by bare hands. His name is "wizard" and he loves to wear a magnificent cape.

The Wizard

Lots of love!! Enjoy your weekend!!

How did it start OR restart!!

As a kid, I was passionate about art. I always wanted to grow up and become an artist (or may be a super hero). I ended up making drawing sheets instead and graduated as an Engineer. I had forgotten about my love and passion toward art (cannot believe it). However 2013 was my turning point! I decided to paint again. This was one of my initial Acrylic artwork. Was kind of rusty, but never the less I am quite emotional about it

Lessons learnt -

1. Never part with your passion
2. It never too late to get your passion back in life
3. Do not loose time, do/ start it NOW

Launching "Expression" series of my abstract artwork

I have always been making an artwork which is well detailed and intricate. Recently I have been experiencing art burst, a frenzy mode of creativity and was finding myself out of patience to paint my conventional, detailed way. Hence I decided to "try" abstract -- Not my comfort, forte

Expression

  I want to make more of such abstract painting, especially whenever I get in to this "idea/ expression frenzy" mode. I think I would call this series as "Expression"!!

In created a lot of texture on the canvas for this series, I believe will continue with this format for a while

Expression

What do you think?

Wooden Block Stamps!

My awesome wooden block stamps from Jaipur. Had spent days roaming streets of Jaipur market to pick my favorites!!

These are all hand carved on soft wood. They have enough hand grip room and very well detailed.

Had stamped them blue for trial. Got to wash them off now!

and Few "more" wooden blocks!!

After my initial posts about wooden block painting, few of my friends suggested to get more colorful with them. This of course was a good suggestion as well as part of my experimentation plan!

Here are few colored ones I tried out

Lessons Learnt -

1. Smooth the wooden block using a sand paper
2. Smoothing enhances the texture of the wooden block
3. This also helps the color settle better and gives a smoother finish.

Hence, I went ahead and scrapped the block with sand paper first. The result is quite better



I must say that I am quite delighted with the result!! I hope this post inspire you!

Take Care!

Radha on the dance floor??!!

"Radha on the dance floor??!! I am right here filling water" is the first feeling I get looking at this painting I made sometime back. This painting fills my heart with sunshine, love and hope. I do not recollect the specific thoughts I had leading to this creation, but I am sure I would be in my fav "Happy me" mood.

I believe I love this painting more than I loved it when it was created! I hope this artwork inspire you and help you find your Paradise!! Have a good day!

Well, whom do you think plays lead from the these 3 beauties?

 

Golden Geese!

Friends suggested to add some color to my wooden block painting, so I tried this :) I call this block my "Golden Geese" block!! Love the way nature blends in to just anything, observe the lovely wood knot how beautifully its blending in with my geese!!

Golden Geese

Waiting for them to start laying golden eggs now ;)

Golden Geese

 

Wood Block Painting

Dad and I were taking a stroll one evening and we found these cute little wooden blocks abandoned outside carpenters shop close to our locality. We immediately made up our mind to bring them home. The carpenter was more than happy to give away his "trash" for free :)

These blocks were on my work desk for few day until this weekend when I decided to bring them to life, again - through my brush and colors!!

Here is the first little one I painted

 

Mithla Tree





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the pictures I took from few other angles. Hope you loved this sweetie!!

 

I have few more such cute little blocks available to try my hands on! More updates on the way!!

 

3 Friends

Finally after a longgg lazzzyyy Sunday, I picked up my brush to complete this project which has been long pending since a week. When I started painting this project I decided to add a lot of contrast to the faces, kind of like them that way.

Not a perfect art piece, but I love the way this one turned out. Pure joy, joy and joy!! I hope this inspires you!

3 Friends

P.S - Can some one help me with tips on photography? I feel that that my artwork looks much better than its photograph :(

My Sweatie Pie!

I made this sweetie pie sometime last year. It was over a weekend discussion between dad and me about how movies/ advertising world has changed from what he grew up with and what it is today!

During this interesting conversation, I got this sudden zeal of making a quick pretty face women painting!! Was quite happy, inspired and full of energy looking at the end product, I hope you feel the same, do let me know!!

Enjoy!!

 

3 Friends...Day 2 Update

I changed the 3rd friend to ensure that she mingles well :D
I have started painting them. Progress so far

Work In Progress

That's it for today, have a good one!!