An Extra Mile

A figurative abstract in acrylic on a 20 by 24 inch canvas. Though the painting looks fairly simple, it was challenging especially because I was trying to tell a story through an abstracted visual. Layers of glazes on the gessoed surface seemed endless but was an enjoyable time spent with the colors.You probably could make your own story out of this piece, but the actual story behind is that of one of my most admired men.. Vidyakar.. A single man's resolve to help the needy has given hope to lives of thousands.

It all began when Vidyakar carried an eleven month old baby which was found abandoned in a cinema hall in Chennai, India. The baby needed care and he felt a sudden urge in himself to take care of the baby.

From that day onwards he started his journey to help orphans and destitute."Helping hands" or "Udavum Karangal" was born. Udavum Karangal today has become a haven for 2000 socially under-privileged people. ( http://www.udavumkarangal.org/)

I end this post with his words..""It is not the way I intended to live my life. It is a dangerous, tough, thankless job... but someone's got to do it. It'd be nice if society did not need people like me but while it does... I will be right there." "

The proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to "Udavum Karangal"

The Diamonds or the Silver?

The light fell on her, lighting her lovely face..
The diamonds on her nose and ears glittered..
Or did her silver hair shine better?
I think..
More than the diamonds and the silver,
Sparkles her selfless love..
She is my mother :-)

I caught my mother in a contemplating mood with a water color pencil. From a traditional south Indian family that she is, she has been wearing a diamond nose ring and diamond earrings all her life, never seen her without them!

Happy Mother's day to all those wonderful mothers whose love nourish many lives!

Face of a Dancer

This is Sahana and she is a "Bharathnatyam" dancer. She performed on stage for the first time recently and the event was an excitement for her friends and family. I got to do this poster of her to be exhibited at the event. It was done in oil. I saw in her eyes, a lot of enthusiasm for a first time stage performance, the passion for her dance itself and her intention to give the best out of herself. I do not know how far I was successful in bringing out the same.But she loved what I created for her and it was worth my effort and I am delighted!

Bharathnatyam, a classical form of dance originated from the state of Tamil Nadu , India. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam, as the name depicts is the combination of:

BHA- Bhava (Expression), RA- Raga (Music) and TA- Tala (Rhythm). Today this is one of the popularly practiced dance forms in India.

I think, dance is an extension of one's soul, even if we are not dancers in the real sense, we can learn to dance in our hearts :-)