Closing In

 

I am finally awakening from my winter hibernation. My spirit animal must be the grizzly bear cause that is exactly how I feel in winters, grumpy and inhospitable. Jokes apart, the very pleasant weather this month inspired me to work on my first painting of this year.

Lately, there have been too many reports of man-animal conflicts.... of animals entering human habitats. Err, wait.... or is it the other way around? Leopards especially seem to be repeatedly in the news for run-ins with humans and our settlements. And so, this piece is called 'Closing In'.

Closing in : habitats shrinking, territories overlapping, movements clashing.... just a matter of time before there's a full blown war out there!

 

I hope to use my art to give a voice to these unheard ones. So that we humans can be more mindful of the other species that cohabit this planet with us.

Check my Instagram page for more visuals and related videos.

New Series: Conversations

 

Bringing you this month my new ongoing series titled 'Conversations'. Set amidst urbanized nature, this series explores our interactions with our natural surroundings, and with other creatures of the planet. It presents my perspective on how the urban and the natural can harmoniously coexist.

Conversations - 1

This ongoing series is deeply inspired by real-life experiences. The first painting is an ode to our evening tea sessions on the terrace, where amidst the solidity of the surrounding trees and the fragility of the potted blooms, we interacted not only amidst ourselves but also with many feathered friends.

Conversations - 2

The second painting takes the interaction with the avian world a step further, focussing on a one-on-one conversation.

Both these paintings are acrylics on paper, and sized 11" x 7". Do write in at creativerumblings@gmail.com in case you wish to purchase or commission a painting.

Mosaic Garden Stake

 

Two months and zero posts - not a happy milestone, by any means! But some upheavals on the family front, coupled with the bone-chilling cold, kept the creative projects on hold for a while. Now here's starting the year's posting with a detailed walkthrough of our latest mosaic project - a garden stake created entirely using recycled materials. 

This sustainable artwork uses broken tiles/ceramics and mirrors mounted on a PVC pipe. To see the entire process, click here. 

The stake can be placed in the ground directly or planted in a container, thus giving us the flexibility to move it around, and making it an indispensable garden decor item. Love the pop of colour it adds to our garden! If you have any queries on this project, write to us at creativerumblings@gmail.com and we'll connect.

The Tree Trunk Art Project

Another year, another public art project! So glad to be living in an area where we have some like-minded people who care to brighten up their immediate environs with street art. This time a dead tree trunk became our canvas. 

But let me share the back story first. So a couple of full-grown trees were transplanted a year back. While one survived the change, the other one could not make it. It withered and started shedding its bark. That is when this project was conceived by another resident artist. 

And voila! Over the Women's Day weekend in March, three of us got together to enliven the dead tree. With no plans in place, we started painting randomly. 

But as the colours took over the tree trunk, it acquired a colourful new identity.

From the greens of the grass and leaves to the red, pink, white, and blue flowers that blossomed on the trunk, each gave it a new dimension.

Then came the butterflies, ladybirds, and a variety of birds.

Finally came the unconventional elements - a dog, a mask, even a frothy beer mug hidden amidst the folds of the tree trunk!

It was a new, fun experience to give life to a dead object of this size. 

The best part was to be able to paint to our heart's content on such a large canvas. 

It was, no doubt, somewhat tiring, as you can see from our weary faces in our project wrap-up picture. But despite everything, it was an immensely satisfying experience! 😅

Blue Heart Mosaic

 

Earlier this year, we created a blue mosaic heart on a stone slab to commemorate 2020, the year of the nasty pandemic that has taken the world by storm. Covid-19 has affected countless people globally, impacting individuals, their means of livelihood, and their families adversely.

This blue heart mosaic stands in our front garden as a mark of thankfulness to all the frontline workers in the middle of these unprecedented times. Those that left behind their loved ones at home to venture out to the call of duty, risking their lives for ours.

We wish for a better, kinder world in the coming year. A world where people are not afraid to meet, to hug and hold hands, and most importantly, a world that does not place restrictions on our freedom. Hope our wish for a happier, healthier world comes true soon.

Owlie Party

 

I have been drawing a lot of owls lately. All of these made their debuts in the last couple of months on my Instagram.

It all started with this paper-collaged fashionable fellow.

Encountering screeching owls flying overhead on our evening walks, only fuelled my imagination more.

And finally, this sleepy owl was made for an Inktober prompt last month.

Hope you like my owlie party as much as I loved creating them! :)

The Community Art Project - Part 2

 

Hey, readers! Hope you all enjoyed our community mosaic story that was featured last month. Yes, I am still somewhat in mosaic mode, as we cross the wall showcasing our artwork often and feel happy for our contribution. Moreover, I am also making small mosaic pieces around the house as and when I get time. So I thought of bringing you all a peep behind the scenes, with this write-up about the process of mosaic making.

Mosaics can be made in multiple ways, the most common and obvious one being the direct method, where tesserae pieces that make up the mosaic are stuck directly on to the substrate and grouted. However, since our community artwork was large and the weather was horribly hot and humid, working outdoors was not a good idea. Moreover, there was the scare of the pandemic. So it was decided to mosaic using an indirect method. 

We had a printout of our artwork as the guideline... 

...and we assembled the mirror and tile pieces over a mesh.

Cutting tile and mirrors neatly to size is an art in itself, and the boys did a better job of it.

Indirect methods of mosaic making give you the freedom to innovate as you go along. Like the ponytails I added on one of the kids to bring gender balance to our piece.

Once our mosaic was complete, we lifted the mesh and checked for unattached pieces. Other than posing with the artwork, of course!

On the day of installation, we cut the mosaic to size before adhering it to the wall. 

Finally, we went back the next morning to grout and buff our artwork. Grouting gives the final finished look to a mosaic, other than sealing and waterproofing it.

And this is us with our mosaic kids!

The finished artwork now looks like this, the mirror outlines glistening beautifully in the light. 

For any similar mosaic projects you have in mind, do get in touch or write to us at  creativerumblings@gmail.com. We will help create from scratch a hand-cut piece of mosaic artwork to brighten up your spaces.

The Community Art Project - Part 1

 

Life is full of surprises, they say! And when an exciting prospect presents itself in the middle of this pandemic-ridden year, it only gets sweeter. As the lockdown started and all plans came to a grinding standstill, there was a sense of despondency and uncertainty. But who knew that the year would provide us with such a wonderful learning opportunity to pick up a new skill.

Despite the pandemic scare, our local RWA decided to go ahead with a public art project that was to be executed by the community, for the community. The project involved sprucing up an entry wall facing the main gate to our block. But the challenge - it was to be done in mosaic! 

Kanika Singh from Mini Mason Mosaics came on board to be our mentor and guide. A visit to her gorgeous studio, followed by a Zoom consultation and a quick hands-on workshop, and the four teams were raring to try their hands at the new skill of mosaic making.

Snapshots from the hands-on workshop

The public artwork was designed to represent three generations of a family living in our block, along with their pet, and how each of them is enjoying their lives in the community. Each team picked up a particular character silhouette to work on. We brought home the playful kids.

Bringing our mosaic kids to life, little by little

As each team worked from the safety of their own homes due to the pandemic, our community artwork started coming together in bits and pieces. 

Each team with their mosaic at their home

And before long the dazzling pieces were ready to be installed.

Our mentor demonstrating the installation process

Pleasant mornings, with cloudy skies and a gentle breeze, made it seem like a picnic of sorts as all the teams gathered over a weekend to get their mosaic pieces up on the wall.

Prepping the pieces pre-installation

As our piece had a lot of intricate areas (the arms, legs and fingers), it needed many helping hands to get them to stay in place. Reminding me of Jiddu Krishnamurthy's famous words, "It takes a village to raise a child."

It took a village to get the kids up there

When the artwork was finally put up for the public, it was such a gratifying experience to be able to give back to the community, especially in these difficult times. To have been chosen as a medium to spread positivity is indeed fulfilling.

We feel that public art always arouses a sense of wonder, joy and hope in the community at large. Just a glimpse provides nourishment to tired souls, even if briefly. Much needed in these stressful times.

The completed mosaic mural

We feel immensely grateful for the new learning, and the opportunity to connect with some great people. 

Key members of the team

As together we bring a smile on the faces of those who view, enjoy and interact with our art. Hoping to spread joy for years to come! :)

Update: Read Part 2 of this story here.

The Fort Musician

Ever been to Jodhpur? If yes, then you will share my sentiments. If no, then I recommend a visit. It is one city that definitely has a charm of its own. The quaint marketplaces, the narrow undulating streets, the houses with their jharokhas (carved windows) and carved wooden doors, the blue painted walls of houses in the older part of the city, and of course, the awesome food.

But the most enchanting of all my experiences in Jodhpur was the Mehrangarh Fort. Standing atop a hill overlooking the entire city, the fort appears majestic even from a distance. And once you are inside, you are transported to another world altogether! The royal ambience of yore, with the tinted glass windows and intricate carvings. Musicians playing traditional Rajasthani instruments in the background only add to the charm.

Now you know where this painting came from.... it is one of my favourite pieces from the works I have done this year. Again, this painting has very little brushwork; thick layers of paint applied with a spatula create a beautifully textured effect (click on the picture to see an enlarged version). And looking at it, I am transported back to the famous fort of Mehrangarh.... so when are you packing your bags?!! :)

The Old Godown At Mattanchery

Haven't we all come across these old, abandoned godowns, sometimes bang in the middle of a bustling megapolis. Why only Mattanchery?.... this could be anywhere in India. I remember seeing some properties like these both in Delhi and Mumbai.

Anyhow, coming back to the painting.... Leafing through a newspaper article I chanced upon a picture of an old, dilapidated godown at Mattanchery, in the old town area of Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) in Kerela. The blues, browns and whites of the picture made for a striking combination and inspired me to create this painting (click on the picture for a larger view). These abandoned spice godowns make for very interesting subjects and I remember reading a blog on them a few days back.

Now for the catch - this painting here is an entirely brushless effort. Yes, you read it right - no brush was used in the making of this painting. It has been created with a discarded credit card and was a very quick, inspired piece, made over an evening.

Also, today I officially complete 5 years of playing around with paints on paper and canvas. In these five years, from making a slow and shaky start, I have moved to bigger sizes and bolder strokes. And yes, given up the brush for more interesting mediums to paint with! :) Do wish me luck as I carry on my romance with colour.... for many more years to come!!

Revisiting the Ghats

So many days into the new year and no post on my blog yet.... tch, tch! Well, the winter blues are getting me down so I have only managed one small landscape painting in all these days. But that is not what I'm sharing today.... let me first show you the last painting of the last year that somehow got neglected and never appeared on the blog.

This one was finished just a day or so before the year ended. But what I really loved about it was the abstraction.... especially the shadowy areas in the background. I tend to get very definitive with forms so keeping things loose and undefined was fun. Also depicting the shadows with wide swathes of colour, rather than trying to achieve specifics, was a learning experience. Then I hardly used brushes to make this; relied on the smooth tip of a plastic knife instead!

I want to try my hand at more abstracted forms this year and have already made a start by stocking up on more canvases and paints. Let us see how and where things go now.... maybe that explains why I started the year with an abstract landscape. But more on that in my next post.

The Watermelon Seller

The festivities are finally over and we are settling back into a saner life. Been a long time since any work got done.... hope that changes now as we fall back into a regular routine.

Winter has definitely arrived, and the woollies are out. But bang in the middle of this I'm reminded of peak summertime, and watermelons. Weird, to say the least.

This was the sight that greeted me everyday in the summers as I walked down to pick my kiddo from the hobby class. Searing noon time heat, sun blazing, washing everything in a piercing yellow-white glare. And suddenly these pops of colour would appear at the turn of the road. Circles of green with occasional reds, and of course, the blue of the tarpaulin. Made for an interesting subject!

City Lights

Painted a smaller piece (8" x 11") after a long time. Came across a picture in the papers that caught my eye, especially the juxtapostion of the brightly lit buildings against a deep blue sky. And that is how this painting came about.

Probably one of the last pieces of this year. Wish I could paint more frequently and quickly, but try as I might I never seem to paint as often as I want to. Hope the next year changes that a little!

By the way, have you all noticed that the Creative Rumblings Facebook page gets some extra art-related posts while this blog continues to focus on my personal journey in the world of colours. Well, to catch up on those additional updates, visit the page and click on the Like button now. That'll ensure you never miss out on any of the news!

Kashmir Diaries

Don't know why I have been thinking of the Kashmir valley a lot lately. Perhaps the searing heat of the plains makes me subconsciously think of the cool environs of the valley, with the majestic Himalayas in the backdrop.

I visited Kashmir many years back, when "terrorism" was a totally unfamiliar word, and one visited the valley only to figure out what earned it the name 'Paradise on Earth'. I was too young to remember the details of the breathtaking beauty, but some images stay with me till date. Today I bring you two of them...

One was of the colourful shikaras lined up on the Dal lake. Bobbing cheerfully on the edge of the lake, with their typical name placards and the boatmen calling out to us to take a ride.

Waiting Shikaras - charcoal and acrylic

Another was of the flower seller going from one houseboat to the other in his little boat, handing over a fresh bouquet to each, and exchanging pleasantries with the regular customers. I was so awed to see this unusual way of selling that it stayed in my memory.

The Flower Seller - mixed media

Alas, I have never been to the valley thereafter. I remember reading somewhere that the houseboats and shikaras can no longer be seen on the Dal, as security issues override tourism concerns. The price we pay is too high sometimes....

Street Food Cart

Can't believe this is my 100th post! This blog has sure come a long way.... :)

My second submission for the virtual paintout at San Miguel de Allende. I used this street view to create this painting, and am pretty pleased with the outcome.

My learning this time was about how important shadows are. After I had finished putting in the colours, I realised that something was amiss. Then, by sheer gut feel, I darkened the shadows. While black is a colour one should use with a lot of thought, this once I used it liberally. As soon as the shadows got done right, the colours from the other parts popped up and everything worked together.

I especially like how the figures turned out in this one... the lady sitting with her cup, the fellow with his cap, the couple on the right of the cart, and the food sellers with their distinctive identities. Adding human interest definitely ups the overall appeal of any painting.

I'll be working on a couple of bottles now, and then plunge headlong into Diwali festivities. :) See you all sometime next month....

Ghats And Boats

The two things that characterize the city of Benaras, or Varanasi, believed to be the oldest city in India. Also considered the seat of Hindu traditions, and famous for its weaving of the now dying Benarasi sari. Though I have never visited the city but I found a newspaper picture of it so compelling that I just had to paint it.

This was one painting I enjoyed thoroughly, especially doing the boats. Here is a close-up of my favourite parts.

The aim now is to consciously paint in a more loose fashion with emphasis on the Impressionist approach. I believe a watercolor works best that way.

Hope you enjoyed this one!