Father and Daughter

Bollywood movie ‘Dangal’, the true story in a cinematic adaptation of a father encouraging his daughters to excel in a ‘man’s world’, is truly inspiring. There are certain scenes that reminded me of my own father, who would massage my legs to ease ‘growing pains’ as a child or encourage me to bring out the best.

Newspaper reports of fathers traumatizing their daughters or suppressing their talents leave me shocked as I was fortunate to be ‘made much of' by a father who treated me like a princess!  In conservative societies where the son is usually treated better in some parts of our country, while daughters are not even educated, being relegated to do daily chores, it is truly wonderful to see daughters treated equal to sons in many places.

Being a great achiever himself as a celebrated sportsman of India in the 1940’s, he showed great interest in my ability to sing, act and to paint. As years advanced  and I felt the urge to be creative, it was my father who would discuss and encourage me. He made sure that I followed my talents to realize my dreams and felt proud of my achievements as an artist over the years.

A man who taught me to respect others while not to expect anything in return.  A man who taught me not to crave for what another person owns. A man who taught me to think of the value, of what I would want to acquire as (in my native tongue Malayalam), “Avishyam,Anavishyam,Athiyavishyam” (Desire, Greed, Need ).  A man who taught me to love and said in a profound note,“ If you are happy on account of my unhappiness, then I am happy!”.  A man who taught me to radiate positive energy and to lift the spirit of people with a smile.

 Mutual admiration was the base of our journey through life for more than 4 decades as he passed on leaving me with a wealth of ideals and values.

I may be called a ‘Daddy’s Girl’ on a lighter vein, but I lived that with immense love and nurturing.  

ON OWNING A PAINTING

As an artist and having participated in several group shows as also solos, I notice the reactions and absorb the feedback which is sometimes amusing and at times, interesting too!

Before any show, I usually feel a palpable sense of nervous excitement to share my work, as my creative expression will be assessed by experienced artists and include those who are regulars known to  have an ‘eye’ for art.  Two decades of creativity has not diminished the pleasure of those reacting to my paintings on buying or the positive feedback after many years of owning my work!

My experience over the years while holding solos is when some couples do a quiet ‘tug-of-war’ over the choice!  The man invariably wants a strong abstract while his wife would prefer an abstract expressionistic work. There was this incident at a well know art gallery in my city that while discussing the two paintings, the wife turns and walks away, leaving the group around very nonplussed. She quickly returned to ‘her’ painting and grandly placed the marking that states “SOLD”!  “That’s mine!” she grandly stated while her husband sighed.  Later on he told me that they don’t have enough walls to add ‘his’ painting!!

On another event a lady had verbally booked a painting and another gentleman offered me double the amount!  I refused stating that it was booked and I had completely forgotten that incident till the lady reminded me recently and laughed at my foolish decision!  I told her that I would have lost the grace of a good friend had I made the decision over money!

Another lady had displayed my painting in a prime position of their lovely home and a visitor again offered double the amount! She firmly informed that she bought it for the love of owning the work and had no intention to sell it! I was truly touched and felt good that a ‘part of me’ is so well treasured. Years later when others come to me stating that they are never bored with my painting or that they would not like to replace my works with any other, my creative ability is endorsed.

There are couples who have playfully squabbled over two paintings at a show, till the wife condescendingly ‘allows’ her husband’s choice to be displayed in their home.  One couple, who have been collecting art over the years, came for one of my solos and the husband chose a painting called ‘Soul’.  Was that a sixth sense of a premonition on the choice of title and the painting, that he never could come for any of my shows, as he had passed on…

Those who love to own a painting for their pleasure of seeing it every day and to ‘grow’ with it are true lovers of art.

Lung Space

Having spent my childhood in the Capital of India known for vast expanses of 'lung space' with beautiful gardens and heritage monuments as backdrops, shifting to 'Garden City' was a challenge! It was surprising to see that every colony does not have a good garden where people can bring their children to play or enjoy a family picnic. Spaces meant for gardens are encroached and it takes a concerted effort to create awareness for public utility.

Such an effort was made a few years ago by enterprising residents of the 'Old Bangalore' colony that I reside in. People wondered if they would be allowed to enter the park once the landscape was improved, as this turned out to be the jewel in our colony.  The shining example of love and hard work of a few residents with green fingers, who envisioned a place for healthy interaction. Money and time was pooled in to create a beautiful space meant for peace and tranquility. 

 This is short-lived, as population  exploded in this once ‘unheard’ of little town.  The park is the center where  so much is happening in and around that it is mind boggling.

Around the park, walkers (while trying to clear foggy brains early morning) are startled on some days by Karate students emitting sudden shouts at irregular intervals.  This group of boys are very intent on the ‘actions’, oblivious to amused on-lookers or nervous passersby. The ‘action’ in the morning around the park is carried on in the evening – inside the park with less healthy intentions.   Here the ‘action’ takes place literally in the lush bushes between couples oblivious to shocked looks or interested glances.  An over enthusiastic gardener could be the cause for such thick foliage! Children frolicking in their play area wonder what’s happening seeing grown ups grappling each other. Their entwined positions would invoke Vatsayana’s spirit to shudder and realize that his Kama Sutra is outdated!

The park entry ticket appears quite cheap for viewing such X-rated scenes! Some smart fellows do the hurdle over the park railing, to avoid paying too! The erstwhile bandstand built for the ‘burrah sahibs’ to enjoy late night  dancing and merrymaking, now stands mute testimony to people groping in the dark! Should one blame such bold behaviour to the onslaught of MTV  or is this the heights of desperation?    One tends to think that they want to be part of the labour of love. I mean the park…. Is this love’s labour lost? 

Baby Steps in the Art World

At a recent art show held at a well know Government owned art gallery in central Bengaluru, it was amazing to see the enthusiasm of professionals from other fields, showcasing their talent in fine art. The show was to encourage those interested in turning their 'hobby' into a profession.

Senior artists were invited to encourage and give advice to the art enthusiasts who were advised to keep working hard. One eminent artist succinctly stated, "After this show, what next?" This was meant to make the budding artists realize that their efforts were more like 'baby steps' in the art world!

Budding artists should be aware that it takes years of hard work while practicing drawing and painting or using any other medium of choice before they can get anywhere in the long road to realization as an artist. A lot of sacrifice, discipline, diligence and the magnanimity of taking constructive criticism even from those not related to art, yet have great interest in the field. Some people may not be able to as they say, "draw a line to save their lives!" but have a 'good eye' to detect good art. They are the ones who eventually collect art and encourage artists in the long run!

Going to art galleries even when on a holiday in any part of the globe, attending art shows in your own city regularly, meeting artists and expressing concerns and views is all a learning experience.  The young (not chronologically alone) artist should mentally become a sponge so as to absorb as much from other artists. Well coping a Master's work to learn the techniques and be part of a study is a learning experience for some. Getting inspired by an artist  is a form of flattery but not to blatantly copy, instead to create your own !

One must have an individuality or 'style' which could be the applied strokes or the choice of subject . This takes years of experimenting with different medium and knowing the comfort level that leads to confidence in the rendition of works. After mastering a particular medium, it would be interesting to push the boundaries by trying a different approach with a new medium and that takes you to another level. Many artists are happy in their comfort zone and feel nervous to start something new. An artist should paint without fear as to what others would think or the kind of feedback expressed.

A young artist must make a concerted effort not to 'slot' themselves as a highly priced artist! There are different schools of thought on how an artist can price the work and that does not depend on the time taken to execute the work. This aspect is very subjective and one has to see how galleries price the works of different artists before deciding.

Starting with 'baby steps' and gaining strength to walk and eventually run is the key to survive the long journey in the art world!

To Be Or Not To Be......LATE !

When a person is called ‘late latheef’ in jest, it is not something to be taken lightly!  It is perceived that the  habitually late person does not respect the other person or is not organized enough to keep the stated time. The IST or Indian Stretchable Time as is meant to explain the mentality of Indians, is indeed nothing to be proud of.

I read about a recent high handed incident at a well known performance theater in Bengaluru, which left me aghast. Some late comers I believe, insisted on the door of the theater be opened for them! Instead of abiding by the rules of the place, arguments and threats were used to intimidate the staff. Just because a ticket for the play is bought, does not give anyone the right to bully or create a scene.

Those who regularly go for plays and other related performances should know that three bells are rung to summon the audience to seat themselves. The third and final bell means that the doors are closed and NO ONE, be it a billionaire or any one with clout is allowed in. The rule is to give respect to the actors who cannot be disturbed during a live performance or for that matter, the audience too.

What does it take to be punctual? Is it the mentality or organizational capability that makes it possible? A case in point is the legendary actor Amitabh Bacchan, who is known to be ‘frightfully’ punctual.  A person of his wealth and standing in society, can surely ‘afford’ to be late to the film sets and keep others waiting!  He and other very successful personalities are who they are, for their qualities which include PUNCTUALITY.

Parents should inculcate the discipline of punctuality along with teaching respectful behavior to their children at an early age.  Money is not the ‘be all and the end all’ of everything.

Art for Care

This painting was inspired by the creative expression of a child from the NGO called Vatsalya, nurtured by an enterprising and dedicated lady named Mary Paul in Bengaluru, Karnataka State of India. I was requested by the organizers to choose one painting out of many done by the children and to write about the inspiration that made me paint the 4x3 ft acrylic painting. The event was to commemorate 25 years of Vatsalya having taken care of homeless children and finding foster homes for them. A very noble cause indeed.
I have included the article below describing my painting named Essence of Freedom.

Essence of Freedom

The painting of a single fish on a stark cobalt blue background stood out amongst all the other creative works of the children. The expressive and spontaneous strokes, using a limited palette of colors, was simple yet striking enough to warrant attention.

The lone fish symbolized an independent spirit and the expression of happiness in the  eyes of the fish was soaking in freedom of movement . A few lines as eyelashes that the child’s perception created, is very endearing.

A free spirited artist connects with the canvas to express the essence of freedom. Inspired by the child’s chosen subject, I used free flowing lines and a cool color palette to create the essence of freedom.

Shirley Mathew

2014

The sale of this painting would help in funding future projects of Vatsalya. Any takers for this good cause?

Solo 2014

“Emerging Lines” is a new series on urban development which is seen as a major segment of the growth in humanity.        

In what would appear as an obsession to document the growing need of urbanization, through my interpretation in the genre of abstract impressionism, efforts are made to take a positive approach despite agonizing at times over humanity’s pace and urge to grow.  

   

Using mostly mixed medium as pigments, hand made paper made by myself along with other natural and man made products to show textural effect, I have tried to express various aspects and stages of growth.

My observations during a  recent journey through Italy making note of the aesthetics of humanity merging with at times what I believe is uncompromising terrain, was truly inspiring.  I marveled at the way architectural feats made inroads so as to be visually appealing while not overpowering nature’s bounty.

Using colors to portray the seasons interspersed with geometrical forms, suggests the viewer to go through a journey and make their own impression of the representational icons used to convey the message.

The pace of a changing topography can leave mixed perceptions and feelings. All is not lost in my assumption as concerted efforts are emerging.  There appears to be an awareness to make structures juxtaposing with an existing natural setting which is settling and visually appealing. 

Having lived all my life in metros, the influence is paramount to my perception of the need to excel for many; as I do believe, that growth is inevitable be it in a rural or urban scenario. This series expresses the ‘agony and ecstasy’ of growth in a city which is an integral part of our existence.

The above article is my  Artist's Note of  the  Solo "Emerging Lines" held at Mahua Art Gallery, Bengaluru.