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I grew up in Gujarat (western province of India) reading folk-stories and singing folk-songs of Gujarat. Folk-stories introduced me to the richness of Gujarat’s folk-life and I was fascinated by valor, sacrifice and love of the larger-than-life characters of these stories. My imagination bore wings as I read those folk-stories; my young mind pictured the village-squares and homes of rural Gujarat. As I started to paint as an adult, my paintings, inspired by the folk-life of Gujarat, are my interpretation of the images from the folk-stories of Gujarat.
“Soaring High” is based on my interpretation of the beauty of household items seen around the homes of Gujarat in folk-stories I read as a child.
“Todlo” is a decorative pillar that serves as the gate to a home in rural Gujarat. It is made of wood or stone with intricate designs painted or carved on it. In addition to being an artistic symbol of hospitality, “todlo” serves as a placement for a lantern, lamp, home décor or bird-feeder. Even today I catch myself humming my favorite Gujarati folk-song that describes a peacock singing on a “todlo”! “Soaring High” showcases the beautiful artistry of “todlo” based on my imagination and interpretation.
“Toran” are wall-hangings that adorn windows and doors of homes in Gujarat. They are made out of fabric and have designs, borders and motifs enhanced by intricate embroidery, colorful beads and small pieces of mirror. They are hung horizontally along the upper edges or vertically along the sides of doors and windows. In addition to being a part of home décor, they symbolize folk traditions of hospitality and good omen. In “Soaring High”, one could see patterns that are influenced by “Toran” in “Gujarati” homes.
