I made a small sketch of the flowers for my own memories
Diwali was not just about noise and fireworks, it was a very personal celebration for the family we were staying with. They spent the day collecting beautiful flowers and arranging them in big copper bowls with floating candles. Such a peaceful, joyous occupation. The women prepared special food for the evening and we were invited to share a celebratory glass of rum. I made a small sketch of the flowers for my own memories But my sketch does not reflect the artistic beauty of the bowls of flowers arranged by the women of the house.
Each day I shall publish a piece of work, or two, and tell the story behind them, my remembrances of India, enjoy.
Diwali, Acrylic on canvas, 23" x 18", £475 We flew into Amritsar and arrived at around 3am, tired but very excited! Even at that time of the morning the airport was bustling and outside the road was full of traffic and noise, our first experience of the beeping horns. We were met by a gentleman from Mrs Bandarhi's Guest House and we helped hoist our cases onto the roof of our transport. Soon we were driving through the darkened streets of Amritsar, getting our first glimpse of the city. Next day we watched the ladies of the household preparing for the Diwali celebrations starting that evening. small bowls of ghee with candle wicks were painted pink and laid out along the edges of paths. We heard the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita and how she welcomed him home with lights along his path. We were welcomed to join the family fireworks and share a celebratory drink, then we went off to bed, little knowing how the Indians party at Diwali!!!! The fireworks were all night, large bangs and explosions of light in the night sky, music and drumming came from the road as people moved between family houses. My picture captures for me the excitement, noise, fireworks and flowers of Diwali. As you can see from the picture, the opening went very well with a steady flow of visitors throughout the evening. We artists all spoke about our work and Indian experiences and Buddha (created in bronze by Yvonne Grainge) watched over us all.
Wanda bought us flowers to celebrate the opening and to adorn the table during the week. Well the girls all met up at the centre, Lucille, Jan and myself (Dorothy couldn't make it for family reasons). We had piles of work all wrapped in bubble stuff, cards, print bins, rolls of bubble wrap etc. We were all excited and stressed in equal measure. Then I had my first sight of the gallery. What a fantastic space! Long walls, big windows, light and airy. Good lighting and hanging system and Anna to help us hang.
We were soon all knee deep in bubble wrap and cling wrap, work propped up against the walls so we could see the full show. Dorothy's paintings are stunning reality pictures drawn from her photographic images taken while she was in India. Her painting is so skilful and provokes the atmosphere of India, bringing back memories of our trip. She has also made delicate silk hangings which move gently in the air movement. Lucille's images range from the Tuk-tuk to beautiful Indian women, mandalas, flowers and pots. Worked in oils and acrylics, some with digital enhancement which seems to enhance the delicacy of the original painting. Jan's work includes fine ink figure drawings, realist paintings and a touch of the abstract. A demonstration of the range of her skills. I am very pleased with the space I have in the Gallery and the way my work looks on the wall. Manda did her usual magic on the lighting which enhances the show. Thank you. Tonight is the opening and it should be a fine party with a real mix of people attending. Exciting! In June 2015 I had my 60th birthday and as a special present my partner, Amanda, bought be a painting trip to India. So exciting, one of those places on my bucket list. I travelled with 8 other "ladies of a certain age" and we had a fantastic time. The tuk-tuks made us scream, the wildlife in our bathrooms made us scream, the colours made us gasp and the people made us welcome. We stayed in a retreat space called Basunti, in the foothills of the Himalayas, we had wonderful hosts, food and a fabulous swimming pool. We spent out days painting, drawing or wandering around the nearby countryside. It was unreal in many ways and not a reflection of the real India. But that was only the painting space, at the start and end of the trip we spent two days in Amritsar. What a contrast! Noise, bustle, all classes of people and types of accommodation/shelter. This was the India I craved and enjoyed. I will be back to sample the full India experience. This exhibition at THE BHAVAN CENTRE, WEST KENSINGTON is by four of us ladies, Lucy, Jan, Dorothy and myself. We humbly present our views of India. The opening is on 14th May 5-7pm and the show runs from 14-20th May. Pop in if you have a chance. For me “Visiting India was a sensual feast. I fell completely under the spell of the vibrancy of the people and countryside. The purity of light gave colours a brilliance I had not seen elsewhere on my travels. The mixture of colour, noise, aromas and life overwhelmed my senses. I spent my retreat time basking in this new experience and gathering observations to inform my work. Here I present my homage to that short experience, a glimpse of my memories.” |
AuthorI am an artist and maker living and working in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. Archives
December 2017
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