Decorative Artwork

- Post by Anpu Somanath

I have always loved to travel and experience the culture, art, architecture and history of a new place. Of all of the places, I have traveled; Rajasthan holds a unique place in my heart, an experience that has had me spellbound in all my three visits to the region. Whether it is the sand dunes or the massive forts, palaces, or havelis, the exquisite mirror work, the intricate sandstone carvings, the paintings of vibrant red and gold adorning the walls of the havelis, or clay art with mirrors on the mud walled homes in Kutch and Jaisalmer, there is no other place like Rajasthan. I have been greatly influenced by this region and have tried to capture the beauty and splendor of the region in my paintings. I am not a trained painter, but listen to my intuition, work with bright colors, mixed media and use non-conventional items, like socks…J to paint or dudh ki bags for the clay work on my paintings. Patty has given me the opportunity to share my artwork in her lovely blog. Thank you Patty and here are some of my work…with a special focus on Clay art on painting. Young Kutchi Girl – Originally planned to do Lippan kam and attempt to recreate the gorgeous mud + glass mirrored walls in Kutch and Jaisalmer. After 2 unsuccessful, messy attempts, settled for conework in the background

Rajasthani women - Madhubani on glass – Conework using black frolica paint + clay on wasted Bathroom glass window Madhubani close-up - Lippan Kam – Finally some Lippan work on plywood. Truly admire the Kutchi women who very easily create the magic of Lippan on the mud walls. Having visited some of the homes, one can sit for hours admiring the intricate handiwork… Lippan Kam closeup - Lippan Kam 2 - Lippan Kam 2 closeup - Hope you enjoyed the paintings…have to call my amma and thank her for sending the Dudh ki bags…:-)

- ANPU