BHARATI PAWASKAR
Getting soaked in any form of art requires wisdom. Being the ideal and favourite model, Lord Ganesh has fascinated most artists around the world and has been the wild choice of expression for all ages over the years. In the upcoming group show ‘Ganesha - Within Me’, ten artists have joined hands to exhibit their inner versions of this all-round deity on canvas, clay and paper quilling. Explaining the concept, curator Vaishali Lall, says, “Ganesha stands for Ga means ‘knowledge’, na means ‘salvation’ - this is what we have attained through our paintings - the understanding of who is Ganesha and thus finding salvation by finding him within us.”
Depicting the idol through colours and clay, Anvita Srivastava has focussed on the theme ‘Ganesh’ and tried to portray His beauty through different mediums that complement each other. “It’s a mix and match. I used various materials, colours and textures for creating uniqueness in my artwork, quips Anvita who has succeeded in expressions through pottery, canvas, furniture and even jewellery.
Darpan, a healer and a self-taught artist admits that her journey into art runs parallel with her journey into spiritual healing - the influence of which can be seen clearly in the art she creates. “My art is inspired,” she discloses. “These are the images or the visuals that come to me during meditation and Reiki. Art carries its own energy and goes wherever it is meant to. For me, art is healing, art is meditation, art is deep love and profound joy,” expresses Darpan whose earlier paintings have been exhibited at various places including Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai.
Dipti Sardesai, a graduate from Goa College of Art (1990), has been participating in workshops related to art and design and several exhibitions over the years. She conducts art and craft classes for kids and adults and is a member of two art and design communities - ‘Canopy Azure’ and ‘Pathiks’ in Goa.
A Masters in Fine Arts from Agra University, Hirdesh Sharma, a graphic designer and a teacher, recalls participating in the first IFFI held in Goa in 2004. A registered artisan with GHRSSIDC she has participated in several handicraft fairs in Goa.
Hirdesh has mastered the art of miniature paintings, the traditional art work of Rajasthan and exhibited her artwork at Hadoti Art exhibitions in Kota. She is also a diploma holder in wax crafts and mouldings.
Jolyan Dias Sapeco who is currently pursuing her BSc at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, has been enjoying sketching and doodling. Painting for her, is a stress buster, especially when it comes to drawing Mandalas. “It’s just something if you get into you’ll never want to leave. It touches your soul.”
A 12th Arts student of Don Bosco Higher Secondary in Panaji, Raysancia D Cunha has a deep liking for art. “I have always been fascinated by colours. I love to experiment with different mediums. Sketching and painting monochromatic designs is what I enjoy the most. Learning new things is a must for me. Life is art and you need to live yours colourfully,” he smiles.
As a kid Rohan Pai Dhungat loved drawing on slates or books. He turned to painting as a solace during his confinement behind bars, rekindling this long forgotten childhood hobby. Beginning with the outlines whenever his free mind allowed, he filled it with hues that the colourless walls permitted. “As I kept working at it, my art improved,” observes Rohan.
A visiting faculty at St Xavier College, Mapusa, Shweta Shirodkar conducts workshops in paper quilling, making terrariums etc. These reasonably prices artworks can be bought as a gift to give someone on the festive occasion. “That’s why we are having the exhibition early. Moreover it is a first of its kind of exhibition in Vasco. Never before have they had something like this,” adds Vaishali.
Siddhi Talwadker, a lecturer in electrical engineering, has a keen passion for painting. Her fascination with colours and enthusiasm to portray her emotions through the stroke of a brush drove her into painting as a hobby from a very young age. “A stroke of paint before bed is the antidote one needs after a stressful day,” she exclaims.
Vedha Surendra Shirodkar, is the youngest among all. A student of class IX at Sharada Mandir School in Panaji, Vedha is a multi-talented teenager, she is passionate about art
and good at organising events, compering, cooking, archery and basketball.
