March 15, 2017

Hovering over the Marigolds

Hovering over the Marigolds, 12 by 16 inches oil
I have been a story teller  and it feels like I was in my previous birth! Somewhere down my artistic journey I focused more on developing a style and the story telling took a back seat. But yes, basically I love to tell stories with my art and that passion is still inside though dormant! The inspiration behind this work was  both the sky and the earth. I can spend hours looking at the clouds, some times hovering and some other times moving so fast that they challenge my brain to come up with stories, each shape becoming a new character! But I lost interest in the sky when I talked to the farmers working in this marigolds fields. I saw crates of marigolds just thrown all the way along the road that were obviously not sold. I could not come to terms with the idea of throwing them. I mean, how could you throw! But, yes, the farmers were beyond emotions, they sounded more practical and did not stop their relentless work. They displayed a lot of wisdom that stressed the need to go along the flow in life, this wisdom I think probably was gained by their experience. I did offer to buy the thrown ones, but it seemed against their principles to sell withered ones and my offer was promptly refused!

19 comments:

  1. Your story telling gift comes through when you post on your blog. How wonderful to be able to tell stories not just with words but with paintings, too.

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  2. Padmaja, I especially love the sky! Yes, you probably were a story teller in a previous life. I enjoy your stories.

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  3. What a pity and what a waste I agree with you ! But what a glorious , colorful and joyful painting here , the person gives a sense of the vastness of the field. Wishing you a great weekend.

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  4. I agree, it is so hard to see such a loss -but so tough is a farmer's life -at the whim and fancy of the weather and market :( . you have told the story beautifully in colors and textures :)

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  5. Feel sorry for the farmers. the flow of the clouds and the horizon is lovely!

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  6. Ethics is what we see rare in this soil,Padmaja.At least the poor farmers lingered on to their principles.Beautiful work.

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  7. This is stunning. Wonderful mark-making and I love the reflected color of the marigolds into the base of the clouds. You paint so well, Padmaja.
    The story of acceptance of the unsold by the farmers
    and returning the flowers to the ground they came from
    where whatever seed/nutrients can be re-absorbed - is a good reminder of von Braun's, "nature knows not extinction - all it knows is transformation." Those wise farmers understand that in all it's many meanings.
    Have a wonderful week and thanks for this
    Thought provoking and beautiful post

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  8. I love good stories and that you paint stories is phenomenal, Padmaja! Thanks for finding me so that I re-find you! Rebuilding a blog takes some work! Love your rich colors, as always, and yes...the stories your paintings tell as well.

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  9. Hi, Padmaja! You don't have to soak the paper very long - maybe 15 or 20 minutes. I use cool water. You can tell when the paper is ready. It seems saturated and you won't see any areas that look whiter than the rest of the paper. Try experimenting with it. I don't think it'll hurt the paper. I'll time the next sheet that I soak and let you know. Have fun!

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  10. i am in a quandary about deciding which is superior-your renowned painting skills or the just displayed superb writing skill. the jury is still out but it is a double bonanza for readers when they visit your blog!

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  11. This throwing away of the produce is something that is really worrying and it happens most of the time in India when there is a drastic fall in price.
    It is sad, but like you said, they are more practical.

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  12. well, we must always be thankful for for these farmer's sacrifices...and as someone said above in comment that "at least lingered on to their principles"..leat's take a lesson from this.
    btw, a nice read :)

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  13. so lovingly grown and not being able to sell.
    hmm. it's a hard life.

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  14. Every time I see your work, I keep wondering where to focus, the story, the emotions, the colors. Guess I have to learn multitasking. Fabulous work Padmaja.

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  15. you should write a book, Padmaja.... You have such a way with words and to have a painting with it makes it perfect!!! This is a beautiful piece. Since my surgery I've been going to therapy 3 times a week...and I can't wait till the day I can lift up my arm to paint...right now it feels impossible but I know that day will come.

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  16. Hi Padmaja, I love your paintings and now that I have started to try oil paintings, I enjoy your talent even more.

    Sad about the withered marigolds.

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  17. Hi, Padmaja! Thank you for stopping by my blog. I miss your posts. I'm looking forward to another story from you!

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  18. The Ceramic Pottery and art  Antiques, Collectibles & Art facts MARKET  — an event being organised by Art culture events division

    One day FAIR with an initiative to bring together domestic ceramics, artists and artist designer  at one platform  to show their talent and design Attract collectors, professionals, designers and art lovers from all over india are inviting.

    When and where:

    Date: 15  august & 2nd September 2017

    Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

    Venue: Exhibition Centre, d block defence colony. main road , ideal central

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    contact no.: 7339969812

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