sha_creativeescape

How many mandalas is too many mandalas?

On a flight and restless, just create a mandala 😊

Got introduced to the song and ended up creating something as the song played!

Trying to get myself to be more spontaneous and allow it to flow. May not make sense but rather trying to be in the moment.

Thank you for introducing the music

Yes, we're still here, still doodling, still lettering!

A little wisdom from 'The Rescuers', together with Köln's Hohenzollern Bridge, coloured by the locks of many romantics

Of messy feelings and floating thoughts

| N A Y A G I - Panchali |

Panchali, or Draupadi, is one of the few women in our Hindu mythology who spoke her mind in the world of men. Though many life incidences happened without her choice or consent, she was resilient and determined to fight for what was right.

Married to the 5 Pandava brothers, in the Mahabratha, in a game of dice the eldest Pandava Yudishtra lost all wealth, kingdom, his brothers, himself and finally Panchali.

Panchali was dragged by her hair and humiliated in front of an entire court, with an attempt to disrobe her. On the realization that her husbands were unable and unwilling to come to her rescue, Panchali started praying to Krishna to protect her and a miracle occured. Instead of being stripped naked, Panchali's sari kept getting extended as the layers kept unravelling and she was protected from being humiliated in front of the entire congregation. Her attempted disrobing is one of the main catalyst for the Kurukshetra, the war in Mahabharata.

| N A Y A G I - Kannagi |

Kannagi was known for her bravery, righteousness, and sense of justice. Her story is a symbol of a woman's strength, resilience, and determination to fight for what is right.

The silambam, or anklet are a testament to her rage. When her husband was wrongly accused of stealing the queen's anklet and executed without trial, Kannagi went to seek justice.

Her fierce anger and burning desire for justice consumed everything in its path, like a raging fire. The flames that burst from hercurse spread throughout the kingdom (Madurai), symbolizing the power and intensity of her emotions.

| N A Y A G I - Kundavai|

Kundavai, a woman ahead of her times. Neither a damsel in distress, nor a warrior princess, she was strategic thinker, who dared to step out of the societal norms placed on women during her time.

It was her wit, intelligence and diplomacy that safeguarded the Chola dynasty from manipulation and enemy manoeuvre - like a chess player. You can know more about her through Kalki Krishnamurthy's Ponniyan Selvan! (Yes Mani Ratnam's PS 2 comes out tomorrow hehe)

One of my favourite designs to work on, very happy with how the colours turned out 💙

We went from this to that (swipe to see the final design)

| N A Y A G I - Savitri |

Savitri's husband was destined to die within a year of their marriage and while everyone around her advised her to not go ahead with the wedding, Savitri was unswerving in her resolve. Savitri's determination and love propelled her to follow the God of Death, doing the impossible and winning back her husband's soul.

An ode to her spirit, her devotion, her unwavering love and faith for fighting forces of nature!

How it began, to where it reached.

| N A Y A G I - Sita |

Sita, daughter of Bhuma Devi (mother Earth), known for her courage and her resilience in the face of adversity. She has a strong sense of individuality, holding quiet strength within her.

Like the earth, she endures and holds steady through thick and thin, blooming, emerging.

From where it began to where it reached

| N A Y A G I - Penmayin Azhagu |

It's been a little over a week since Tattva's production Nayagi, in conjunction with the Tamil Language Festival 2023.

Nayagi explored the beauty, strength, courage, resilience and perseverance of 5 female characters from our Indian Tamil texts and mythology - namely Sita, Savitri, Kundavai, Kannagi and Panchali.

A big big thank you to and for entrusting me with their vision and helping me push my own creativity. It's always interesting to see what they bring to the table for me to mandala :)

Over the course of this week, I'll be sharing each of these designs and the thoughts behind them!

Do let me know what you think 💙

Nayagi (Title): Handwritten by yours truly
Penmayin Azhagu: Naayakan by