India Art Jornal July 18,18,20,21 by Meera Rao
Our flat is in the middle of the old part of the city and the area has a mix of old dilapitated but once grand buildings and very narrow roads as well as modern apartment and office buidings and "double roads." I never go out without my tiny little camera and try to capture the neighbourhood as obscurely as possible. But people notice anyway and sometimes oblige by posing even though I much prefer candid shots!
There are beautifully painted horse drawn carriages for hire in a corner of the neighbourhood. I am yet to hire a carriage for my daily errands but I have fond and vague memories of my childhood days when my grandmother would hire one isntead of taking the bus on the return trip from market in my own hometown. These days the three wheel 'auto riksha' is the prefered mode of transportation for most people when they have packages to carry.
My kitchen balcony always had the towels hanging on the grill to airdry. It also has hooks for the brooms and mops :) It gets the Sun all day long and I love the play of lights on the towels, dust pan, brooms etc... Now we have a few lines and the towels hang neat and tidy!
From the balcony is also where I see the lady sweeping every morning. She not only sweeps her doorway but also the road in front :) Then she pours water on the ground and draws a rangoli in front of her door.
8 comments:
I love the woman sweeping. It would make a beautiful figurative painting all itself. What a beautiful thing for you to be able to see her every morning.
Thank you Carol! I hope to paint a few bigger pieces from theses vignettes some day soon. I actually look forward to that lady's rangoli each day - wondering what design she and her neighbor come up with - they seem to have friendly competition between the two to better the other ;)
That sounds and looks like a very beautiful and peaceful place. :) I love the life in your sketch.
Crystal, ThankS :) It is a laid back city and has a wonderful mix of modern and traditional.
oh Meera, I love the lady sweeping the side walk.
Thank you! I hope to paint her in a bigger size ;) glad you like it too ;)
I am thoroghly enjoying your narration and creations.. have never thought of these small subtle things that make the city so interesting.. I loved the sweaper woman:-)
Thank you very much, Padmaja :) I find I look at the city differently since I took up this project! Besides, it is really giving me a better attitude about my stay !!!!
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