Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Reading and Riding

India Sketch Journal 2013 Aug 20 by Meera Rao 

Drivers, maids, and gardeners are still somewhat affordable as household help by most middle class families in India.  Other than drivers, 'the help' usually work for multiple families. Drivers though chauffeur only one employer and end up spending a lot of time in the car waiting for instructions on the next pick up or drop off. They can be seen either chatting with other drivers, napping or most often reading in the cars while also making sure the car is safe and well guarded. I saw this driver whiling away his time reading in a car parked in the shade on a balmy afternoon making the most of the circumstance.  Reading the paper is still the most favorite activity even though smart phones are slowly displacing it! 

India Sketch Journal 2013 Aug 21 by Meera Rao 

When that ladder just has to be transported -- this pair found a creative way to handle the job :) During my outings, I delighted in noting all the things people would ferry around in a motorcycle, auto rickshaw, a bicycle or any other vehicle and was always surprised by the variety !

India Sketch Journal 2013 Page 38 by Meera Rao 

16 comments:

doctoring in arts said...

You have some creative paintings in your blog.. You have made things that are common happenings look interesting... I really liked your 'Her passion' painting.

Nigel A. JAMES said...

Thanks aggain, Nigel -Vienna

padmaja said...

Yes, this is a common sight with the waiting drivers and you brought it out so well Meera.The ladder and chairs are the most common ones to be carried this way, but once I saw an accident where the ladder pierced the face of a scooter driver behind, sad that there are no strict rules in India.

Carol Blackburn said...

Very interesting Meera. Lovely drawings too. I hope things are good with you.

Lisa Graham said...

Here in America, people never hire help unless they have a lot of money. I love the sketch of the driver reading! If I were a driver that is what I would do. Well that or nap. :)

Meera Rao said...

@doctoring in arts, thank you! Painting and sketching everyday things has given me new appreciation of the ordinary :)

Meera Rao said...

@diarikom, thank you ! I appreciate your support! :)

Meera Rao said...

Padmaja, that sounds horrible ! I always worried about the safety of the drivers and passengers but you have alerted me to dangers for everyone :(

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Carol! Trying paint and draw bigger now after months of sketching small ! Taking a whole lot longer with each piece is a luxury and feels like I am slacking!

Meera Rao said...

Lisa, thanks! Lots of times help is hired because it's hard for the lady of the house to do all the chores as dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines are still not affordable for them . Those things are still done the old fashioned way by hand :everyday!

Sudha said...

You have done a nice illustration of Indian culture, another excellent drawing.

Jane said...

Love these sketches telling about life in India , so much creativity there :-)

Meera Rao said...

Sudha, thank you so very much:) I am tickled that you liked them !

Meera Rao said...

Jane, you made my day :) Thank you!

A Sunny Yellow Window said...

Glad i stumbled upon your expressive paibtings meera! Your sketchboook is fun, i am off to see yr older posts as well!

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Ambika, glad you are enjoying the posts:) i really appreciate your support and your feed backs !

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...