THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS

Ashwini Doeskar's "Shri Adi Shakthi"

It's 4 am and as I am typing this, tears are rolling down my cheeks. Tears of joy and gratitude for being able to live a life that I have always dreamt of - meaningful, to the fullest and on my terms. Tears of pride for being able to celebrate my students and their amazing work through this post. This is a little tribute to all my loving students who came into my life as my "shining stars" and their artistic world of color which is woven by love, sincerity, dedication and passion!

If I am not for myself then who will be?

If I am only for myself then what am I?

And if not now, when?

-Rabbi Hillel

It's amazing to see how God sends us little hidden messages right when we need it . I was at the" Queen of Peace" high school in Oak Hills recently for an Art work shop and by accident I came across this quote that was posted on the bulletin board. Of the many quotes posted, these powerful words by the Jewish scholar "Rabbi Hillel" drew my attention instantly. Maybe it was God’s way of connecting with me and affirming my belief in life and the way I look at it. I have often wondered - If I don't love myself enough who else will? If I don't believe in myself then who else will? If I don't use the joy and the laughter in my life to brighten up someone else's , then what life am I living? And If I don't live my life to the fullest now...then when? 
For sure, HE and I share a very unique love-hate relationship. He has tested me in the past many a time and just when I was ready to give up , he showed me the light, gave me direction and strength to move forward by giving me my "Sundari" and my "Shining Stars". They came into my life when I was at an all time low and for the past five years my shining stars have stood by me like rocks, giving me unconditional and unadulterated love and support. I never ever thought that something that started out as fun would soon become a full fledged passion. I really look forward to those 3 hours with my children every saturday morning. So obviously in this festive month of November I had to feature something very close to my heart, something that is an integral part of me, something that completes me. And the only thing I could think of was showcasing the breathtaking artwork of my students and welcoming you to their mesmerizing world of Indian folk art - MADHUBANI, where art is pursued merely for its beauty sans any competition, pressure and deadlines.

Gusting winds, pouring rain and a tornado.... we dealt with it all. This was one of the most challenging photo shoots we’ve had so far for "Sage & Slingback".

I am thankful to all the parents for being so supportive of this photo shoot. A special hug to all my little ones who dressed up and happily posed for my camera. 

Left to right : With students Apsara Attavane, Avantika Vedam, Svanik Tandon, Madhu Prakash and Megan Mehta.
Together we created some beautiful memories to last a lifetime!

Left to right: Lekha Eswar, Poorna Kamath and Ashwini Deoskar.

Left to Right : Sonakshi Mutreja, Kuhuk, Aastha, Tanisha Dogra and Aanya Acharya

Left to right: Bianca, Aarushi, Tarini Mutreja, Aashna Dogra, Praniya Sachadeva and Ria Dhar.

With Komal Rao.

The sisters: Tanvika & Avantika Vedam, Tarini & Sonakshi Mutreja, Tanisha & Aashna Dogra.

‘Jayashree aunty, do you like Zayn Malik from One direction?’ ‘Oh I think Miley Cyrus's new hairstyle is pretty cool.’ ‘BTW, did you watch Krrish 3?’ ‘Jayashree aunty, we like your dress!’ - they chat away nineteen to the dozen. Then comes the English- Vinglish phase – ‘Jayashree aunty, it's not ello ( Indian accent), it's yellow ( American accent)’ They correct my accented English a million times. A HUSH sound comes from a visibly irritated me. ‘Focus, work and talk’ - I tell them repeatedly. Amidst all the chatter, giggles and fun emerges a wonderful work of art bursting with colors and innocence. I melt instantly and turn into a proud teacher of my talented students.

Aashi, my youngest student...

From "Kalinga Mardhana" to "Ardha Narishwara" stories are told, traditions are respected and the essence of this Indian folk art is celebrated. Madhubani acts as the invisible bridge that connect us to our roots, our culture and traditions.

A glimpse of our studio wall.

Love birds:

Vana Mayura:

Family:

Mayura:

Harmony: A beautiful piece of Madhubani art work by Poorna Kamath. See the repetition of motifs here.

Stunning art work by Komal Rao.

Surya Devata:

MEGAN KAMATH: 

 This piece was created as a wedding gift for her sister, who  also supported her to learn this art. It took her 3 months to complete this.

Stunning work: "Gopi Krishna", don't miss the attention to details.

Veena Vani Sharadhe: ( Goddess Saraswathi).
This piece was displayed at the Asian art festival week in the year 2011 at MACY"s State street, Chicago.

AVANTIKA VEDAM:

I am Avantika Vedam, 7th grader from Kennedy Jr. High. I love athletics and to listen to music. I also like to follow fashion trends and learn make up and  hair- style tricks.

5 years ago I saw some Madhubani art works done by Jayashree aunty at her home. I was fascinated by this folk art and wanted to learn this form of art. So when the opportunity came to learn this folk art, I had to join.

To this day I still learn Madhubani and my favorite part of this folk art is when I get to color my drawing to life with the brightest and most vivid colors.

ABOUT AVANTIKA:

How can I forget the day ( March 14th, 2008 ) little Avantika walked into class with a bouquet of fresh flowers to wish me luck on the first day of my class? How can I forget the day she thoughtfully wished me my first "mother’s day" with a lovely card? How can I forget that lovely moment when she made tea for me at home, filled it in in a flask and offered it to me in the class in a china mug, knowing Jayashree aunty doesn't like disposables.

She's feisty, loud and dramatic. She is my Avantika, the one with a fantabulous traditional Madhubani hand. Her strokes are perfect and coloring skills amazing. She can easily turn something very ordinary to

an extraordinary piece of art. She is one of the most talkative kids in class and like her, her work speaks volumes. Thanks for being with me through this colorful journey Avantika and may your creativity grow two fold in the coming days. Girl, you make me teary eyed all over again!

Symphony: the red you see here is hand colored by Avantika.

Radha Krishna:

The black background you see here is also hand colored by Avantika.

Murali Mohana:

Gopala Krishna:

APSARA ATTAVANE:

My name is Apsara Attavane, I am in 7th grade at Gregory Middle School. I love to dance, play with my dog and play sports. I have always loved art and wanted to be in an art class. I couldn't wait when I found out about this Madhubani class. The best part of learning this folk art is that it is relaxing, it's so detailed and makes me feel proud of the effort you put into it.

ABOUT APSARA:

No questions asked, no classes missed, my wish is her command. She is Apsara for you, my most obedient student and a girl with the Midas touch. She walks in, quietly finishes her work and walks out. Her focus and dedication is her strength. Every art work that emerges from her hand is goose bump worthy. I can easily vouch for the fact that she has mastered the art of combining contemporary Madhubani art techniques with the traditional ones effortlessly and I can see her holding a solo Madhubani art exhibition soon.
Apsara, you came into my life 5 years ago and added beauty to it by your sheer presence and passion. I am truly blessed to be your teacher, wishing you all the best in life!

Bhaskara:

Nava Durga: 
The nine forms of goddess Durga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini,ChandraGhanta,Kushmanda,Skandamata,Kathyayini, Kalarathri, MahaGauri, Siddhidaatri.

This art work was displayed at the MACY's State Street, Chicago in the year 2011 at the Asian art festival week.

Shri Durga: Traditional style of Madhubani combined with the contemporary style.

Padma Vyuha:  The circles and every little detail is hand drwn by Apsara. Don't miss the repetitive hand drawn parrot motifs.

This won a First prize at the arts festival at the Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.

Madana Mohana:

Jalataranga:

MEGAN MEHTA:

I am Megan Mehta, an 8th grader from Kennedy Jr. High School. I enjoy playing tennis, running, writing and of course doing art work. I was introduced to Madhubani by my friend Avantika. Often during our play dates I got to see her creations and I fell in love with the intricate patterns and fine details. I too longed to have some of my own masterpieces. The best things  I have learnt about madhubani are the different styles.... traditional, contemporary and the use of colors.

ABOUT MEGAN:

Megan, my witty and fashionable one! Quiet and shy she is, but when it comes to her art work she is extremely vocal about what she wants. She loves playing with colors and I am sure that this is the primary reason she was drawn to this art. I have seen her progressing over the past few years and her work has gone through tremendous improvement making each piece frame worthy.

There's something about you Megan that I cannot put in words, something that makes you very special and close to me. Let the colors speak and your creativity bloom, thanks for being such a wonderful student!

Nari ( Woman):

Birds of life:

ArdhaNarishwara:

An Androgynous form of Lord Shiva with his consort Parvathi.

Milana: Meeting of Lord Rama and Sita Devi.

SVANIK TANDON:

I am Svanik Tandon, a 7th grader from Hill middle school. I enjoy playing basketball and swimming. I play many instruments, a few being guitar, drums and self taught Piano. I taught myself how to draw and I am now learning Madhubani. I chose to learn Madhubani because it is creative and the art itself is so colorful  and bright. When my mom showed the pictures of this art work, I was immediately excited to start learning. The love how it is simple yet so complicated and the colors go so well together. The greatest part of Madhubani is using sharpies to make outlines and other designs.

I not only love the art but also the artist who teaches me.

ABOUT SVANIK:

He is Mr. Funny Bones, the only boy amidst a class full of girls and I am sure he loves all the attention. His sincerity and dedication to his work is commendable. He is his own critique and is always striving to outdo himself. He does his job with utmost honesty and loves to correct my English ( which I am totally OK with).
Svanik, thanks for taking time out of your busy school schedule and dedicating an hour of your time to this beautiful art. I look forward to seeing you, your work and your lovely dimples every saturday. Your sincerity towards your work will take you a long way in life....keep it going!!

Symphony:

Vana Vihara:

Dancing Peacocks:

Ardha Narishwara:

MADHU PRAKASH:

I am Madhu prakash, an 8th grader in Crone Middle School. I am  very passionate about arts and in my spare time I like to create colorful patterns and make it as a jewelry. During my first visit to Jayashree Aunty's house I noticed a colorful mural on her wall and was very eager to learn that art called Madhubani. I figured that there was no better way but combine my two passions art and culture. I think the best part about learning this folk art is learning the story behind each piece  and how it relates to our culture.

ABOUT MADHU:

"Talent " is her middle name and though young she knows exactly what she wants to be in life. From jewelry making to cards, from crochet and knitting to oil painting, she dabbles in it all. This multi- talented young girl aspires to be a biomedical engineer  and conducts summer classes in crochet, jewelry and card making to save money for her higher education. With a steady hand and a clear goal, she is one of my most talented students. Her recent work " Padma Nabha" in Tantrik style Madhubani keeps you spell bound.

Madhu, It's my privilege to teach you this wonderful art and you truly are an inspiration for many of us!

Padma Nabha: The Lotus Navel: 

Brahma emerges out of Lord Vishnu's navel with goddess Laskhmi by his side. Lord Vishnu is lying on the multi hooded snake "Adi Shesha". 

This is loosely based on the Tantrik style of Madhubani where one colored ink is used.

The moon light dancing:

It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength and whoever loves much performs much, can accomplish much and what is done in love is well done - Vincent Van Gogh.