The Five Elements of Nature Print

"The Five Elements of Nature" is acrylic on stretched canvas 24"(H) x 30"(W); at some places in the circle, archival quality artist marker is used for drawing lines over the acrylic layer. "Mithila" or "Madhubani" painting style of India has been used for this painting. "The Five Elements" of nature or "Panchtatva" are said to be the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. It is believed that the entire universe and our body is made of these five basic elements, also relating to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space have been symbolically represented inside the circle, surrounded by nature. The sides of this gallery wrapped canvas are painted in single color, a continuation of the color of the border on the front. This painting can be hung either vertically or horizontally. Traditionally, "Mithila" or "Madhubani" art was more of a mural art, now being done on paper, fabrics and other materials. I have grown up seeing my grandmother and aunts make those paintings during different occasions, and/or for decoration. Maybe, being a part of this cultural tradition, the bold colors and fine lines formed a part of my psyche and subconscious influence, even when I did not try to do it consciously. Some traditional styles used very bright and vibrant natural colors whereas some are drawn using monochromatic lines, like red or black. The figures drawn are flat, linear and without perspective. I like working with the Mithila/ Madhubani folk art in the traditional as well as contemporary context. I draw and paint intuitively and spontaneously, moving from chaos and void to order, balance and rhythm. I go with the flow, painting only something that I connect to, or something that comes from deep within. For me, art is like meditation and music. It blocks out all negativities and pressures, putting me in a state of “flow” (as Mihaly stated). I love to create using lines and bright, bold colors, often combining them as mixed media. Working as a Designer for many years, I frequently worked with lines and dots. I enjoy drawing and painting freehand, where every freehand action, every mark created, leads to the next one, and next, creating a poetry with lines, a story in rhythm. The bright, vibrant colors and free-flowing lines and figures of Mithila/Madhubani art of my native place also inspire me. ** Disclaimer: The image shown is a photograph taken using a digital camera. Colors may vary slightly from the actual artwork and may also vary from one computer screen to another.