We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.
—Bob Ross
Bob Ross was talking of art when he said this. Only recently, whilst engaged in creating art, I realised what he had actually meant. So, here is my recent piece—imperfect, (according to me!) but a “happy” accident, and more importantly, also my very first attempt to create a Warli style art, that I’ve been planning for a long time. I’m just so glad that I didn’t put it off any further and just did what I had in mind. It was so much fun drawing the motifs and the stick figures. Almost like going back to childhood. (The white ink on black paper does work well, doesn’t it?)
For those unacquainted with this indigenous art form, let me tell you, it is a vivid expression of the everyday lives of the Warli tribespeople of Maharashtra, (a state located in the Western part of India) which they do by embellishing the walls of their village homes. Warli Art was first discovered in the early seventies. While there are no records of the exact origins of this art form, its roots may be traced to as early as the 10th century A.D. Historically, the Warli people have always kept their distance from the influences of modern urbanization. For them, their art has been the one and only means of transmitting folklore to a populace not yet acquainted with the written word.
In keeping with one of their most popular themes, I have created a spiral chain of humans around one central motif in the centre of the artwork. This is in accordance with the belief that life is an eternal journey, and it has no beginning and end. While this perspective may be debatable, it is their typical focal point around which their lives and their art continues to thrive even today.
Art cleanses our souls and heals us within. Art entertains us. It even instils in us the mindfulness that only comes from engaging in its’ different forms. It is therapeutic. It is bliss. Art washes off the dust that we tend to accumulate in our everyday lives.
Aren’t these reasons compelling enough for all of us to engage in some form of art? What are your favourites?
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