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Madhubani literally means ‘forests of honey’ and refers to paintings in a distinct style that capture viewers’ attention with their vibrancy. It is a 2500-year-old folk art from the times of Ramayana originated in Bihar, India.
This online workshop will introduce you to the free flowing black lines of Madhubani.
What we’ll do:
Awareness: Get to know about folk art, its significance, folk arts of India, commonalities in folk art across the world.
Appreciation: Learn about Madhubani as an art form. History, colours, motifs and special characteristics.
Application: I will guide you, step-by-step, in creating a Tree of Life in Madhubani artwork
Detailed description:The ‘Tree of Life’ concept elevates the symbol of the tree to a sacred one, which is respected and worshipped all over the world, in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism. This motif depicts the various elements of life in complete harmony. Flowers bloom on its generous branches and colourful birds find shelter there. Trees, birds, animals are all support systems for each other. In Madhubani paintings, a lovely accord of well-formed shapes, and intricate patterns depicts this congruence of nature.
The Tree of Life symbol has been found sculpted or painted in relics of ancient civilizations and till today continues to be an inspiration for modern artists. In some texts it is revered as a symbol for the universe itself, the existence of which makes this planet conducive to our birth and sustenance. In others, it is seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, the entity that stands firm through time with a memory of all of mankind’s history.
This symbol is found in abundance since time immemorial and it is no surprise that it is depicted in an artform that is heavily inspired by natural motifs- Madhubani painting. Madhubani has been a prominent region in the learning and growth of both Buddhism and Hinduism.
In Buddhism, a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya is considered as the tree where Siddhartha awakened through meditation and gained enlightenment, becoming Sakyamuni Buddha. In Hinduism, a peepal tree under which Krishna passed away is known as the tree which embodies the entire cosmos. This tree is called Ashwatha, literally translates as: ‘ashwa’ meaning infinity and ‘tha’ meaning one that remains. The peepal tree according to Hindus has eternal life and harmony. It regenerates through yugas and is considered a Kalpavriksha, wish-fulfilling tree.
Madhubani artistes showcase both the Bodhi tree and the Ashwatha in their paintings, though the latter is more frequently seen. The bountiful tree is the focal point of the composition, surrounded by several birds and animals that reap the benefits. The peacocks are seen in most tree of life paintings because they represent divine love and companionship, closely attached to the ritual art of Mithila/Madhubani wall paintings.
Let us draw a Tree of Life – a tall towering tree. Leafy and shady - which provides a home to a lot many colourful birds. A haven of peace and contentment, ever spreading greenery, a metaphor for our universe.
Join us on this symbolic journey!
I’m a multi-disciplinary artist, and love to engage with folk/tribal art from across the world – wiPth a special focus on India. I design and conduct experiential workshops, giving a contemporary bent to heritage Art n Craft. I have thoroughly enjoyed conducting in-person and online workshops for audiences in India, USA, UK, Australia, Dubai. My workshop at Amazon HQ in Seattle demonstrated the ease with which art communicates with people from different countries and ethnicities. The learning and sharing process has been unique in each workshop and the participants’ ages have varied from age 8 to 80!
Your computer screen.
Pens (fine tipped pens or gel pens, ideally in black and red)1 or 2 pieces of A4 sized paper (this can be any standard paper but the thicker the better, handmade paper is perfect if you have it!)Pencil, ruler and eraserRough paper to practise on
Who can come
Adults & Children
Activity level
not much
Skill level
intermediate
If you would like to request for alternative dates not currently showing in availability, please contact the host directly via private message
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