Goddesses from "An Exclusive Expression of Indian Mythology"

This large statue in the Art Institute of Chicago depicts an early form of the goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess knowledge, music, and arts.

The pointed Gothic arch shape and simple geometry of the circular areole behind the head and the solid geometric forms of the cylindrical crown and spherical breasts contrasts with the complexity of the intricately carved jewelry. 

Because the model is so complex, I spend time analyzing the sculpture by making preliminary study drawing. This helps familiarize me with the figure's proportions and distill the most important information.

I select a salmon colored handmade paper from Nepal printed with a metallic gold ink. The reflective quality of the gold is gorgeous in person, but is exceptionally difficult to photograph. The gold looks greenish in contrast to the warm pinkish salmon. 

Four-Armed Sarasvati

26” x 20” image

conte and acrylic on paper printed with metallic ink

The metallic ink has a rather slick surface. It is a struggle in the beginning to get the conte crayon to stick, but I like the pattern remains evident. The zigzag pattern gives an almost "tribal" look to the icon. The finished drawing has a strong resemblance to Inca or Aztec art. I'm not exactly sure why, but I believe it is because of color and pattern associations.

A large acrylic painting follows the drawn study. Rather than working with a zigzag pattern background, I am inspired to use a block-printed fabric from India. This fabric panel is authentic, hand made Kalamkari cotton fabric from the Andhra Pradesh state. The word Kalamkari (or Qalamkari) is derived from the Persian words ghalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), meaning drawn with a pen.

This Kalamkari drapery panel has a medallion that is smaller than most found on bedspreads or tablecloths. Imperfections of the design are inherent to hand blocked fabric. the slight mistakes happen in the placement of the hand carved wood blocks  (registration) as each color is separately printed. 

This fabric design incorporates both the geometry of the large circles, organic floral and vine lattice, and paisley shaped forms. Persian influence can be seen in this tradition patterning. 

After stapling the fabric on a wooden stretcher frame, I lightly draw a vague contour of the figure in pastel chalk. I've decided to try stenciling another vine and leaf motif design in several places using an iridescent silver acrylic paint. I think this will bring out the cool blue colors in the predominantly warm palette.

I find the patina of age on the sculpture fascinating. An array of rust, brown, and grey colors mingle. By using transparent washes of paint, I am able to allow the pattern of the fabric to show through in parts of the figure. I am happy with the illusion of a shiny surface on the knees.

Working with the fabric design has allowed me to incorporate the pattern in unusual ways. I have placed the very tip of the nose at the center of the concentric circles. It is a coincidence that the edge of the lower lip, necklaces, and a ridge on the crown also follow other circles as they radiate out from the center.

Paisley shapes in the fabric seem to look a lot like the jewelry. Finally, dark washes create the illusion that the sculpture is casting shadows on a backdrop. 

Saraswati, Goddess of Learning

48 x 36 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric

Durga is the principle form of the Goddess in Hinduism. She is the supreme soul or Shakti (power) who is responsible for all creation, existence, and destruction. By the blessings of  Durga Shakti, man is able to receive salvation or enjoy his daily activities.

Goddess Durga Seated on a Lion Throne

48 x 36 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric

The image above shows Durga seated on a lion throne, though she is often depicted riding a lion.

Goddess Durga

36” x 36”

acrylic on hand blocked fabric

The fragmented statue of Durga that inspired the painting above, has the eight arms more commonly seen in popular contemporary images of Durga worshipped today.

Manasa is a Hindu goddess of snakes, worshipped mainly in Bengal and other parts of northeastern India mainly for the prevention of snakebites. She is also an important fertility deity. Manasa is ceremonially worshipped on Nag Panchami, a festival of snake worship. Women observe a fast (vrata) and offer milk at snake holes. 

Snake Goddess Manasa

48 x 36 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric

I use a predominantly red Kalamkari fabric for two paintings depicting Yamuna, the goddess of a river that runs parallel to the Ganges. The terra cotta color artifacts are very similar to the background color of the fabric. It might be a challenge to use a very limited palette of subtle tone on tone.

River Goddess Yamuna with Attendants I

48 x 44 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric 

The figures stand on swirling forms representing waves in the river water.

River Goddess Yamuna with Attendants II

48 x 44 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric 

Brahmani is the kind and benevolent Divine Mother. She is associated with the Hindu creator god Brahma, and like Brahma is depicted here with four arms and four faces looking in the four directions.

Mother Goddess Brahmani

36 x 48 inches

acrylic on hand blocked fabric

A Lingam is an iconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva, often interpreted as a phallic symbol. The drawing below is based on a Mukhalinga - a lingam with a face (one, four, or five faces).

Five-faced Lingham

26” x 20”

conte and acrylic on paper printed with metallic ink 

The five faces represent Shiva's five aspects that compose the entire universe. Though Shiva is a male deity, the goddess Parvati (Shiva's wife) faces north and represents water. The east face is Mahadeva, representing the earth. The west face is Nandi  Nandi (Shiva's bull) denoting the wind. Bhairava looks south (fire), and a fifth face looking up is (rarely depicted and not shown here) represents the sky.

Thank you for visiting my blog!
All of my paintings and drawings pictured are for sale. Price available upon request. I am able to supply higher resolution images to interested buyers. If inquiring, please leave a comment with your email address. I will immediately contact you and hide your info from public view.

Or email me at Cynthia.S.Hayes (at) gmail (dot) com