shiva

i am fascinated by trees and the deities associated with them and the intertwining symbolism between the two.

In india plants occupy an important place in Hindu mythology. Sacred plants like neem, Banyan, Pipal are revered for their auspicious or medicinal qualities or by association with a deity from the Hindu pantheon. for example Kalpavriksha is a wish full filling devine tree it came from samudra manthan(the churning of milk ocean) it was one of the motifs of nature worship adapted by these religious as they became established in india.

the tree is also extolled in Jain and Buddhist iconography and literature and is associated with bestowing an abundance of well being and prosperity.

  In my Paintings the Tree is given a divine attribute, that of a hindu deities like Maha vishnu, Maha Lakshmi and  shiva etc is depicted alongside its Vahana. Vahana literally translates in Sanskrit as "that which carries, that which pulls". The Hindu Pantheon is replete with Gods and Goddesses sporting their own vehicles, mounts or Vahanas that comprise various types of animals and birds. The partnership between the two is critical and symbolizes in some the positive traits to be imbibed and in a few the negative forces that these Vahanas help to overcome. Apart from the deep spiritual connotation and inner significance of the deified trees with their Vahanas, the paintings is ode to nature.The overwhelming vividness and freshness of the colours on the canvas convey the experience and memory of an imaginary landscape which celebrates nature but which is also populated with animals that are being threatened for their survival. By their presence on the canvas i hope to bring attention the atrocities they encounter in the environment as a result of human error, negligence, lack of foresight, incompetence or greed.my painting express these sentiments and project a landscape that is filled with symbolism and metaphors.