I have noticed that I am drawn to all things simple. I first saw Warli art on a saree that was on display at a small stall at Mysore Dasara Exhibition many years ago, shopping with my sister. Those were the best use for Rs. 500 in my opinion. It happens to be one of my favorite sarees to this day. Since then, I have seen it on many articles like handbags, pouches, wall art, a variety of clothing articles and every time I have paused to observe and admire the art. Unintentionally some of the warli ideas had crept into my doodles. I remember looking up youtube videos for tutorials and practicing, but hadn't been able to give it enough attention to continue to develop the skills. Although the thought of taking classes had crossed my mind, I had found neither the time nor the inclination to really explore until now when my kids are grown and flown.
When I saw a flier go by my FB feed about Warli Art Classes at the Center for Arts and Wellness in Westborough, I immediately reached out to see if I could attend. I am realizing now, as I sit through these classes learning and practicing every Saturday morning for an hour and half, why it has always fascinated me. It is because it is simple and the focal points are all drawn from nature! We may sometimes believe that we need to think hard to make something beautiful happen. On the contrary, what I feel like I am learning here is to train my brain to not overthink. Look at the nature around you, notice the distinct shape or form of the subject of interest, work it with the application of the Warli idea: A simple silhouette style stick figure drawing based off of simple geometric shapes. I have a long way to go, before I get the simplicity down, get the proportions and shapes right etc, but I am thoroughly enjoying every moment, whether it is in class or homework.
Of course you can find a great deal of information on the internet that makes for some very interesting read about the Warli Tribe, their way of life and their art form. Start here: https://en.wikipedia.
Of course you can find a great deal of information on the internet that makes for some very interesting read about the Warli Tribe, their way of life and their art form. Start here: https://en.wikipedia.
Ms. Mehta has put together a fine curriculum, with learning modules, practice sheets, knowledge check sheets after every minor module and homework exercises that make you put your own creative hats on. I and my two classmates, both middle schoolers, have fun learning from each other in class. Like it is with anything else, I notice that it is easier to pick up when you are young, probably because there is less to unlearn. I look forward to Saturday mornings for my time at the Center for Arts and Wellness, where they have created such a beautiful space, conducive for learning. As we learn Warli art, we are treated to the sounds of children singing raag Bhupali in their music class, a definite bonus.
The two girls in class remind me of myself when I was a little girl in Shimoga participating in a painting competition, sitting on the floor criss crossed in the corridor of a school building, along with hundred other students all with camel water paint boxes and brushes. I remember painting a temple on a hill top, along the riverside with trees and shrubs, all inside a nice big circle. Years later, when I started college in DVS, I was astonished to hear from one of our professors Mr. Dashrathi, that he remembered me from that painting day and he also remembered what I had painted! Apparently he was one of the organizers/volunteers at the event. All those of you who spend time teaching these fine arts and performing arts, and create opportunities and spaces for children to explore and experience these, please know that you touch their lives in beautiful ways.
The two girls in class remind me of myself when I was a little girl in Shimoga participating in a painting competition, sitting on the floor criss crossed in the corridor of a school building, along with hundred other students all with camel water paint boxes and brushes. I remember painting a temple on a hill top, along the riverside with trees and shrubs, all inside a nice big circle. Years later, when I started college in DVS, I was astonished to hear from one of our professors Mr. Dashrathi, that he remembered me from that painting day and he also remembered what I had painted! Apparently he was one of the organizers/volunteers at the event. All those of you who spend time teaching these fine arts and performing arts, and create opportunities and spaces for children to explore and experience these, please know that you touch their lives in beautiful ways.
Nov 2, 2019 update:
It was the last class today and here is what I produced. My first Warli Paintings!
It was the last class today and here is what I produced. My first Warli Paintings!
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| My first Warli painting and the inspiration behind that design |
