INTRO

The Netherlands, a small country known for its labyrinth of strikingly lovely canals, tulip fields, windmills, and vibrant flower markets, was my home for a while. Among my favorite memories was walking through the streets, dotted with fancy bicycles decorated using flowers and pretty trinkets. Did you know the story behind the flamboyantly decked-up bikes of Amsterdam?

It all began with a man named Warren Gregory, fondly known as the "Flower Bike Man." Warren's wife Michelle, who had epilepsy and memory loss, struggled to remember where she parked her bike at Amsterdam Central. To help her out, Warren accessorized her bike with sunflowers, making it easy for her to distinguish it from the others. He then decorated a bunch of abandoned bikes, leaving them on the way to their home so that Michelle would never get lost again.

And that is how the tradition of sprucing up bikes with flowers started in Amsterdam. Today, many such elegantly ornamented bicycles can be seen chained around the city, adding a welcome pop of color. Warren's bikes represent love and happiness and generate many smiles!

Inspired by the tastefully embellished bikes in 'The Netherlands', I created a bicycle freehand kolam. I colored the cycle blue, in honor of the blue BSA SLR, that I rode to school in, as a kid. Along with the flowers, I added some balloons and butterflies to jazz up my bicycle kolam, hoping to put a smile on the faces of those who see it. Warren's story and his love for his wife touched me deeply and I wanted to pay homage to him in my own small way.

Warli paintings from Maharashtra, are a vibrant narration of the circle of life. The word ‘Warli’ is derived from Warla, meaning “piece of land" or “field". It showcases the social lifestyle and daily activities of tribal people through themes of farming, village life, and jubilation amidst a festive atmosphere. Warli art is similar to African Zulu paintings. Both are a celebration of life and nature, a reflection of the people's connection to their land.
In this Warli art freehand Kolam, I have attempted to create scenes of daily life, with human beings coming together to create a lively cacophony of gaiety using rhythmic patterns. I depicted people playing musical instruments and rejoicing in nature, near a hut nestled amidst lush plants.

The lotus flower blooms amidst murky ponds and scummy waters, and this transformation represents the innate power of life energy to rise above the darkest challenges and desperate hours, to evolve into something beautiful. The lotus, in its full bloom, is a symbol of triumph over adversity and conveys the message of hope and new beginnings.
In this freehand Rangoli/Kolam, I sought to capture the spirit of the sacred lotus, a symbol of eternity, purity, and divinity. The delicate petals of the lotus are surrounded by leaves and intricate thoranams to create a harmonious balance between simplicity and complexity. To me, the Lotus flower is a reminder of the ability of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle and to always strive towards our true potential, irrespective of circumstances!

The divine energies of Krishna and RadhaRani have always been a source of inspiration for me. Their joyous playfulness, affection, and blissful existence are truly awe-inspiring. Many of us might have seen a baby Krishna in a cradle, but in my Kolam, I wanted to include RadhaRani who is the female counterpart of Krishna as well.
In this Kolam, I have attempted to capture the essence of these 2 deities. Baby Krishna, with his blue feet and flute, embodies a sense of happiness and love that is contagious to all those around him. And Radharani, with her pink feet and lotus, represents purity, compassion, and devotion that is at the heart of true spirituality.
This kolam fills me with a sense of hope and joy. May the divine energies of Krishna and Radha emerge within each and every one of us, bringing with them a sense of everlasting prosperity, love, and bliss.

For centuries, people around the world have adorned themselves with jewelry to celebrate their culture, traditions, and connection with others. From intricate gold designs to sparkling diamonds and other gemstones, these precious adornments have the power to bring joy and beauty to our lives.
In this Sikku Kolam, I have attempted to capture the timeless beauty of traditional jewelry and the intricate, meaningful art form of kolam. The ancient ritualistic kolam, which is said to bring prosperity to the home, is characterized by its geometrical symmetry, and precision embodying the interconnectedness of human beings with nature and the cosmos.
I have fused together the timeless beauty of traditional jewelry like the addigai, jimikki, and nethi chutti with the intricate patterns of the sikku kolam. The result is a piece of art that is sure to brighten up anyone's day and resonate with the spirit of those who come into contact with it.
This Jewelry Set Kolam is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.