Why we need art in our lives!

Art has such a diverse meaning that it is difficult to define it in just a combination of words. But even so, some have defined art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects” while others like to call it a medium of expression in simple terms. Artist or not, we all as human beings know that art is much more than just that! Art is anything that we put our full efforts in. it could be anything, even our bodies. Painting, sculpting, dancing, singing, writing etc are the obvious forms of art but in today’s world, art has a much extended definition. With the advent of the internet and social media, art has found new meanings. Art has branched out into everything we do and that’s why art is important in our lives now more than ever.

Today makeup is considered as an art as is photography and blogging. There is so much more that we haven’t seen yet but will definitely fall under the huge umbrella of the term ‘art’ in the future. Even so, like it is always said that there is no better way to know the future than revisiting the history. It is important to take inspiration from our roots. And there is no better way to inspire than to appreciate some art. Indian art makes one of the oldest art forms among others like Chinese and European art. Because India has so much history, it undoubtedly reflects in its art, especially since art is supposed to tell stories of different eras and experiences.

Art is also said to improve our thinking abilities and relieve a great amount of stress. This is also the reason why this new fad of adult coloring books has come into picture. There are now coloring books available in the market that have rather complicated outlines of patterns that then need to be carefully filled with colors by adults. Art is also used to unite people from all over the world no matter what culture or class they belong to because art is impartial. For centuries art has played a key role in eliminating cultural differences and conflicts. It is a kind of safe recluse for all those who want to escape the harshness of reality. You could enter a different world just by carefully gazing at a painting and losing yourself in it.

A good piece of art would force you to think, ask questions, take you on a journey, widen your mental horizons and reflect individuality. Good art would talk straight to your heart. Art is supposed to bring about change in the society because that’s how big the role of art really is in every individual’s life! This is why many people encourage little children to pursue a hobby and find their calling. Colors literally have the magical ability to instantly lift up or bring down your mood. Bright colors make you happy while dark colors tend to make you depressed. Hence color therapy is used to treat so many individuals suffering from depression.

Art is also the perfect medium for any individual to express himself or to depict the conditions of the society as well as mirroring the culture that an individual belongs to or is inspired by. For example you will easily differentiate Japanese art from Indian art due to its obvious elements like the use of colors, lines, curves, landscapes etc. To conclude art has many meanings and definitions that differs from person to person and their differing perspectives, however it is something that has continued to amaze the human race and will always do so.

Shiva – The man & divine!

Lord Shiva, the deity known by various other names like Rudra, Eswar and so on throughout India is one the Hindu Trinity Gods, sharing space alongside Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the protector. Shiva is often referred to be the destroyer and transformer. In the tradition of Shaivism, which consist of people being ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, he is the one who creates, protects and transforms the universe. Not just one form, but Shiva is worshipped in many forms, and is often depicted as the benevolent and fearsome.

In the different Vedas of the Hindu tradition, Shiva is regarded and worshipped and depicted in different forms. In many of the forms, Shiva is regarded as a destroyer and benefactor. The most important and popular forms of Lord Shiva worship would be in the form of Nataraja and Lingam. Lord Shiva’s form Nataraja, is known to be the Lord of Dance. Like Nataraja, he is also celebrated and worshipped in many other iconic forms like Dakhshinamurthy, Ardhanarisvara, and so on. Each of this form depicts a story as to how this name derived. In the aniconic form, he is mostly worshipped as Lingam. In the Shiva temples, alongside Shiva statue, there is a placement of this Lingam. It is a vertical column shaped idol, and is given the offerings like flowers, milk, curd, honey, and so on.

Most of the places or even at home, people keep the Lingam, and worship the same as it deciphers to Lord Shiva. However, in some houses, Shiva statue is kept in the form of Lord Nataraja and worshipped. The symbolism of Lord Shiva, by many devotees in India is that he is the creator and the destroyer. That forms the reality of life, and this might be one of the reasons for the ardent worship of Lord Shiva.

Since he is regarded as a transformer, while placing a Shiva statue at home, it is better that one takes the necessary care and concern. If you are someone who believes that statues do bring in energy to home, place a meditating Shiva statue instead of a dancing Nataraja one. The former is much calm, while the latter would bring in forceful energy. Regarded of the type of person you be, like if you are a calm person, keeping Nataraja would help you gain some powerful energy, and vice-versa.

It is said that, having just one Shiva statue at home is sufficient. When you have two or more, the energies seem to counter interact with each other, which may result elsewhere. Lord Shiva is supposed to carry immense energy, and keeping him at work place might be a bit off choice. Symbolically, Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja have a lot of coincidence to life.  Performing the cosmic dance, Lord Shiva is supposed to be in full energy. His innumerous names, like Trishuldhari, one who holds the trident, Gangadhari, the one who houses Ganga on his head, Jatadhari, the one with the matted hair, and so on; have popularity amongst Indians.

Lord Shiva is an epitome of knowledge, strength, determination, support and so on. Shiva signifies so many life aspects, and following those will allow one to embark on a smooth daily life as well as increase in spiritual knowledge. If you are looking forward to buying Shiva statue, read through the above pointers to know more before your purchase. While keeping a good statue can bring in lot of goodness, the placement must be correct for best results. What are you waiting for? Shop online for your favourite brass Shiva statue now!

The Mohiniattam Dancer

It is to the patronage of the young King Swati Tirunal, followed by the arduous efforts of art poet laureate Vallatol, that mohiniattam was preserved as the only solo dance form among India's classical dances. It originated in the temples of Kerala, wherein female dancers assisted in temple ritual by adding gestures to the chants of the priests. This evolved into a dance form that is markedly expressive and feminine. Such is the doll that you see on this page, a classical mohiniattma dancer who enchants onlookers with the seductive beauty of her skill. Indeed, the word 'mohiniattam' translates to 'the dance of the seductress', and this exotic doll has all the characteristics of the celestial mohiniattam dancer.

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Celestial, because it is said that Lord Vishnu Himself had transformed into a woman of exceeding beauty in His quest to play with the minds of the asuras. This happened in connection with both the samudramanthan and the Bhasmasuravadh episodes. This lifelike doll captures the grace of mohiniattam to perfection. Beneath the signature cream-coloured gold-bordered silk drape are a pair of long legs caught amidst dexterous motion. Her delicately moulded hands are arranged in the hamsaysa and the ardhachandra mudras. Her gold shringar complements her pristine complexion to perfection. From her lifelike, skilfully made-up face to the stance of her lissome roopa, this doll on a shelf would add dynamicism to your space.

The Glamour Of Tribhanga Uma

A swaying sense of motion, a heightened awareness of deviroopa. This Swamimalai bronze conveys a universe of sensuousness and divinity. Handpicked from the recesses of the South, the home of the Indian bronze tradition, this sculpture captures as much of Devi Uma's beauty and presence as is humanely possible. She is tall and lissome, the characteristic tribhang (the spinal column of Her body breaks - 'bhang' - at three - 'tri' - places) of Her stance exuding elegance and stateliness. She is wife to none other than Shiva, and Her gaze onto the world is laced with fearlessness and wisdom. Note how well the sharp lines of Her shringar go with Her superbly defined proportions.

The iconography of Shiva's wife is replete in this independent Devi Uma composition. The crown that towers above Her head has been sculpted with superb detail, and adds to Her gorgeous stature. Her countenance and the features that grace it are full and lotus-like, a signature of contemporary Chola-style bronzes. Long, vine-like kundalas and a bunch of necklaces complement the dhoti of thin silk that reveals rather than conceals Her yogic musculature. The pedestal is an important aspect of Indian religious sculptures. This one comprises of multiple tiers of lotuses of downward ascending surface area. Indeed this work of superfine art is fit to be consecrated and housed in a temple in your space.