Nataraja
17” x 12” | Pen + Color Pencils
Nataraja (The Lord of Dance), is one of the forms of the Hindu god Shiva. His dance represents creation and destruction. In his upper right hand, Nataraja holds an hourglass drum that symbolizes creation and the pulse of the universe. The opposite hand, the upper left, counters the upper right with flames that represent destruction. The second right hand is held in the Abhaya pose, bestowing protection. The image of Nataraja represents the balance of the opposites of the world, and the cyclic rhythm of the universe, and additionally is full of many such meaningful symbols. If you’re interested in learning more about the symbolism of Nataraja, this is a great page to check out.
Krishna’s Dream
9” x 12” | Color Pencils
Krishna is a Hindu god who is sometimes seen as the supreme god, from which all other gods originated. His name means many things including “dark one,” “bluish black” (his complexion is described to be “that of a storm cloud” and “existence of knowledge and bliss.” He is associated with the Hindu concept of Lila, which explains the universe as a cosmic “purposeless play.” Krishna is always depicted wearing peacock feathers in his crown, therefore I chose to represent his manifestation of the world, his “Lila,” in the form of a peacock. Instead of giving Krishna an actual form, I drew only his eyes and nose to show his oneness with the universe and the cosmos. Krishna’s eyes are said to be incredibly beautiful and play an important role in many Hindu myths.
Matsyawatar
9” x 12” | Pen + Color Pencils
In Hindu mythology, Matsya was the first avatar, or incarnation, of the God Vishnu. He came to earth in the form of a fish during one of the universal periods of chaos to save Manu, the father of present day humanity, from the flooding and destruction of the earth. Vishnu restored order, and with his help, Manu re-established life on earth. In this drawing I tried to show the excitement and wonder of the re-creation of the world, and the birth of new life.
Zalak
Flyer design for a local music event
Chetan and Meenal
Layout design and coding
