I rush through life and then sit down at my desk to create
Artwork that with my culture and my roots resonates
I start drawing in a rush, I have given myself an hour or so
To create a complex and intricate design, although
I know how to cut corners by omitting details
I must complete my project before my patience fails
*
I have chosen Madhubani art for inspiration today
The drawing is simple enough but the distinctive way
In which figures are drawn involves outlining then in double lines
So I must slow down and painstakingly outline
Every figure with a black marker twice
If I do it in a hurry, the effect is not nice
I immerse myself in the process, trying to keep it neat
I have spent two hours by the time I accomplish this feat
But the passage of time has completely escaped
My notice, I feel calm and centered in my place
*
All art is potentially therapeutic, but I can tell
How Indian folk art tackles my anxiety so well-
In Madhubani art outlining with double lines
In Mandala with its circles and symmetry well defined
In Warli art drawing multiple figures of the same size
In Gond art, stippling with dots of paint- all have made me realize
That a therapeutic effect is built into the expression
Of these art forms- repetitive movements are executed with intention
Creating folk art works for me like a practice of mindfulness
I slow down, focus deeply and lose myself in the process
*
Healing through art is something my ancestors inherently knew
In trying to stay connected to my roots, I am discovering it too
Passion...unbridled 