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Artist Madhu Sarda has spread festive cheer with a series of colourful cards and paintings to mark the recent Eid celebrations and help raise funds for a good cause.
The Nepalese author and artist, who lives in Barbar, created sets of handmade cards, envelopes and paintings inspired by her love for nature and travels, to share positivity despite the difficult pandemic times.
“I came up with the idea because during festival times, I like to give and receive something personal, handmade and ethnic that shows love and care rather than just giving something that’s produced in factories for the masses,” said the mother-of-two.
“When I was small, we were taught to create gifts and we valued the appreciation shown for the effort we had put into the small details while working on them.
“This mindset carries on today. During last Diwali, for example, I gifted my friends with hand-painted glass jars with sweets in them.
“And, whenever I visit someone’s new home, customising a name plate is my favourite piece to create for the family.
“We can do lots of things from home while staying safe and strong. I’ve even started taking online art classes for Mandala and Madhubani.”
Mandala art, which is a Sanskrit word for ‘magic circle’, is a geometric design that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. As for Madhubani art, it is a style of Indian painting done with a variety of tools, including fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks and using natural dyes and pigments.
The art form often features characteristics like complex geometrical patterns and the painting is also well known for representation of ritual content during special occasions such as festivals and religious events.
Madhu’s artwork features folkloric Mandala elements and floral patterns. The envelopes and cards are being snapped up in sets of six and her paintings are also unique. Prices range from BD15 for five envelopes to BD129-plus for bigger canvases.
Fifty per cent of all profits from the project are going to a good cause to be selected.
“I hope to spread cheer and positivity in these difficult times,” she added.
For details, follow @msarts.bh on Instagram or WhatsApp 33425290
