An artwork a day keeps the lockdown blues away. This is the funda followed by artist Gayatri Mavuru to beat the blues. She has even given the project a rather thematic name — The Quarantined Canvas. And after the lockdown ends and the situation is more amenable, she would like to organise an exhibition to display all the artwork that she has created during this period. "In a way, the lockdown comes as a blessing for artists because that's what I want to do always — paint in isolation," shares the Bhubaneswar-based artist, stating that she started this project when the Janta Curfew was announced on March 22, 2020.
For a self-taught artist who reaches for the colours to paint or draw as soon as she gets up every morning, the discipline to paint every day comes very easily. For this particular project, she is painting the Buddha, nature and a series of expressions that are common to women — which is why it is apt that it is titled Bhumi. "The point is that no matter what the situation is, we must hold on to what makes us happy. Colours make me happy, so I took this path. I also wanted to encourage fellow-artists so that they can feel inspired and share their work as well," says the 33-year-old.
The artist also runs Sri Gayatri Vidya Vikas Educational Trust and three years ago, started Cherry Blossoms Pre School in Patia. She organises competitions for underprivileged children and even started a small library for them. Before this, she pursued her PG in Biotechnology from Sri Padmavathi University, Tirupati and has taught Dance and Biology at DAV Public school, Joda. But the most noteworthy aspect of this artist that you should know is that in January 2020, she painted 100 miniature paintings on 100 1 rupee coins and was appreciated by the Governor of Odisha, Ganeshi Lal for it. For this unique feat, her name found a place in World Records India and the India Book of Records.
The response to The Quarantined Canvas on social media has been amazing and yet, she believes that she hasn't made her best painting yet. And though she has participated in both national and international art exhibitions, painting is not the only art she pursues. She is a poet as well. "I come from a background where women don't get a lot of importance, that's why now I want to stand up to myself and help empower others as well through my poetry," says the Visakhapatnam-born with determination. She already has the commitment to do this, as she paints for over four hours a day.
Some of her art work
Some of her poetry
I belong to the ashes of wild fire
I belong to the dirt of the stormy winds
I belong to the pain of the unseasonal rains
I belong to the mud of the barren mangroves
I belong to the cries of the soaring skies
I belong there or nowhere!
Life is pretty much unbearable dear
With rude shocks and panic attacks
It's a roller coaster ride
And a whole lot of chaos
Can you understand now?
This broken I am!
I persuade myself and lift myself up
I clean and mend my wounds and scars
I deal with mental cobwebs
And certain repressed emotions
Listen to me once
This broken I am!
For more on her, check out facebook.com/gayatri.bathula.7
