Showing posts with label Folk Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Folk Art. Show all posts

Friday, January 31, 2020

Tamashee - Redefining the Traditional into Contemporary

Tamashee is one of the region's high-end footwear brand based in Dubai. It has been envisioned and designed by Mohammed and Muneera, the two lovely, ebullient souls whose smiles are infectious. They can spread warmth by their presence and their eloquence. So what happens when they design something seeking inspiration from their past, raking up the forgotten, experiencing the traditional, inhabiting the cultural, researching at all levels and then producing a dream-like brand unique to the region that supplements and complements at the same time to the sensibilities of not only the region but also internationally as well.

Muneera and Mohammed - Founders of Tamashee
Muneera and Mohammed - Founders of Tamashee

The Founders

Tamashee active co-founders are Muneera Al Tamimi originally from Saudi Arabia and Mohammed Kazim who is an Emirati. Muneera and Mohammed are very passionate about the rich culture of the Arabian Peninsula. They created the brand Tamashee in order to highlight the beauty of the region by shedding light through every collection on a specific element.

Tamashee

The word is a combination of two Arabic words - Mashee (to walk) and Yatamasha (compatible). This directly portrays Tamashee’s work in footwear whilst proving an aspect of compatibility in each of its values: the past with the present and the regional with the world.

Preserving Identity

Tamashee products have been inspired by the research of cultural designs and patterns. Tamashee carefully studies the history, form, and function of each cultural design and revives certain key elements of the past through its products.

Representing Culture

Tamashee seeks to redefine the traditional elements into contemporary designs and to make them appealing to both traditional-regional and modern-international tastes. They have evolved the construction of traditional footwear by pioneering modern-day methods and applying them to traditional techniques.

Coloring Lives

Creating an impact in society is the most important of Tamashee’s causes.

Tamashee achieves this by:

- -Spreading information about unique elements of the Arabian Gulf’s rich history (and the broader peninsula)
- -Providing a platform and a network for emerging artists from the Arabian Gulf to display and spread awareness of their talent.

Tamashee gives a lot of thought to every model it produces. The research that goes into every collection revolves around the materials used, crafts of the region, and the interesting story it conveys. 

Through its work, Tamashee thrives to create a soulful narrative from within the region that contributes to advancing the Arabian Gulf identity. Some examples of this can be seen in our products through the re-introduction of the turquoise color, the preservation and development of the rings used in the region’s footwear, and the use of the Hijri (Islamic calendar) calendar. 

In the current collection, Tamashee has adopted and adapted Musnad script, an ancient South Arabian script, and deconstructed it into unique symbols and patterns and imprinted it on their products be it footwear or bag/wallet giving it a distinctive existence.

1441 Collection-Men and Women-Tamashee

Accent 1441- Tamashee


Tamashee’s Production

A large part of Tamashee’s intricate and unique construction relies on handmade production which contributes to the uniqueness of each pair. Tamashee products are handmade in Spain, UAE, and India by experienced craftsmen using high-quality natural/naturally dyed leathers and materials in facilities with expertise that cater to global luxury brands.

Tamashee Experience

As part of completing the cultural experience, Tamashee offers guided tours to cultural locations in the Arabian Peninsula with emphasis on elements Tamashee has researched and documented. Tamashee’s founders are licensed tour guides in the Emirate of Dubai and are well connected to licensed tour guides all around the Arabian Peninsula.

Tamashee Experience trips include:

Taif Rose Festival, KSA
Asir Highlight, KSA
Northern Emirates, UAE
Al Jawf, KSA
Shuhooh, Rous Aljibal, UAE/Oman
And many more.


Culture Tours-Tamashee



Image courtesy: Tamashee website

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. This was included primarily for the interest and pride that the Founders take in the traditional arts of the region, conducting research and infusing it into their products with a unique contemporary feel and spreading the rich cultural heritage across. Promoting such art and artists is primarily the emphasis of Hues n Shades.





Friday, November 16, 2018

Inktober 2018 - the last of the series

Here's the last of my Inktober series. Though I completed it by 5 Nov. I couldn't post it last week. It was a hectic week and I had so many things to manage. If you haven't seen the earlier two posts, please check it out - Week 1&2 and 3&4.

I first sketch it out on an ordinary A5 size paper and when I feel it's right I transfer it onto my A5 Sketchbook and then colour it with my Winsor & Newton or Liquitex inks. I have been doing monochromes in this series.


Rati-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 22 - “Rati”
Goddess of Desire, wife of Lord Kamdev (God of Love, the Indian version of Cupid). 


Gandhaberunda-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 23 - “Gandhaberunda” 
(2-headed mythological bird believed to possess massive magical strength). This particular sculpture relief is in Rameshwara temple, Keladi. It was the emblem of the Wodeyar Dynasty in the Kingdom of Mysore and is still the official emblem of Karnataka.


Kalpavriksha-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 24 - “Kalpavriksha”
the divine wish-fulfilling tree. Also called Kalpatharu.


Lord-Shiva-Apsara-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 25 - “Lord Shiva and Apsara”
Kandariya temple, Khajuraho. 


Goddess-Meenakshi-Kamadhenu-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 26 - “Goddess Meenakshi on Kamadhenu”
Kamadhenu is the wish-fulfilling divine cow. From a photo of a carved temple chariot.


Sage-Agastya-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 27 - “Sage Agastya” 
Revered and influential sage, a scholar well-versed in many languages and the celebrated author, among others, of the hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Rig Veda.
I found it a bit funny and interesting to see how he is portrayed with a pot-belly! Many of them are done so when in fact in reality that may not be true. 


3-Men-and-a-Baby-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 28 - “3 men and a baby”
I am not sure about what the story is behind this sculpture but I loved it. The fear, the uneasiness, the discomfort is all so evident and the baby is someone important and has to be saved from the enemy hands!! 😊
I love working in this color - Peat brown from WinsorandNewton; it works beautifully as you want it!❤️


Lord-Vishnu-Yoganidra-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 29 - “Lord Vishnu in yoga nidra.” (cosmic sleep) 
The sleep focuses on the infinite reality of his own identity. 
I loved working with the “knots”! As much I used to feel uncomfortable drawing serpent, I am getting the hang of it now. 


Lord-Pahupatinath-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Day 30 - “Pashupatinath” 
(a rare depiction of Lord Shiva) 
Many of the photo references show half-destroyed and some in ruins...a lot of history and lot of grieving there.


Matrika-Chamundi-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
Day 31 - “Matrika Chamundi”
10 or 11c - Khajuraho.

And I complete my Inktober 2018 !!!! 31 drawings!!! Thanks to every one of you who followed my Inktober journey, cheering and supporting me!!! Looking forward to more of your love and support.😊❤️

Hope you all could complete a body of work too and even if not, no pressure...one can go on at one's pace. There are no hard and fast rules, it's just to work on our skills, right?!

Friday, October 26, 2018

Inktober - Week 3 & 4 - Temple Sculptures

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Inktober has reached mid-way and I am lagging 5 days as I had to travel to Dubai, just 3 days; the fourth day we were travelling back before my visa expired. By the time I got back, I was down with fever and severe allergies! But I lost one day because of my health but tried to go with it even though my posting time got delayed. So here's Week 3 and 4... (In case you haven't seen...Week1&Week2 )

I first sketch it out on an ordinary A5 size paper and when I feel it's right I transfer it onto my A5 Sketchbook and then colour it with my Winsor & Newton or Liquitex inks. I am doing monochromes in this series.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments here, in FB and on Instagram. It really inspires to do more! Love you all!


 Day 13 - “Kaliya Daman” 
- Taming of Kaliya (many hooded venomous snake) by Lord Krishna. 


 Day 14 - it’s a sculpture from Pala, Bihar. 
Looks like a scene from the war front. There’s something in here that I like it a lot; must be how one form fuses into the other particularly in the vertical format! 


 Day 15 - “Shiva-Parvathy Kalyanam” 
(Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy)

{*Aside - "I find working with purple and pink inks difficult in this series...they have a mind of their own!"}



 Day 16 - "Naga-Nagini" 
(mating snake couple) from Belur. 
Belur and Halebidu are twin cities in Hassan district of Karnataka known for the exquisite and intricate temples carvings which are UNESCO world heritage sites. They were built by Amarashilpi (‘immortal’ architect) Jakkanna Acharya under the Hoysala Dynasty.
One of my personal favourites!


 Day 17 - "Varaha" 
(the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu) with Bhudevi (Mother Earth). 
This avatar, according to mythology, was adorned to save Mother Earth from Hiranyaksha, the fierce demon. This sculpture is supposed to be from the 8th or 9th century!


 Day 18 - “Yogini” 
- from Uttar Pradesh, 8th Century. 


 Day 19 - “Avalokitesvara” 
(earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Buddha Amitabha; the bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas). The bodhisattva is depicted in different cultures as either male or female. This is referred from a photo of a 10C sculpture found in Pala, Bihar.


 Day 20 - “Vrishabha” 
(bull, here the female counterpart of Nandi - the gate-guardian if Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva and the vehicle of the Lord), Yogini temple, Khajuraho, 10c.


Day 21 - "Mahishasuramardini"
Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura.


Just 10 more to for me while only a week is left for the Inktober to be officially over. I am going to finish it but maybe I will run a little into the first week of November. But that's ok, right! The important thing is to finish a body of work! 

"So how's your Inktober going??"



Friday, October 12, 2018

Inktober - Week 1 & 2 - Temple Sculptures

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Inktober is here again and yes, it’s pretty exciting!! I took part in Inktober last year for the first time and fortunately I was able to complete 31 drawings in 31 days. Hopefully this year too! Like last year I am again not going with the official prompts and I have my own theme and I am sticking to temple sculptures, our very own centuries-old traditional Indian sculptures. I have references from google images and Pinterest. Most of the information is unavailable though like where it’s from and when it dates back to. I am concentrating more on the forms and shapes and the feel of it.

I first sketch the image on an ordinary A5 size paper and when I feel it's right I transfer it onto the sketchbook and then I ink it. It's a bit of tedious process though and it is consuming a lot of time but then I am enjoying the whole process though. I have limited my colours to one and a couple of times two, to have the feel of monochrome. I had intended to begin my Inktober post last Friday but unfortunately, I couldn't. So this is Week 1 and 2 together.


Apsara-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 Apsara (celestial singer or dancer) or *Shalabanjika
...either of these.


Garuda&Naga-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
"Garuda and Naga"
Garuda is the “King of birds” and the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu Mythology, Garuda has a synthesis of an eagle and human form; symbolic of birth and heaven while Naga represents death and the underworld. It could very well go with the prompt ‘poisonous’ as well.


Mother&Child-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
“Mother and Child”
I think this could go well with the second prompt “Tranquil” too...look at the child's face.


Shalabanjika-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
*Shalabanjika 
11C from Khajuraho
- a woman’s sculpture with stylised features often seen holding a branch of a tree, sometimes mirror or lamp. They are often in poses of dance, music or even grooming themselves. They have complex hairdos and adorned with lavish jewellery. Shalabhanjika holding a tree is also a symbol of fertility.


Shalabanjika-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
Shalabanjika in Markanda temple in Maharashtra, it is also called Mini Khajuraho. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.


Shalabanjika-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
A grooming, adorning Shalabanjika. 
This is a simple one. I am mesmerised by the complex ones that I have seen in many temples with gorgeous intricate work. Now that I have warmed up enough, I am starting my hand at that. 


Shalabanjika-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
Shalabanjika on Eastern Torana (gateway) of Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.
The colours are more peachy orange than the red that shows here! I loved this pose and the way she intertwines herself with the branch of the tree.


Saraswati-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
"Goddess Saraswati"
-goddess of knowledge, wisdom, creative arts and learning of all sorts. She’s part of the Trinity, along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvathy.


MeeankshiAmman-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
From Meenakshi Amman temple, Madurai. 
The temple dates back to 1st century CE and finds mention in the earliest Sangam Literature. The temple has withstood the test of time and many foreign invasions and lootings. It was rebuilt and restored by Nayaka Dynasty and by various other rulers. It was again degraded during the British rule and was completed only in 1995. The temple is famous for Ayirakkal mandapam (1000 pillared hall) built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar is well-known for excellent engineering skills blended with artistic vision. There are several other mandapas too.


Vishnu-Lakshmi-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
 “Vishnu-Lakshmi” 
Reference is of a 10C damaged buff sandstone from Uttar Pradesh.


Fanfare-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
A "fanfare" - trying something different! 


Dancing Ganesha-Inktober2018-HuesnShades
"Dancing Ganesha"
One of my personal favourites! What do you think??
I love Ganesha in all forms! 

This is actually a wonderful journey for me trying things not tried before and I quite like the outcome too though it’s consuming a lot of time. I am not sure whether I will be able to complete with some travelling coming up next week!

So which one is your favourite here (if any!) ??





Friday, September 28, 2018

Commission, Inktober and Hopes

The past couple of weeks has been really busy with a lot of stuff to do and not having enough time! I finished a commission work for a dear friend in Abu Dhabi. He had selected a work which was originally commissioned by another friend 7 years back when we were in Dubai. It was a gift for her daughter's teacher. So here I was working on it and it felt fabulous! I could see the changes in my work though I was working on the same painting. It's folk-inspired style as my friend had wanted it that way when I first painted it in 2011. In both pictures, however, the colours aren't true to what meets the eye. I don't know why that is so!


GuruShishya-2018-HuesnShades
 I have used acrylics with gouache and embellished it with semi-precious stones for the ear studs and the nose-pin. It's A3 size.

GuruShishya-2011-HuesnShades
2011

I am also preparing for Inktober, trying to select a theme of my own since I feel so restricted with the official prompts. I want to work on my shortcomings and what better way than to chose one's own theme to improve a particular skill or aspect of ones drawing/painting. Last year was the first time I participated and I had a whole lot of fun!!! I drew insects - "Tiny, But Me!" - 31 of them and yes!! I did complete the change! It was a great feeling! In case you want to check it out the rest, here it is - Week2, Week3, Week4 and Week5. I wrapped it up with an Inktober Insect series calendar. I was asked by many friends on why I didn't make a zine at the end of it...so this time I am thinking of making a zine as well. In case anyone is interested, do let me know.

"So anyone here joining Inktober?"

It would be great fun!

Thanks to Jake Parker for Inktober and here's what it's about and the official prompt list:






Currently, I am also doing small studies for potential paintings, projects that need some positive "Go ahead" green flags! Here's a sneak-peek...fingers crossed! 

Red haired woman Study HuesnShades
Detail of a work in progress - study for a potential painting



Monday, January 29, 2018

21 Days in my Art World #4 - Final post!

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The final post of Tara Leaver's 21 days in my art world...You can see my #1, #2 and #3 here.


Day 16 - Smallest painting

I am comfortable working in small format and I love it! My smallest are ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), of which I don’t have the images. This is the image that was readily available right now, from the Folk series that I had done 2 years ago. It’s a Madhubani painting and is 5x5 in.

In case you are interested in looking at my ATCs from 2009, you will find it HERE.

TwinPeacock-Madhubani-HuesnShades


Day 17 - Largest painting

As mentioned above, I am more comfortable working small scale but since my first curated-coordinated show I started working on bigger pieces. Not very huge though. My biggest in canvas is probably this one which I can’t yet reveal in full.😊 I had done a wall mural in my daughter’s room when in Dubai, don’t have a picture though. That’s my largest!!!

Waiting-detail-HuesnShades
“Waiting” (detail), 
acrylics on canvas, 91.5x91.5 cms.


Day 18 - Celebrate 

Art in India is rich and diverse. Each region/state has its own traditional/folk forms that one is mesmerised by the simple-looking yet complex details that go into it! I am a huge fan of our treasure trove and there’s always a phase when I go back to the roots just to have a feel of that richness and extravaganza that makes our arts so special!!!

Madhubani-temple-mughalmotif-HuesnShades
 Details of Madhubani painting, 
my own attempt at Sree Padmanabhaswami temple
and Mughal motifs

Kolam-and-GoddessSaraswathy-HuesnShades
 Kolam (Rangoli) and Kerala mural painting


Day 19 - From the archives

I had been drawing since a child so I don’t actually remember my earliest drawing nor do I have a picture. It must surely have been scribbles! 😊 
I started archiving when I started blogging in 2009. And if I go back to that time I was engaged in a couple of mediums like digital art, folk art, glass painting, mixed media and acrylics. Art no longer was just a hobby, it turned into my passion. I took art seriously and started working every day...that was in 2011 when I was in Dubai. Since then I try to do art almost every day. 

There's no specific reason for selecting these...I was at a loss to pick from my archives...so these are random choices. All these dates back between 2009 to 2011.

Houseboat-Faces-SongoftheLotus-HuesnShades
 The 'Houseboat' picture is one of the first pictures that sold, bought by a dear friend Soji in Dubai.
'Faces' and 'Song of the Lotus'

Girl-and-Lagoon-Digital-HuesnShades
digital works

The girl was my first profile pic that I had used way back in 2007 - 2009 in Orkut, blog and some sites.
The second I had done for teaching a poem on Lagoon while I was working in a school.


Day 20 - Favourite technique

The raw unfinished look with textures and bright colours is what attracts me the most. I keep experimenting with different techniques and different mediums though. I love the burst and blooms of watercolours and acrylic inks...the dribble and drip of acrylics, the texturing too...love the lines and curves of the pen as well as charcoal. So many options... 😊




Day 21 - Big Dream

Finally, the Big Dream! Of course, there are many!!! Become financially opening up independent totally as an artist, taking art workshops particularly for kids (love interacting with them)... able to travel and be inspired by the changing locales and people and gain more experience and insight, be represented by a gallery, engage in more productive and proactive art, be an eternal learner...take up residencies where I can devote myself entirely to it....and some I can’t reveal right now as they’re still seeds!😊



From “Eye of the Soul series” - study-HuesnShades
From “Eye of the Soul series” - study. Sold.

Thanks a ton Tara Leaver for this challenge as it really opened up so many aspects for contemplation and discourse and to understand my own process as I seriously pondered on it. It is the first time I am writing and posting on all these aspects. It was also wonderful to see so many artists and their varied styles. It’s truly an amazing community!💕🙏