Echoes of another time…
At the beginning of this year, I made a quiet promise to myself—to stop waiting for ‘one fine day’ and start doing the things I kept pushing aside. Every December, as I flipped through my diary, I found unfinished plans migrating from one year to the next. Some were delayed due to time, others due to life’s ever-shifting priorities. But the truth? I had been so immersed in turning my passion into work that I forgot to nourish my soul
I still love what I do, but every now and then, I miss the pure joy of creating—creating just for the sake of it, without deadlines or expectations. New projects bring excitement, but even they can slip into the rhythm of the daily grind. So, this year, I decided to make space for something non-negotiable: time for exploration, curiosity, and rediscovery. Once a quarter, I would step away and dive into something that truly feeds my spirit.
And so, this March, I found myself in Jaipur, unravelling the world of miniature paintings through the eyes of an artist who has spent four decades bringing them to life. We had an immersive week of intensive work, discussion and understanding of the intricacies of this beautiful art.
Indian miniature painting originated around the 7th century as illustrations for sacred texts, it evolved into distinct regional styles, each with its own artistic language:
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Mewar: Bold compositions showcasing royal life and Hindu deities.
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Kishangarh: Lyrical depictions of Radha-Krishna, with figures bearing signature lotus-shaped eyes.
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Kangra: Soft pastel palettes, delicate lines, and themes steeped in romance and nature.
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Bundi: Vibrant colors, dramatic landscapes, and celebrations of courtly life.
The advent of the Mughal Empire marked a significant transformation in artistic expression, with realism and naturalism becoming central to miniature painting. This shift introduced lifelike portraits and subdued tones, enhancing the art form. Despite these Mughal influences, regional schools maintained their distinct identities, contributing to a diverse and layered legacy of artistic traditions.
My teacher’s sons are now proudly carrying forward his legacy. One of them, a German language graduate, left his corporate job to return to the family tradition of craftsmanship. As we spoke about this, my teacher smiled and said, “I don’t speak any language other than Hindi and Rajasthani (local dialect), but my art has connected me with people across the world.” With Indian government’s support, he has exhibited his work across the globe, sharing this ancient craft with audiences far beyond his homeland.
I didn’t just walk away with lessons in miniature painting—I left with a piece of history, a deep respect for the artisans preserving it, and a quiet promise to honor their craft in my own way.
Let’s Learn: The 3-Point Attention Audit
One thing that struck me during my time in Jaipur was the patience and stillness these artists possess. Miniature painting requires unwavering focus—there are no rushed strokes, no shortcuts. And that got me thinking: How often do we allow ourselves that kind of deep focus?
This month, let’s try something that I learnt from the master of miniatures:
The Loop
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Grab a brush, some paint and a piece of paper.
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Without lifting your brush, start from one point and do a clockwise loop inside out creating concentric circles maintaining the gap between each circle uniformly and then try doing it anticlockwise.
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The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. It’s about allowing your hand to move without overthinking.
Try it. Let your brush flow without judgment. Who knows? You might just rediscover the joy of creating for the sake of it.
A Thought to Reflect On
“Do not chase happiness; practice it.” – Zen Proverb.
If something keeps getting pushed back, ask yourself—do you really want it? Or are you just holding onto the idea of wanting it? And if you do want it, isn’t it time to finally make space for it?
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do but keep postponing? Maybe this is your sign to begin.
Wishing you a month of inspiration and beautiful detours! 💛
