Slightly embarrassed with the timing of this post, but choosing to celebrate the art rather than dwell on how long it took me to finish this (not because it was complicated, but because I let other things take precedence over my own personal hobbies and interests). As the saying goes, better late than never. So with an apology to my fellow artists who finished this well within Navratri time, here goes.

My niece came across this beautiful Goddess Durga on Pinterest in the first week of October last year, and shared it with us last year as something to commemorate Navratri where we celebrate the Goddess.

I love this particular original artist’s style, especially her precision in rendering shading with the negative space effect. It is something I have always struggled with when drawing mandalas or zentangling, and I looked forward to this one for the opportunity to practice and hone this art form.

My cousin Goma was the first to complete her piece about ten days later. I love how her Durga looks so steely and determined. The eyes are razor sharp and focused, Her lips pursed in concentration.

My sister Lakshmi completed this by end of October. Yet again, always amazed at how the facial expressions change between us and we make it all our own. Lakshmi’s version of Durga to me looked more maternal. Her soft smile and the expression in Her eyes exude unconditional love.

My neice Anisha finished hers by first week November. She decided to use grey coloured paper. The background colour and the shading effect gave me the impression that this particular Goddess was deep in contemplation, trying to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

It look me another five months to complete mine, amidst multiple interruptions. My Durga looks peaceful to me, as if She has made some changes for the better and the world is better off for it, giving Her a sense of peace.

Yet again, we took the same artwork and came up with four unique renditions. I wonder if every Durga reflects our own inner expressions at the point we each drew these?

We have been doing these joint workshops since four years now, one of the good things COVID-19 brought into our lives. Absolutely love this collective attempt that is so similar, and yet so unique!

Next, we picked a Diwali mandala that combined a Diwali lamp with a half mandala. Once again, my fellow artists promptly completed them. I started on it last week and hope to publish it next week. Until next time!