Collaborations
FALL 2023
The Embrace of the Divine Feminine
A Collaboration with Lexa Chernin
Yoga Secrets, Kennett Square, PA
A beautiful evening was spent celebrating "the embrace of the divine feminine," which included story-telling, mandala-making, and sacred chanting during Navarathri, also known as the festival of nine nights.
In certain lineages within the Vedic tradition, the Divine Feminine is considered the universal creative power: the life-bestower, nourisher, comforter, protector, lover, and destroyer. She is the changeless reality of the universe and the source of change within. She is not the consort of male energy but its source. She is a guiding presence and gives supreme knowledge and liberation. She is the all-compassionate Mother. And perhaps the divine feminine within each of us is the capacity for beauty and strength, fierceness, and creativity.
SUMMER 2023
Albie's Elevator | Box Town
A Collaboration with WHYY-PBS Philadelphia, PA
Albie's Elevator, a WHYY-PBS television series, premiered in Summer 2023
The Albie's Elevator show centers on helping preschoolers navigate social and emotional challenges through the lens of art. Albie, the macaroni and cheese-colored friend, along with her puppet companions, explores her BIG feelings and seeks guidance from artists across genres who inspire creative problem-solving.
In the episode titled "Box Town," Albie builds a city using moving boxes but hesitates to break them down.
During their visit, my daughter Nandita and I created a mandala, highlighting the distinctive nature of temporary art that exists for only a brief period.
So, what did Albie learn from watching us? We invite you to enjoy watching the episode "Box Town."
Nandita and I are grateful for the opportunity to be featured on WHYY-PBS, and we will always cherish our collaborative experience!
It felt surreal when WHYY's Community Relations Coordinator contacted me about their interest in featuring me in a new television series. The opportunity to explore problem-solving through art in children at a young age was truly an honor!
Together, we created a PBS LearningMedia at-home curriculum for preschoolers, offering fun exercises to motivate them to attempt mandala art independently or with a little help from their parents or guardians. This curriculum earned a Public Media award for Educational Resources for the Community.
The night before filming, completing my rice flour mandala took five hours. Despite the physical challenges of sitting, squatting, standing, and kneeling for extended periods, I savored the traditional mandala-making process.
As it was a children's show, my daughter, Nandita, also played a role during filming. Initially assigned two scripted lines, she impressed the crew with her eloquent on-the-spot responses about mandala art. It's fascinating how children quietly observe their parents and absorb information like a sponge. It was undoubtedly a proud moment for me!
Working with the WHYY-PBS crew was an absolute pleasure.
FALL 2021
Celebration of Diwali, also known as the festival of lights
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
A Collaboration with Usiloquy Dance, Philadelphia, PA
Photos by Wide-Eyed Photography
Floor Mandala Drawing
Diwali @ Cherry Street Pier
Hosted by Usiloquy Dance Designs
Philadelphia, PA
November 6, 2021
I was invited to craft a floor mandala at the Diwali event hosted by Usiloquy Dance Designs, a non-profit organization promoting contemporary Indian classical dance in Philadelphia. Using a blend of white chalk, rice paste, white paint, colored sand, and fresh flowers, I meticulously handcrafted a 6' x 6' mandala on the floor. During the event, I had the opportunity to share insights about my work, background, and the significance of mandala art.
The performances by Usiloquy artists, led by the artistic director Ms. Shaily Dadiala and sitar player Devi Majeske, infused the event with a festive spirit that evoked memories of my home country, India. Overall, it was an honor to contribute to such a wonderful celebration of Diwali.
