Akhilandeshvari, or The Always Broken Goddess

So, a few weeks ago, I came across this VERY excellent read on Akhilandeshvari, or "she who is never not broken."  It was just very inspiring, and I found myself relating to many different aspects.

From the article:

"Akhilanda derives her power from being broken: in flux, pulling herself apart, living in different, constant selves at the same time, from never becoming a whole that has limitations."

Anyway, the kick-ass thing is that she rides a crocodile as well. I was agonizing over how to color this; I really wanted to make her skin tone blue, but I'm not sure if that's ... "correct" for this hindu diety? Is blue something reserved specifically for Krishna, or does it specify god/goddess?  Outside of this article, I couldn't find much about this specific deity (much to my chagrin)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to color her, dear blog readers! (And please, def check out the article; so worth the read!)

Why Lying Broken in a Pile on Your Bedroom Floor is a Good Idea

Shiva Mermaid... of sorts?

I like the concept of this one a lot- think it'd make a cool painting (sort of a hindi mermaid sort of character).. just a rough drawing for now, but I might come back to this later....

Painted Elephant

My submission for this week's Illustration Friday's theme, "Wrinkle." When I thought of wrinkles, I thought of elephants, and was inspired by the chalk ceremonial paintings that are done on elephants in India. Enjoy!

Indian goddess

Inspired a little bit Durga, but instead of weapons, little handfuls of fire. Took a bit of reference from Kali as well- but mostly the headdress... Enjoy!

Continuing on the theme...

So, in part from Tyree's suggestion I take a look at MF Husain's work based off of my past few posts (especially inspired by this drawing of his), and trying to combine the fun I had with the colors and lines of the primitive drawing with the themes of the Indian maiden drawing, this is what I came up with- I'm really enjoying the results. Thanks Tyree!! Awesome recommendation! : D (Maybe I'll try coloring in that peacock next!)

Indian Maiden, Part II

Took a suggestion to do another pass on yesterday's Indian maiden and do her in color, so here it is! Thanks afsha! : )

Indian maiden

Was watching a tv program on the History channel about the Taj Mahal and was inspired- enjoy! : )

Temple Elephants