During the 9 days of Navaratri, Hindus celebrate the 3 aspects of the Divine Mother known as Kali (or Durga), Lakshmi and Saraswati. Each Goddess is honored for 3 days each, with a 10th day being Victory Day. Each Goddess represents an essential aspect of the Divine Feminine: Death and Rebirth, Good Fortune and Family, Art and Knowledge.
I wanted to paint these 3 Goddesses one after the other in a similar style, with each their own vibe and characteristics. These pieces are made in oil paint and real gold leaves on 16x20 inches wood panels. They took about 25 hours of work each. Below are some more in depth sharing about each Goddess attributes and characteristics. To see timelapses of the process, head to my Instagram.
KALI
Kali is an aspect of the Divine Mother and generally associated with battle and death. She is a fiery Goddess born for battle against demons, but also a facet of the Divine Mother that helps clear the way for renewal, and is fiercely protective of her devotees. I like to think of Kali as a great warrior that protects me and is here to slay my inner demons.
I created this modern take on Kali to remind myself and others that the Divine Feminine is as much fierce, powerful and protective as it is loving and nurturing. And we need all the aspects in our modern lives.
LAKSHMI
Lakshmi is the Goddess of prosperity, abundance, fertility, beauty and good fortune. Usually represented holding a lotus flower in one hand, with gold coins flowing out of the other hand. She is the representation of the Divine Mother that nourishes and blesses all beings incessantly. Lakshmi is also the energy that transforms dreams into reality, and reminds us that both spiritual and material riches are our birthright.
Lakshmi has been a constant companion in the past decades as I turn to her for comfort and confidence in my path, as well as in the fact that we are all taken care of by powers much bigger than us.
SARASWATI
Saraswati is the 3rd and final aspect of the Divine Mother celebrated during Navaratri in the Hindu tradition. Saraswati is the Goddess of the arts, of knowledge, creativity and education. She is often represented playing an instrument and holding the Vedas, that she loves to read. She has a calming and centering energy that helps the artist focus and tune in.
Saraswati is also of great significance to me: I got her tattooed on my left arm as a symbol of my commitment to being an artist. Saraswati is also a symbol of the peace and fulfillment gained from making art, studying and enriching oneself, completely self contained, yet contributing to the beauty and peace of the world.
I hope you enjoyed and please reach out if you have questions or want to know more!