02/08/2026
Colors and Creation - Stories of the Heart
One of the most exciting thing for a 10 year old is to be invited to a classmate's house along with other friends to play. Getting dressed in a pretty frock and carrying a little present to gift the friend adds to the excitement. While the excitement was beyond what was imagined with surprise games, chatter, nibbles, and the camaraderie of friendship and company of other classesmates filling the room with sounds of joy and laughter - nothing could make the day more special. But there was one thing everyone noticed but didn't pay much attention to. It was the friend's dad who was organzing everything, ensuring the kids had a fantastic time while the mother sat in front of a large canvas in her study and was painting florals. She was surrounded by so many canvases with gorgeous paintings.
Drifting away from the friends, the little girl stood beside 'aunty' who had a beautiful smile . 'Do you like to paint?' 'Yes', the little kid replied. She had entered a magical world that she never knew existed. A world of art, colors and creative expression. She stood watching the lady's hand masterfully create flowers on canvas with brush dipped in oil paints. 'I can teach you. Come on Sundays. I don't take classes. But seeing your interest, I'd like to teach you'. To be offered to be taught felt like a blessing. My eyes took in the beauty of paints and brushes neatly arranged, walls adorned with marvelous art. She became oblivious to the games, the food, the fun. She didn't know she was in some sort of meditation watching 'aunty' paint. It became an unforgettable experience . The little girl narrated the entire story to her parents and she concluded her story with, 'Please can I go and learn painting from aunty?'. To which, her parents said, 'No, we cannot trouble other people like that'.
Fifty years later, I cannot express how art and I found each other that day watching my classmate's mother paint. It had been the most powerful source of joy, creativity, inspiration, comfort, solace, saving grace and and incredible force in my life that opened magical doorways I never imagined. I see myself in every child and woman I teach art to. And to me teaching is sacred. I feel incredibly proud of every student who learns art at Colors and Creation . And I had found my purpose in life - to touch lives and make a positive difference through the power and joy of art.
