A Legacy of Love and Inspiration

Throughout my life, my grandmother has been a guiding force, shaping both my personal and professional journey in profound ways. From my earliest memories, she was more than just a family member; she was a mentor, a storyteller, and a source of boundless inspiration. Her influence is evident in my artwork, particularly in a piece that stands as a tribute to her memory and the cherished moments we shared.

The Virgin in Flower: A Tribute in Paint

My painting, “The Virgin in Flower,” was created in November 2015, and it encapsulates the essence of my grandmother’s stories and the deep connection we had. This piece portrays a woman surrounded by vibrant flowers, rendered in a Western style. The inspiration behind this artwork comes from a childhood story my grandmother once told me about two sisters who lived in our village. One sister, Phool Kumari, whose name means “Flower Princess,” particularly resonated with me. Her character and the lush imagery of flowers she embodied became the foundation of this painting.

Women in mythological sagas often represent both nurturing kindness and the potential for formidable power. They are the custodians of life and harmony, symbolizing both beauty and strength. Through this painting, I sought to capture these dual aspects, blending them into a Western artistic approach while honoring the Eastern roots of the tale.

A Garden of Memories: The Symbolism of Flowers

Flowers hold a special place in my heart, largely due to the time I spent gardening with my grandmother. Our village home boasted a large garden where we would plant and tend to a myriad of blooms. Her love for gardening was infectious, and the time spent among the flowers became a cherished part of my childhood.

After her passing in 2018, one enduring symbol of her presence remained—the Jungle Flame flower we planted together. This plant, resilient and beautiful, continued to thrive and bloom, reminding us of her enduring spirit. The vibrant flowers it produced felt like a daily reminder of her love and presence, and they continue to bring beauty into our lives.

Crossing Continents: A Poetic Tribute

When I moved to France, the distance from my homeland and family left a void that was hard to fill. My grandmother’s absence was profoundly felt, and her memory became even more precious. At the beginning of 2020, I participated in a writing workshop with French writer Guy Boley at ISBA and Besançon Citadel. The workshop led us to write poems reflecting our personal experiences and emotions. In a moment of reflection, I wrote a poem that captures the essence of my longing for my grandmother and our old home.

“Il était une fois une porte”

Il était une fois
Elle a ouvert la porte
Les deux mains tremblaient
Elle avait peur, si quelqu’un la voir
Elle s’est arrêtée pour sa maison.

Il était une fois
Elle est sortie de la maison
Les pieds tremblaient
Elle avait peur si quelqu’un l’attrape
Elle s’est arrêtée pour ses enfants.

Il était une fois
Elle a marché toute seule dans la forêt
Le corps tremblant
Elle avait peur de se perdre
Elle s’est arrêtée pour sa famille.

Il était une fois
Elle a voulu voler
Le cœur tremblant
Elle avait peur de tomber
Un jour, elle est partie secrètement
Elle est partie pour toujours
Elle a vu sa maison, ses enfants, sa famille du ciel.

This poem reflects the profound sense of loss I felt and my deep connection to the home and family that defined my childhood. My grandmother was like home to me, embodying the warmth and comfort of early mornings spent together. She would rise before dawn to prepare tea and open the door to let in fresh air and sunlight, creating a sacred space of peace and warmth that I miss dearly.

A Continuing Legacy

Through “The Virgin in Flower” and the poem I wrote, I strive to honor my grandmother’s memory and the significant impact she had on my life. Each brushstroke and word is a tribute to the stories she shared, the love she gave, and the enduring presence she still holds in my heart. My art and writing are not just expressions of my personal journey but also a way to keep her spirit alive, bridging the gap between our past and present, and ensuring that her legacy continues to bloom in the canvas of my life.