Kolam

Kolam is a sacred design drawn with rice flour at the entrance of homes in India. The women and girls of more than a million Hindu households in South India create new kolams every day of the year. The only exception is during the heavy rains of the monsoon season when drawing outside is impossible.

Kolams are made as invocations to the gods and goddesses that are believed to protect the home. They also provide food for ants which keep them from entering homes. Always placed on the ground before the front door of a house, these drawings are believed to prevent evil and to encourage good spirits to enter the home. The designs have been passed down from mother to daughter for untold centuries, although there is a premium placed upon innovation and experimentation with new concepts. Once she has created a kolam, each woman prides herself in never precisely repeating that design.

Here I am at Visalam Hotel in Karaikudi, Talmil Nadu, India, getting a lesson in kolam. It starts with a grid of white dots and then I was instructed on which ones to connect with what sort of lines...straight or curved. I got a bit frustrated with the need for symmetry and started freely adding designs. My teachers reacted to this disobedience, but I informed that it was called "free form".

Here is the master and my teacher......

Daughters Helping Mothers

As the saying goes, we learn from our children for they are our best teachers. I must admit I grew up along side of my daughter. She was the first born.

Today, as a young adult, Michelle is still guiding me along.

Recently we had lunch together and then she took me to her favorite tea house, Teahouse Kuan Yin in Wallingford which is north of downtown, on the other side of Lake Union close to the University of Washington. A cozy little shop that has been around since 1990 and sells bulk teas, teaware, light meals, desserts, and hot or iced tea in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Michelle's favorite tea is Jasmine and I love the smell. Unfortunately, caffeine and I do not get along, but they have a huge selection of herbal teas. We had tea and chatted.

Michelle had suggested to me that I might contact the owner about hanging my paintings on the walls. I came ready with portfolio in hand, but the owner was not present that day. I diligently did my follow-up and contacted him by e-mail. Marcus was quick to respond, and we have set May 9th as the day for me to hang my watercolor paintings.

Thank you, Michelle for your encouragement and insightfulness.