Diwali deity is what I have named them over the years to introduce these rural, simpleton clay idols to my friends and those who collect my work. I have brought these innocent little earthen sculptures in various form in the yesteryears, sometime they became part of a Diwali invitation card and reached to the who’s who’s houses in Mumbai or have occupied a place in one’s showcase.
During my early days these deities would reach the main Bistupur market in Jamshedpur and assemble with their innocent faces under a tree or a shade sitting next to their creator ladies. They would have dia’s all over the body. Bright shades of Pink, Yellow, White, Sky Blue would attract one’s eyes from far and draw close to have a look at these little cuties. You can’t ignore them.
Simplicity of these idols are seen in the making, in applying colour, and also in the little brush strokes that required for final finishing. On their faces they had two eyes and the lips but absence of nose never seemed something is really missing.
Some has very cute expression and some because of the unpracticed brush strokes looked little angry and some look slightly cross-eyed. But that can really be ignored.
I did not know what to do after they were brought home but had definitely needed one. Mother always chose the cutest one while buying it for me and keep commenting on their different facial expressions. Beautiful moments indeed.
These unnamed deities/dolls remained close to my heart all through and thus have come back in my work again and again.
Here’s a watercolour on hot pressed paper, representing the Diwali deities.