A timeless love story

This is a painting I made in February 1996. It hangs on the wall, in my mother’s cottage, in Kerala.
It shows Lord Krishna and Radha. Theirs is an immortal love story that that has inspired painters, musicians, poets and artists for centuries. There are thousands of songs and paintings ,dating back to the 16th century,describing and expressing this love affair .It has an element of adultery too--but oh, the passion! The story is indeed timeless and continues to inspire and fascinate people, even in this age.

I was no different. I remember that day, when I made this painting. I was just 24 then and barely 10 months, into my marriage. I hadn’t had my children. I had accompanied Satish, on one of his official trips, to this beautiful place called Hyderabad. He had taken permission from his company, for me to accompany him. We were staying in a luxurious and posh place. He left for work early that morning. I was free, to do what I pleased-- to explore the city on my own or just laze around. We had decided that once he completed his work, we would go to see some places together—otherwise I would go on my own to some art museums and galleries.

That morning, I was sipping my tea and browsing through the well stocked collection of books and I came across this image. It was compelling, fascinating and alluring. I simply loved it. I felt this intense urge to copy it. It was a small image.(perhaps 8cms by 6cms) I wanted to recreate it and paint it much bigger.

I always carry my art supplies, when I travel. I can never say when I am seized by this uncontrollable urge to paint. That morning I was.

I spent the whole day painting this picture.(The finished painting is about 2 feet by 1 and a half feet) I did not budge till I completed it. I did not even take a break to eat. I was so engrossed in it.

When Satish came back from work that evening, that’s how he found me—huddled over the painting, ecstatic about how it had turned out—and very very hungry!

It has been 11 years since I made that painting. Looking at it, transports me back in time. It definitely is not easy to resist a good love story! ;-)