Various old historic sites scattered through Fort Cochin are being used as a blank canvas for artists to create their own impressions. It seems most of the work is centered about India and current events that are almost localized in the form of art. Fort Cochin has the benefit of beautiful old buildings that have been temporarily renovated to house the almost 80 artist roster . Most of the locations where at one time big industrial  warehouses that dates back to before the British. I like how most of these buildings have been just barely cleaned up for this. There seems to be a reminance of what took place in these structures years ago that adds to the character of the displayed art work.

I wish I was a morning person. Today, I woke up at 5am and rather than getting restless in bed, I decided to wake up and watch the city as  the new dawn unfolds.  As I slowly cleanse from within, waking up at the witching hour is absolutely refreshing! Im still sifting in my head this move of mine to my root. When I hear the sounds of the temple bells, the chants of the near by mosque, the early bird tweets, the eager women sweeping their entry way and watch the dim light become bright, I know in my heart that this is where I am meant to be in this moment. Happy Tuesday. Im eager to put my best foot forward. Will you?

I come from beautiful culture, a land seeped in rich tradition. A land where i get caught up in its vast visual overload ALL the time. If you see where I am typing this from , you would envy me! i am overlooking the famous kerala backwaters, there are fisherman on their old wood boats passing through the calm water, eagerly awaiting their catch, there is array of ships directly in front of me that seem to convey stories of their many times at sea.  This land is truly emotional to my soul, yet it is also a land of contradiction, where some truths are better left unsaid or swept under the rug in order to preserve the so called sanctity of society. For a long while, I thought I would keep my blog postings as non controversial as possible but India is on the cusp of change, especially when it comes to women and their place in the grand scheme. The natural family order that has been in place for centuries in my opinion needs to change and its taking place one woman at a time.  With such a culture shift  comes challenges and tragic acts like the rape of a young a 15 year old girl riding the bus in Delhi that created a stir world wide. When one of the men involved  was asked why he would do such a heinous act..his response was pretty plain and simple. Women are meant to be used and then disposed. I may not have translated it correctly but if you cant tell yet, I’m FUCKING LIVID!! Its a mentality or the hierarchy that is man and woman in India and its got to stop. I want to be clear that this is not all of India but it is a big enough problem that I vow to say that buck stops with me!!

If you are a women living in India, this change starts with you. don’t be afraid to speak your truth. If you hide under the rug anymore, we are doing an injustice to our next generation of women who will have no choice but to follow the narrow path we laid before them.  By choosing to come  back to cochin, my beautiful lush,  hometown I have lost my anonymity. my mind tends to play games with me at times as to how I need to behave or who is socially acceptable to talk to in public without stiring the upper crust pot! Its quite taxing really so I chose to be me a long time ago. Im just a gal, going about her way! the problem here is that I went about “my way” not what is acceptable and for that I have become a social taboo. I find it now quite tragically comical!

I vow today that I will speak out my truth wherever I may be and if I see injustice towards women and I have a small  hand in being the change I believe it is my duty . Don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to create controversy but I found myself not speaking from the heart in order to preserve this fragile balancing act. For many years now I kept a diary, i think I was 13 when I first started and during the times I kept my diary all to myself, I wrote more honestly, about my truth. My truth is what keeps me going, its what keeps boho gypsy going, what keeps my mind colorful . My truth is positive but I am human and I have days and those are days that need to be mentioned because   in order to live and be true to you, its not always puppy dogs and kites ( as that great love perfectly coined the phrase.)  and I don’t want people reading this to think its the perfect day every day. it can be darn near close but its not everyday. I might anger a few people with this post but I mean no insult. I urge whoever is reading this to live one day, just one day to stay  by being truly true to yourself! TRULY!! not what people expect of you, not what society expects of you, only what you expect of you!!

Take the time and energy you spend on such trivial things and take an art class , take your child to the museum, or perhaps a long walk , by golly, give out a helping hand!! if we all spend less time focusing on the meaningless he said , she said…life can be puppy dogs and kites. I know this because Ive lived it.

This is not a rant, though it may seem so …oh hell who am I kidding..its a bloody rant. women are the pillars that keep the human race going, respect them and lets play fair from here on out!

One love

The Gypsy gal!

Thank you Asha being awesome! I know we will do more DIY projects together in the future.

Note that each bag is different because of the fabric . if you have a color preferance please let me know and i will try to choose the appropriate fabric. I can also send you images of the fabrics I have so you can choose. :)

Kantha is folk-art embroidery technique native to North-eastern India and Bangladesh. Kantha (pronounced kahn-ta) whose name is derived from Sanskrit word for rags, is the original recycling art.Traditionally, old, well-worn saris were layered together and quilted using colored threads from the sari borders, to make warm blankets or clothing.

Imperfections are a natural result of the kantha techniques and vintage fabrics, adding to the individuality of the piece!! keeping it real folks!!

The images below are about my hometown, the friendships, inspiration, my root, creativity and the stuff inbetween that makes me tick!

It was blistering heat in the big apple but the energy of the city truly inspires me. Many late nights were had, amazing foods from all over the world were eaten. Rather than blab on, here are a few pics..oh and yes I just about made my flight and I would like to give a shout out to Jessica Murray for being a rockstar and accompanying me to JFK with what seemed like a million suitcases. this is an IOU!