The Devi Triptych: Pattachitra Inspired Frames
I source salvaged teak clock frames and paint them with Pattachitra motifs to honor the divine feminine, giving these vintage pieces a new voice.
The completed Durga frame, a tribute to the goddess of strength. The outer ring is painted with her family and the story of her victory over Mahisasura, inspired by puja pandals.
A detail shot showing the hand-painted figures of Ganesha and Mahisasura, along with a small brass bell and other found-object trims that add a tactile element to the piece.
The Laxmi frame, a homage to the goddess of prosperity. The outer ring is adorned with her symbols, including owls, lotus flowers, and her footprints, painted in the Pattachitra style.
A close-up of the central prabhavali, featuring a miniature painting of Laxmi, set against a vibrant, hand-painted background.
This detail shot highlights the colorful, handmade tassels and cowrie shells that hang from the Laxmi frame, adding to its festive and auspicious character.
A close-up of a hand-painted charm hanging from the frame, depicting a hand holding a lotus, a classic symbol of the goddess Laxmi.
The Kaali frame, a dedication to the fierce divine feminine. The outer ring is painted with her iconic imagery, including hibiscus flowers and her powerful visages, in a bold red, black, and white palette.
A top-down view of the Kaali frame, styled with scattered rose petals. The checkered pattern and Sanskrit calligraphy add layers of symbolic meaning.
A detail of the central prabhavali and the surrounding hand-painted motifs. The artwork captures the intense and powerful energy of the goddess Kaali.
This close-up shows a hand-painted charm of Kaali's face, a powerful miniature artwork that dangles from the main frame.
About The Devi Triptych: Pattachitra Inspired Frames
I source salvaged teak clock frames and restore them to hold these Pattachitra paintings of the Devi. Because every frame is an antique I rescued from a workshop, the wood texture and size vary, making each of these three wall hangings a singular piece of history.
My process begins with finding discarded teak clock frames, cleaning the wood, and repairing structural damage before treating the surface for paint. For the Devi Triptych, I chose Pattachitra because of its narrative richness, allowing me to depict the stories of Durga, Laxmi, and Kaali on the circular wooden rim.
I mount a central brass prabhavali inside each frame to act as the focal point, surrounded by archival art on silk that echoes the temple traditions I admire. The final touches include hand-painted motifs and found objects like cowrie shells or brass bells, which I attach to create a tactile effect reminiscent of dreamcatchers. These works involve hours of layering—first the restoration of the antique base, then the painting of the deities, and finally the assembly of the trim.
Each piece in this series acts as a home shrine, meant to bring the energy of the divine feminine into your personal space. These are not merely decorative items; they represent my effort to keep traditional storytelling alive through objects that have already lived a life. If you appreciate the weight of history and the vibrant imagery of Indian mythology, these frames offer a way to bring those stories into your home.
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