The Navagraha Series: Celestial Wall Art
I transformed nine salvaged teak clock frames into this Navagraha series, blending ancient Vedic astrology with my restorative art practice to capture celestial narratives.
The Surya (Sun) frame, resplendent in red and gold. The artwork depicts the Sun God on his seven-horse chariot, framed by his yantra and lotus motifs, all hand-painted on a restored clock frame.
A styled shot of the Surya frame, surrounded by offerings of lotus flowers and diyas. The piece captures the power and radiance of the Sun, the center of our solar system.
This video brings the Surya frame to life with the gentle flicker of diyas and fragrant smoke, creating a devotional atmosphere that honors the celestial deity.
The Chandra (Moon) frame, depicting the phases of the moon around a central portrait of the lunar deity. The artwork is inspired by Krishna, the moon incarnate, riding a chariot pulled by antelopes.
A beautifully styled image of the Chandra frame, with offerings of jasmine and silver, reflecting the cool, feminine energy of the Moon.
The gentle ambiance of this video, with its soft lighting and offerings, perfectly complements the serene and artistic depiction of Chandra.
The Mangal (Mars) frame, painted in fiery reds and oranges. The artwork incorporates the deity's symbols, including his ram mount, mace, and the Narsingh avatar of Vishnu.
A detail shot of the ram, the vahana (mount) of Mangal, painted with fierce determination on the border of the restored clock frame.
The Mangal frame is presented here with red flowers and other offerings, reflecting the fiery and powerful energy of the planet Mars.
This video captures the dynamic energy of the Mangal frame, with flickering lights and a rich, red color palette that evokes the spirit of the warrior planet.
About The Navagraha Series: Celestial Wall Art
Each piece in this series began as a discarded clock frame I found during my travels. I meticulously restore these teak wood shells, then layer them with brass Prabhavalis—traditional temple arches—and hand-painted iconography, referencing the Hindoo Pantheon. This is a tactile, slow process where the age of the frame meets the precision of Vedic astrology to create a functional piece of history for your wall.
The Navagraha Process
Creating these pieces is a balancing act between structure and intuition. I start with the frame itself; salvaged 16-inch teak clock rings provide the canvas. The restoration is the most critical step—cleaning years of dust and wear to reveal the grain, then sealing it to ensure it lasts for another lifetime.
Blending Media
The central focus of each frame is a cast brass Prabhavali. I treat this as the deity's abode, surrounding it with a fabric mount (often raw silk or Banarasi) that hosts my digital archival prints and hand-painted borders. I don't just paint for decoration; I study the specific iconography of each Graha—like the seven horses of Surya or the moon-chariot of Chandra—and ensure the colors and symbols align with Vedic descriptions.
Why I Chose this Series
The Navagraha represent the celestial influences in our lives. By bringing them into the home, I wanted to create something that feels grounded, not just aesthetic. Whether you are looking for the fiery energy of Mangal (Mars) or the wisdom associated with Brihaspati (Jupiter), each frame serves as a focal point for reflection.
I treat these as custom commissions. If you have a specific celestial affinity or an heirloom you wish to see transformed, we can discuss how to incorporate your personal narrative into the series.
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