Grade 7
Over the past couple of years, I’ve had a really fun time learning Indian traditional art at Deepti Designs. It’s been an awesome way to explore my culture and get creative! I also love trying different styles, including abstract art, using all kinds of art tools. My favorite materials are watercolors, pencils, and oil paints because they each bring something special to my work. This year, I’m excited to show case my recent artwork at the Seattle Asian Art Museum for the first time and share my creative journey with everyone!
As the sun sets behind the forest, a joyful elephant splashes in the water, surrounded by trees and rocks that make the scene feel magical. The trees stretch and bend, forming a beautiful arch that frames the peaceful moment.
In Indian stories, elephants are called Gajendra and they stand for strength, kindness, and royalty. 'Ananda' means happy and hence, Happy Elephant. In this scene, Gajendra is happy because, Lord Vishnu saved him from a crocodile. Even though Gajendra was strong, he couldn’t escape on his own. None of the other elephants could help either. That’s when Gajendra gave up his pride and asked Lord Vishnu for help by offering a lotus flower. This story teaches us that sometimes, even strong people need help—and it's okay to let go of ego and trust a higher power.