The Torana Series
The paintings in this series celebrate the doorways to our sacred spaces.
The paintings in this series celebrate the doorways to our sacred spaces.
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These 'Torana' paintings are 3 ft x 1 ft and fit perfectly over a standard doorway. The essence is to celebrate any sacred space; our home, meditation space, office or studios are all sacred spaces. Hang a Torana painting over the doorway and celebrate your sacred space.
What is a Torana?
The Torana is a common form of decoration seen adorning the main entrance of homes across India. It is hung above and across the front door or main entrance of the house. Its design varies vastly from state to state. In some parts of India, it is usually a string of fresh mango or banana leaves or flowers, while in other parts, it is crafted by stringing together beads, quilted or hand sewn embroidery pieces & small textile animal figurines to name a few. There are no restrictions in the creative possibilities of a Torana. Freshly created toranas are hung during festivals and important celebrations like weddings, births, etc.
How did it originate?
In Vedic times, a temple was a socio-economic center for community work and gathering. A home, however, was our starting point, our daily practice, our centering. So the toranas celebrated that divinity at home, our altars, at the entryway to our sacred spaces.
Why do I paint them?
As an artist who adores this concept, I imagine these paintings hanging atop the entryway to one’s yoga space, office, art studio, home, etc. I think of these paintings as a way to bring beauty to the doorways that lead to our daily work, our creative inspiration, our imagination, our cooking, etc. May they help honor and celebrate the spaces that are important to you.
What is a Torana?
The Torana is a common form of decoration seen adorning the main entrance of homes across India. It is hung above and across the front door or main entrance of the house. Its design varies vastly from state to state. In some parts of India, it is usually a string of fresh mango or banana leaves or flowers, while in other parts, it is crafted by stringing together beads, quilted or hand sewn embroidery pieces & small textile animal figurines to name a few. There are no restrictions in the creative possibilities of a Torana. Freshly created toranas are hung during festivals and important celebrations like weddings, births, etc.
How did it originate?
In Vedic times, a temple was a socio-economic center for community work and gathering. A home, however, was our starting point, our daily practice, our centering. So the toranas celebrated that divinity at home, our altars, at the entryway to our sacred spaces.
Why do I paint them?
As an artist who adores this concept, I imagine these paintings hanging atop the entryway to one’s yoga space, office, art studio, home, etc. I think of these paintings as a way to bring beauty to the doorways that lead to our daily work, our creative inspiration, our imagination, our cooking, etc. May they help honor and celebrate the spaces that are important to you.
A photograph of a simple, handmade, mango-leaf Torana, hanging over the doorway to our ancestral home
Cerluean Torana
Mixed media on Wood Panel, 3.5 ft x 1.5 ft
Imagining walking through doorways, late at night, under garlands of leaves reflecting the flickering, small-town, street lights.
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Mixed media on Wood Panel, 3.5 ft x 1.5 ft
Imagining walking through doorways, late at night, under garlands of leaves reflecting the flickering, small-town, street lights.
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Torana Inwards
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Marigold Torana
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Sacred Torana
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 3 ft x 1 ft
Original currently on exhibition at The Holi Art Exhibition at Bridge Art Gallery, Bayonne, NJ
