We were in the back room of an old art shop in a small city in southern India. The room was crowded, with wood, metal, and stone sculptures and stacks of glass-fronted paintings leaning against the walls. We walked carefully through the makeshift aisle, pausing occasionally to admire.
It feels like there is a strong sense of inevitability, serendipity. First, the chance in several thousand that two people agree on a choice in a field as subjective as art. JoJo and I luckily stumble upon a few of these moments. Art that divides others often unites us. Then the questions of ‘should we’, ‘is this the priority?’ …
Astonishing that the painting ‘waited’. And, separately, the human stories woven into the sale, the repairs, the cleaning and, slightly comedically, the delivery. Rarely can a thing have ‘meant to be’ quite so much. A lovely tale, beautifully woven.
Thank you, Barrie, for reading and sharing! Both my husband and I love traditional South Indian art and this had additional faded charm. We were so happy to have it come home that everything else felt like magic.
Morgan, thank you for paid subscription! I’m glad you liked the story. What happens next? Well, we were going through some anxious times and the painting became a kind of talisman + proof that things would eventually work out. And, they did. In south India, where I am from, there is a strong belief that there is a time for everything and that what is meant for you, finds you. But, you’re right. I should write a part 2 on what happened next. Thanks!
Reena, I think what we needed then was hope and the painting became the hope’s container. Because I was so anxious, the painting looked like a sign that things would work out. I held onto that hope and it helped tide me over a difficult time. Things did work out and, if you’re so inclined (me😀) you can attach meaning to it. Thank you for reading!
I loved your story, Priya. I think we've all waited for something to arrive from another place. Kind of a delayed gratification. Which I have become quite good at waiting for things the older I get.
Those feelings you both had, and the thrill when you found what you were hoping to find must have been a rewarding feeling. I think we all like searching for things that we are not sure we want, until we see them.
What is your answer to the question - Did you find the golden Goddess, or did it find you? Or can both be true at the same time?
Paul, based on my life experiences and cultural background, I subscribe to the belief that things, people, experiences find you. You can go seek and find them as well. Which means both can be true! It’s the old fate vs free will debate. Thank you!
Oh my. I was as nervous as you—that the painting wouldn't arrive. I absolutely loved the mystery of this story and the feeling that both it and the painting evoked for me. Maybe we're drawn to certain objects because they either have a power over us or are symbolic to something in our lives which we have strong feelings about. Excellent post Priya!
I remember how much I liked this the first time I read it. This time was no different.
Also, I really like what you said at the beginning about the experience invoking the same kind of feeling as starring at the ocean at night — well put, Priya. :)
“we had come here to be with art, to look at it, and to allow its gentle hands to apply balm to our souls.” Art does heal and I am glad you found this piece to soothe you. Was it a Tanjavur painting. Yes, the story was mysterious for one because you did not show us the piece fully😀. Thank you for sharing!
It was a Thanjavur painting, Anu. Haha, I forgot about that aspect of the mystery- the missing painting! The first time I shared this story almost every comment asked why I hadn’t shared the painting, but this time around, not so much. Thank you!
This is the second time I'm reading this magical piece. It was evocative the first time and again. I want to know more about the experience, what happens next. Which goddess she is and how she drew you in. I love this story. And, I so relate to how when we're experiencing difficult life circumstances we turn to art and beauty to "allow its gentle hands to apply balm to our souls." Thanks for reposting.
Paulette, thank you for reading. It makes me happy that you love this story. There is a style of classical south Indian painting called Thanjavur painting, a gesso + gold foil work. The subjects are usually Hindu gods and goddesses. This painting was in that style. It was old, so the colors had dulled a little and somehow that added to its magnificence - as though it had stood the test of time. I think the painting became a kind of talisman for us, a kind of helping, benevolent presence. It still hangs in my parents’ home in India.
Some things in life just can't be explained, or can be, but are veiled in mystery. And perhaps that's good. Life should have some air of mystery and thus magic.
I loved reading about your connection with the painting, and the Goddess. Even the way you found it the second time around reiterates your faith that things that are meant for you will eventually come into your life. Beautifully written.
It feels like there is a strong sense of inevitability, serendipity. First, the chance in several thousand that two people agree on a choice in a field as subjective as art. JoJo and I luckily stumble upon a few of these moments. Art that divides others often unites us. Then the questions of ‘should we’, ‘is this the priority?’ …
Astonishing that the painting ‘waited’. And, separately, the human stories woven into the sale, the repairs, the cleaning and, slightly comedically, the delivery. Rarely can a thing have ‘meant to be’ quite so much. A lovely tale, beautifully woven.
Thank you, Barrie, for reading and sharing! Both my husband and I love traditional South Indian art and this had additional faded charm. We were so happy to have it come home that everything else felt like magic.
It read like magic too, Priya.
What a magical, awe-inspiring story! Now, I want more. What happens next? Why did the painting pick them? How does it change their lives?
Morgan, thank you for paid subscription! I’m glad you liked the story. What happens next? Well, we were going through some anxious times and the painting became a kind of talisman + proof that things would eventually work out. And, they did. In south India, where I am from, there is a strong belief that there is a time for everything and that what is meant for you, finds you. But, you’re right. I should write a part 2 on what happened next. Thanks!
Happy to support other creatives when I can! I look forward to reading more about this magical artwork and your experience with it.
Lovely Priya! I want to know what was the significance of this to your turbulent times and did it calm the storms?
Reena, I think what we needed then was hope and the painting became the hope’s container. Because I was so anxious, the painting looked like a sign that things would work out. I held onto that hope and it helped tide me over a difficult time. Things did work out and, if you’re so inclined (me😀) you can attach meaning to it. Thank you for reading!
Wonderful to hear. I love that answer ❤️
I loved your story, Priya. I think we've all waited for something to arrive from another place. Kind of a delayed gratification. Which I have become quite good at waiting for things the older I get.
Those feelings you both had, and the thrill when you found what you were hoping to find must have been a rewarding feeling. I think we all like searching for things that we are not sure we want, until we see them.
What is your answer to the question - Did you find the golden Goddess, or did it find you? Or can both be true at the same time?
Paul, based on my life experiences and cultural background, I subscribe to the belief that things, people, experiences find you. You can go seek and find them as well. Which means both can be true! It’s the old fate vs free will debate. Thank you!
Oh my. I was as nervous as you—that the painting wouldn't arrive. I absolutely loved the mystery of this story and the feeling that both it and the painting evoked for me. Maybe we're drawn to certain objects because they either have a power over us or are symbolic to something in our lives which we have strong feelings about. Excellent post Priya!
Jeanine, you’re right. The symbolism definitely adds to the draw or power something has over us. Thank you for reading!
Beautifully mysterious. Art can grip your stare, hold you in suspense. I love that the painting was another character in the story.
Carissa, thank you! The art became more than artwork. It became the repository of all my hopes.
I remember how much I liked this the first time I read it. This time was no different.
Also, I really like what you said at the beginning about the experience invoking the same kind of feeling as starring at the ocean at night — well put, Priya. :)
Michael, welcome back! Thank you for reading again. Hope all is well with you.
Thanks Priya. I’m glad to be back, and yes, I’m good. I hope all is well with you to. :)
“we had come here to be with art, to look at it, and to allow its gentle hands to apply balm to our souls.” Art does heal and I am glad you found this piece to soothe you. Was it a Tanjavur painting. Yes, the story was mysterious for one because you did not show us the piece fully😀. Thank you for sharing!
It was a Thanjavur painting, Anu. Haha, I forgot about that aspect of the mystery- the missing painting! The first time I shared this story almost every comment asked why I hadn’t shared the painting, but this time around, not so much. Thank you!
😀So, where is it?;)
Not here, so as to preserve the mystery! 🖼️
This is the second time I'm reading this magical piece. It was evocative the first time and again. I want to know more about the experience, what happens next. Which goddess she is and how she drew you in. I love this story. And, I so relate to how when we're experiencing difficult life circumstances we turn to art and beauty to "allow its gentle hands to apply balm to our souls." Thanks for reposting.
Paulette, thank you for reading. It makes me happy that you love this story. There is a style of classical south Indian painting called Thanjavur painting, a gesso + gold foil work. The subjects are usually Hindu gods and goddesses. This painting was in that style. It was old, so the colors had dulled a little and somehow that added to its magnificence - as though it had stood the test of time. I think the painting became a kind of talisman for us, a kind of helping, benevolent presence. It still hangs in my parents’ home in India.
Sounds lovely. Again it resonates with me how an object of beauty serves as a touchstone of benevolence, and for me at time, hope.
Who chose who? Very fun. I like the idea of two unconnected objects or people slowly making their way to each other through space and time
Resident20some, yes, some string pulling them together! Thank you!
Some things in life just can't be explained, or can be, but are veiled in mystery. And perhaps that's good. Life should have some air of mystery and thus magic.
Nadia, welcome back! I agree, life should have mystery and magic! Thank you for reading!
Thank you so much, Priya!
I loved reading about your connection with the painting, and the Goddess. Even the way you found it the second time around reiterates your faith that things that are meant for you will eventually come into your life. Beautifully written.