Tag: art

An art conversation and kind offer.

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This was my response to the message posted in our local Mysore community….

I’d love it, but I just can’t. To me .. It reflects different dimensions, feelings or moods. MAnjula my wife who sadly died seven years ago would reveal all


These layers.

Starting from the left Her smile, shining like the sun would infect everyone she met. The middle is her action, being there always helpful and determined. The third her calmness in whatever situation. The style reflects her embracing the tradional and the modern.  Wrapping it all up would be her attention to being present and attentive.

I can’t take it as I’ve just moved and already have too much art

https://meandmycycle.com/2026/05/08/behold-beauty-in-so-many-ways/

…

The full message …. posted to our local WhatsApp group in Mysore.

Dear Art Lovers,

This is not an easy message for me to write.

There is a piece of art that has been a meaningful part of my journey for a long time. It has quietly shared my space, witnessed many chapters of my life, and carried a presence that words often fail to describe.

However, life has brought me to a point where I can no longer hold on to it. While letting it go is difficult, I feel that this piece deserves to continue its journey with someone who truly connects with it and appreciates it from the heart.

I don’t want to place a price tag on this artwork. Some things cannot be measured by a fixed number. Instead, I would love to hear from those who feel genuinely drawn to it.

If this piece speaks to you, I invite you to send me a personal message sharing:

• Why you feel connected to this artwork.

• What story, feeling, or memory it awakens within you.

• And what amount you would be comfortable offering for it.

Over the next few days, I will read each message with gratitude and care. My intention is not simply to find a buyer, but to find the right home for this piece—someone who will cherish it as much as I have.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for honoring the journey of this artwork.

It is a canvas painting on a wooden frame. 

Dimensions 28 by 58 inches.

Behold beauty in so many ways.

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The latest wonderful creation has arrived from Aadirika aka —Mostly beautiful Maya— (check Instagram) has now created three fab memory portraits of MAnjula

Our first
Second

All to be found at Manjula’s Mysore.

Out third

Thank you Aadirika, for your intimate understanding of what MAnjula meant to me and representing our wonderful life here in Mysore.

Who can you spot in this latest portrait?

…

Manjula (obviously), Lucie our first dog of the family of over 15 years, Kaveri, walking Luca — our latest addition and in the tree. —- Billet-Doux my sweet (love) letter sent by Manjula, a few years ago. Plus the dragonfly and old man with his head in the clouds.

…

Did you find them ?

Students thriving through their art.

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Kaliyuvamane students do it again with a wonderful performance at the Bahuroopi national theatre festival held in Mysore.

Rajesh Madhava has spent over a year working with the students on a range of projects.

Their confidence and communication improving dramatically.

Fantastic!

Kaveri with mum Chandrika.

Missing her friends and this great teaching. Well done to all the students and their teacher/facilitator Rajesh Madhava

Check out their wonderful school.

Art again and again

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As part of the festivities we attended a fabulous art show at the Art College just across the main road.

Our no 1 pull was to see Pravalika’s wonderful piece of art.

With tons more to appreciate.

I stopped myself from buying anything. There’s already too much to fit into the new house.

But how about a bird for the tree?

Searching for Security and finding art

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Many know that I’ve been looking to be a student or volunteer to pursue my interests, make a contribution and to continue to live in my adopted country.

I’ve made innumerable contacts with education institutes but options were few as I couldn’t do the PhD I wanted to (due to my masters) and the idea of another and full time masters felt too much.

My first interest was to pursue an art course. We’ve also organised wonderful creativity days at Kaliyuvamane and the NGO for visually impaired young women.

It’s one of those things I’d failed to do and always held an interest.

Currently Kaveri and I dabble a bit

But look what I found.

Hidden away —

—just up the road from a Stupa here in Mysore

An art college

The principal and his daughter.

More details here

I’m due on a holiday to the U.K.

I’ll revisit when I get back home and see if it’s feasible to do a course there and get a student visa.

As madam would say: ‘let’s see’

More later on the volunteering possibilities.

Arty Tarty

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We piloted an idea to introduce young dynamic artists to children at Kaliyuvamane who remained at school during the summer holiday.

Young people doing fab things.

In August 2023 on what would have been Manjula’s 50th birthday, the artists will return to the school with all the young people there for a full day of creativity.

Who knows where it might lead

Footnote

Kaveri is now attending Kaliyuvamane and living there most of the year.

CAVA

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Our very local art college had an open day today.

This is possibly my favourite but it’s impossible to choose.

We have great friends from here including Punith, Karan and a couple of the wonderful lecturers.

Today, new friends, Fab students gave me their precious time and wonderful insights.
Which carried on in the evening with great entertainment
And to prove I’m Indian I just had to take a selfie.

Adopted

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More young people aged from seven through to twenty-nine are befriending me.

The latest are the excitable cycling duo of Yashodhar and Srivaastav.

Who saw me walking Lucie and asked me to wait while they rushed home and brought me these pictures.

Complete with carefully designed envelope.

How nice.