How did I start my artistic journey? What is my inspiration? Let me tell you a little bit of an adventurous, extraordinary journey.
Meeting the Neem Tree Mother-Goddesses and Village Goddesses
2003 – I re-discovered my beloved Neem Tree Mother-Goddesses and the numerous, powerful Village Goddesses of Tamil Nadu. Did I find those ancient Mother-Goddesses or did they find me, bringing me back to ancient festivals, rituals and sacred groves originating from matriarchal times? Even before moving to Tamil Nadu in 2003, I already followed my own spiritual path of Earth- and Nature-Goddess veneration. Additionally, I did extensive research on matriarchal societies and their veneration of sacred immanent Mother-Goddesses. For my master degree, I wrote a thesis about ancient Terracotta figurines of the Indus Valley civilisation with the title Goddess, Priestess and Woman – ancient terracotta figurines of the Indus Valley civilisation. During this time, I started to ask myself the question – where are those ancient Mother-Goddesses still venerated, not only by some groups, but everywhere? Where do their ancient rituals and festival still exist? While reading through a book, I discovered a footnote mentioning the Village Goddesses of Tamil Nadu.
Ancient Village Goddess festivals
2004, I visited my first Village Goddess festival, from away, one could hear the ecstatic drum beats, women where carrying huge pots with grown seeds on their heads, a ritual called Mulaipari. Other devotees carrying fire pots. I really felt that I am back, back where I belong to. Ancient memories of priestesshood in Goddess temples merged together with the experience at the Village Goddess festival. Especially, Mulaipari became and still is my favourite ritual and I am also in process of writing a book on it. Actually, I once planned to finish a Ph.D. on Village Goddess festivals in Tamil Nadu. As I did not receive any real support and I started to disapprove more and more of the still deep-rooted patriarchal structures of those universities, I liberated myself from this burden and decided to continue my re-searching and re-discovering in my own style. From 2004 onwards, I visited several festivals and also started making films.
Starting my creative, artistic journey
Beside my re-searching and following my spiritual path of Earth-and Nature Goddess veneration, I always felt that I had to express myself in a artistic way, that deep inside me there was a huge creative source I had to unblock. My beloved Neem Tree Mother-Goddess helped me with their immense healing energies to clear all blockages and start painting. My Neem Tree Mother-Goddesses, Earth and Nature Mother-Goddesses are my great inspirations for my artworks. Indeed, we paint together. Every painting is a celebration for them, symbolising their immense powerful, healing energies. Before creating an artwork, I start with a ritual consisting of meditation and dance.
Journeys of inspiration
Interconnected with the creation of artworks are my journeys of inspiration which lead me to different places. Actually, everyday is part of this extraordinary journey, taking numerous forms. My journeys of inspiration are documented by my nature photography which also celebrate the greatest artists – the Earth – and Nature –Goddesses.
Visualisation and meditation
My artworks are a visualisation of a world where everybody venerates, respects and honours the Earth- and Nature –Goddesses – Mother Earth and Nature – the source of all life! My paintings also invite to embark on a magickal visual meditation adventure. Every day, the painting takes a different form and reveals secret messages which are important for the spiritual path of the viewer.
Eco-friendly colours
For my artworks, I only use self-made natural colours. Mixing my colours is a ritual in itself; I use natural pigments like turmeric and indigo.
Exhibitions all over the world
Since 2006, I organised several solo exhibitions and participated also in group exhibitions. The exhibitions took place all over the world, France, India, Australia, Great Britain, Italy, Finland, Germany, Canada, USA, Japan. I continue organising exhibitions in various places beyond the traditional art venues.
MAriska MA Veepilaikaliyamma
web: www.maecoart.com
Twitter/instagram: @mariskamaveepi1
pinterest: @mariskamaeco