Inspiring kolam artists - Chantal Jumel

Kerala Kolam, "The Women artists of Nurani"

The doors of the sanctuary open and the priest pays homage to the divine image. In the soft glow of the oil lamps, as the devotees melt into prayer, the kolam, like visual hymns, captivate hearts in silence.

Inspiring kolam artists

Onam with Jaya Mohan

Pookalam or floral carpets are an integral part of the celebrations to welcome the return of the legendary king. This year, Jaya Mohan shares with us her poetical flower carpets done at home.

Inspiring kolam artists

Panguni kolam with Latha

During the Tamil month of Panguni (mid-March to mid-April), a nine day-long festival takes place at Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore, Chennai. The celebrations start with the flag hoisting. The idols of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal mounted on a vehicle are decorated with clothes and jewels.

Inspiring kolam artists

Inspiring women "Anantha Valli and Latha"

It all started with an invitation to watch the kolam making in the lane of the very popular canteen called “Mami Tiffen stall” in Mylapore, Chennai.

Inspiring kolam artists

Inspiring women "Ramamani Hanasoge"

Ramamani lives in Bangalore and she draws daily in front of her Tulasi pot, stories of Krishna on a granite slab with powders.

Inspiring kolam artists

Inspiring women "Maheswari"

Maheswari considers her kolam drawing as a seva or a disinterested service. The technic used here is called "maavu kolam". It is done by soaking rice and grinding it smooth. Then, the kolam is drawn with the help of a piece of cloth dipped in the liquid and carefully driven by the middle finger.

Inspiring kolam artists

Inspiring women "Janaki Gopalan"

My immense pleasure as soon as I reach Chennai is to read "The Hindu" newspaper. One year, I came across a few lines mentioning the publication of a kolam book. Next day I went to CP Ramaswami Aiyer Foundation in Alwarpet, bought the book, and contacted right away, the artist Mrs Janaki Gopalan.

Inspiring kolam artists

Inspiring women "Subhadra Natarajan"

A lotus with eight petals in a circle welcomes two feet dedicated to Râma. Each petal bears a word from the mantra “Jaya, Jaya Râma, Sri Râma, Jaya Râma”. According to her, this kolam is equivalent to the invocation of the divine name.