Saraswati by Uma Balu

Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge in Hindu mythology. I have a passion for art and culture and have compiled a special album of art forms. Pencil-sketching and painting are my favorite hobbies - but I always wait for an inspiration to create. I found this sculpture of Saraswati featured in an old magazine and saved it in my album. The unusual theme and intricate details inspired me to do a pencil sketch in my own style. Gender element: Usually, she is depicted as sitting on a white lotus, wearing a saree and playing the Veena*. This one was very different - she was standing on the lotus with a swan beside her, wearing a different costume and gracefully holding the Veena, rather than playing it. The Veena itself was held vertical - like a Tambura*! It set me thinking- while the traditional elements were retained, there was a fresh change in the presentation- like our women of today, emerging at their creative best from the cocoons of social limitations! *Indian Classical stringed instruments.