Over the past year I have centered my focus on rice as my primary medium. Through working with the materials I have found myself exploring different facets of my connection to my culture and am working towards a full show showcasing all my rice work
The series “Rice, Roots, and the Road to Cultural Exploration” depicts the cultural significance of rice in India from farm to table and beyond. I am inspired by the natural colors and textures used in traditional Indian cuisine including varieties of rice, lentils, beans, and more. I started to utilize these materials to honor where they came from through depictions of the farming process. I am a second generation Indian American, my family comes from a farming caste, and my family members in India are still farmers. My parents moved to the midwest in the 1990s and agriculture was a major aspect to the communities there as well. My cultural background paired with my proximity to farming while growing up in the midwest became a point of interest in my artwork. Beyond farming, rice has played a central role in religious ceremonies, weddings, house warmings, decoration, and of course meals throughout my life. The humble origins of these tiny but mighty grains are felt everywhere in the South Asian diaspora. While India has dozens of regional cultures, rice appears as a central theme time and time again, symbolizing prosperity, abundance, fertility, unity, and protection. It ties us together. This series has allowed me to connect with my cultural roots, honor my history, and grow a greater appreciation of all farmers.
Farming
Food
Culture/History
Community Quilt
In connection with the rice pieces I am making, I am also creating a community quilt out of rice bags donated by local businesses and individuals! I want to practice the exercise of asking neighbors for small favors. This is something my parents do so freely with their community. No hesitations, no worry of inconvenience , just ask. I have been so inspired by the generosity of the community and complete strangers in donating rice bags. I’m excited to sew them together for a display.
Community Partners
Local Businesses :
- Med Mix on Jackson
- Spice Waala
- Rescue Vintage
- True Spice and Desi Kitchen
- Maam’s Bookstore and Seattle Chinatown Bookclub
- Sandy
- Grocery Store in Toledo
- Diptee Auntie
- Derya friends
- Kellie (Judys friend)
- Julia G
- Judy Lee
- Ayushi
- Ankit
- Rya
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