Ranjana’s Art to Soul connection

All of us are multi-faceted and have various skills. When we look into ourselves, we discover talents and interest that we never knew existed. Being a Lawyer is the logical and practical side of me, and creating art is a spiritual side. My legal and corporate background helps me to read people and learn about the various issues that arise in the journey of life. It has taught me how to negotiate and handle problems internally as well as externally. Creativity is guided by the spiritual self, and helps me internalize and express emotions in different ways and forms. Being in the Lawyer attire life is practical and black and white. Being Creative is the peaceful and spiritual side. They both coexist in all of us.

Since my childhood, my most favorite festival has been Holi – The Festival of Colors. I used to love the way colors were thrown in the air and the various hues it would create. We would paint each other and I loved seeing the colors blend. That time I had no idea that I have a creative instinct in me till I got married and came to Dubai. I could not afford a designer then to do up my house… and there started my creative journey. I challenged myself and tried recycling items in my house and started to create pieces for decoration, painted the walls and used bricks and sand to create rustic corners around the house. I learnt then that I enjoyed that space of mine where there was peace, excitement and a connect that was blissful. Art became my spiritual form of expression. Whether it is painting, jewellery pieces or giving a new look to the existing antique furniture, till date I myself do the interiors of my house and hence my house is my Soul reflection. 34

I have grown up seeing my parents doing their daily prayers and chanting Sanskrit Shlokas and without any doubt, I owe this to them. Resulting I have a spiritual side in me and hence, the fascination with Sanskrit shlokas. The very sound and the vibration from the chanting of Mantras / Shlokas fills me up with energy that is positive and powerful. Since I feel I am incomplete without the chants, I started incorporating these Mantras / Shlokas in my paintings as well.

I love colors as they have the power to convey moods and feelings. It plays an important role in our lives and how we respond to surroundings. I feel that it also plays a huge role in human interaction. Hues help to convey across messages that are underlined. Just like our life, some characters are prominent and some are hidden. We need to look deep inside to discover our true colors. Red is a powerful color and invokes strength, emotion and power. Orange is known to provoke energy, enthusiasm, excitement and spirituality. This universe is full of vibrancy and positivity. I am a part of this universe and am naturally attracted to these colors, as vibrancy is my personality.

I start visualizing before I start to paint. It’s a world within those projects itself through the mind. I believe that I get into this beautiful zone of excitement and a peaceful frame of mind. I believe that there is always a spiritual power that guides me and helps me recreate my imagination on the canvas.

I have a lot of respect and admiration for all the artists who create absolutely stunning pieces of art that are masterpieces. The advantages are so many of being a trained artist as they know the techniques and the skill to create such realistic paintings. I did not train as I feel that I like to experiment and play around with my own imagination. It’s fascinating for me to try and recreate my imagination on the canvas. As with every canvas, I learn and discover a new element of myself. So I do not follow any rules and am guided by my Instinct only. Painting for me is learning and discovering myself, with the spirit being my only guide.

I love antique silver jewelry. So sometimes I buy these pieces, and then there are times when an idea strikes. I try designing it and get it made by putting together pendants, beads, rudraksha, colored stones etc. That’s when “A One of a Kind Unique Piece” is created. This is something which is made with lots of passion for the love of strong women. I feel jewellery always adds more grace, beauty and it enhances the essence of our persona and completes the look.

Yes, Rudraksha is my favorite as I love and Worship Shiva - The Omnipresent. Rudraksha as we know means Tears of Shiva. The name “Rudra” is one of the 1008 names of the Hindu Deity Shiva and the word “Aksha” means tears in Sanskrit. The color, the rustiness and the very look of it creates an attraction within me. I started using Rudraksha Beads in Silver Jewelry as I wanted to wear it all the time because it adds positivity, protection, guard, vibrancy and peace within me.

I feel when there is passion and inclination, one will always find time. I work very closely with my partner and the team in Delhi (India) and guess it is because of them, we are able to do the work in sync.

We all have 24 hours in a day and once you have learnt the art of managing your hours for family and work, it then works on an auto mode.

I have come a long way right from the concept, drawing board, recipe, tasting by the food connoisseurs, branding etc. If all goes as planned, we should be launching it soon - I guess there is a right time for everything.

I truly believe that there are so many more successful and highly accoladed women out there, who I admire and I get inspired. I am still trying to make a place for myself and have a long way to go. I guess being a lawyer and being creative comes naturally to me and they coexist, so I don’t feel like I am balancing anything – that’s me and my different hues.

My husband is my guide and my biggest critique. He is a great support who has always encouraged and supported me with all my whims and ideas. My daughter has never been too demanding and has always encouraged me to achieve my dreams. Hence all works well in sync.

Apart from being passionate about cooking, I love music, travelling, reading, adventure, sports, yoga, jogging etc.

All the art pieces that I create can be bought through my e-commerce website www. ministryofcolors.online