"Crescent-Swing, Smoke-Clouds" (2016)

Drawn with ink. Each dancer is based on reference photographs of traditional Chinese classical dance costumes and traditional Indian classical dance/music costumes (Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Carnatic). Motifs associated with each culture, including a parasol and a sitar, are included. Each figure's costume, makeup, hairstyle, and accessories is distinct. Figures are arranged and layered on the poster to show people sharing classical arts and cultural spaces with each other. Motifs of the moon and the stages of love, which was the showcase theme, is included to the bottom left (moon phases) and bottom right (small hearts). Symmetry and balance was achieved by keeping figures in parallel poses and parallel colors. Finally, the cursive script used for the description stands in contrast with the showcase information, title, and the dance clubs' names (Mei-Kala). A bold, curved script was used to match the curves and angles of the performers' bodies. See "Indo-Chinese Classical Dance" (2024) to see final version of this poster.

Watercolor pencil and ink painting of a woman, inspired by traditional African masks and South Indian Tamil style bottus (spiritual third eyes and marks of which Hindu deity one worships). This features the artist's love for finding and bringing out symmetry with geometric shapes in human faces, namely focusing on crescent, circular, and triangular shapes. Style is also influenced by Bapu, a South Indian Telugu artist who worked with bold colors and continuous lines.

Created with ink, draft (scroll down) created with pencil. This illustration depeicts the Hindu god Sri Rama as the center of the universe, providing balance between opposing sides. He carries an arrow (with a crescent-shaped head, similar to that of ancient Indian arrows, which had different shapes) and bow whose string curls around his arms. His crown, belt, and jewelry indicate his status as a warrior king, and a sun-like halo surrounds his head. His forehead is covered in the symbol of the god Vishnu, whom he is the incarnation of. His pants are drawn stylistically to show draped silk. His feet have small sparks next to them. He is surrounded by a structure which contains suns and moons, planets and stars. Rama's name, in English, Telugu, and Hindi, is written amongst these parts of the universe. The structure symbolizes both the universe and an atom: to suggest that Rama is present in the largest scale and smallest scale. In this illustration, centering him within the smallest particle is a reference to Telugu poet Annamacharya's writing on the same subject. Finally, the sacred syllable "Om" outlines the structure. Note: This piece was intended to be the first in a series of illustrations for a devotional kirtan (song) about Rama, written by the late Dr. Advikolanu Muralidhar. So, this imagery reflects the lyrics. This style of art is inspired by the Vedic Art style, hence the curved body of the male figure, the oval-shaped face, and elaborate ornaments.

Illustrated with pencil for a Drawing class assignment, in which students were instructed to create a piece that incorporated a hand, an object, and glass. Thus, this illustration is of a small, isolated, angelic figure trapped in a globe. A raincloud in the globe showers onto them, and the feathery drops turn into wings. Hence, the title of the piece. Meanwhile, outsiders attempt to offer comfort, represented by a hand holding a cocktail umbrella up to the glass. However, their efforts are futile; the figure is beyond their reach, and it will take more than a frail umbrella to shatter the glass. The figure, drafted in the second image below (you'll see it when you scroll down), has wrapped their limbs into a near-fetal position. They peek out at the hand, at the comfort being offered, but do not engage with it. Note the use of shading in the glass and wooden base of the globe, the high contrast of the figure's outline, a spot of light upon the glass, and the mechanical drawing style of the hand which breaks it into its simplest forms.

Drawn in ink and pencil. This sketch is of the famous South Indian Telugu actress, Savitri (1934-1981) who dominated the South Indian film industry in the 50's and 60's. This illustration of her is taken from a scene in one of her film's songs, in which she stands decked in a sari, her hair adorned with a halo of jasmine flowers, a high hairbun, and a long, signature bottu/bindi on her forehead. She was easily recognizable via her distinct beauty: an oval-shaped face and wide eyes lined with kaatika (kohl). Hence, her style and features were the focus of this sketch.

Watercolor and ink painting depicting the threat to freedom of expression in the world, in society, in culture, and under oppressive governments. This freedom is crumbling and reflected in the shadows of vulnerable, multicolored dominoes. This piece demonstrates use of a vanishing point beyond the page.

Created using Adobe Illustrator. Brochure cover designed to incorporate each piece from the repertoire. Since one piece featured a looming mountain, a mountain with a cascade of music notes in a staff contains the rest of the illustrations. Since "Defying Gravity" was being performed, 9.8 m/s^2 (acceleration due to gravity) was crossed out beneath the witch's hat from the Broadway musical, "Wicked." Since Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" was being performed, a nutcracker soldier is kept in the boat. Three snowflakes, drawn in the Celtic knot style, represent the "Celtic Folk Songs" piece. Since "I See the Light" from Disney's "Tangled" movie was part of the setlist, the sweeping riverboat from the lantern scene is kept at the base of the design. Showcase details are boxed to grab the onlooker's attention, and an original, hand-drawn font was created to accompany the festive, candlelight theme of a holiday concert. The rich maroon and white color scheme is meant to be bold and eye-catching from afar.

Sketched with ink markers. Piece depicts the Hindu goddess of beauty and wealth, Lakshmi Devi. Two lotus flowers are tucked behind her ears, and her golden crown contrasts with the blue tone of her skin. Lakshmi is symbolically shown with blue skin to indicate that she is the wife of Sri Vishnu (who is also depicted with blue skin in Indian artwork to indicate that his skin is very dark, akin to that of blue rainclouds). Lakshmi's facial features in this peace are meant to bring a sense of peace, and her hair is drawn stylistically in curls.

Drawn with colored pencil and ink based on ink outline (see "Draft" in Poster section of portfolio). Each dancer is based on reference photographs of traditional Chinese classical dance costumes and traditional Indian classical dance/music costumes (Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Carnatic). Motifs associated with each culture, including a parasol and a sitar, are included. A bold, gradient color scheme which suits both cultures was applied to the clothing, hair, and backdrop. Each figure's costume, makeup, hairstyle, and accessories is distinct. Figures are arranged and layered on the poster to show people sharing classical arts and cultural spaces with each other. Motifs of the moon and the stages of love, which was the showcase theme, is included to the bottom left (moon phases) and bottom right (small hearts). Symmetry and balance was achieved by keeping figures in parallel poses and parallel colors. Finally, the cursive script used for the description stands in contrast with the showcase information, title, and the dance clubs' names (Mei-Kala). A bold, curved script was used to match the curves and angles of the performers' bodies.

Created using Adobe Illustrator as part of Visual Design & Digital Making Virtual Summer Intensive, co-sponsored with LITS at Bryn Mawr College. This is from a course exercise on symmetry and patterns. Shapes are nestled within one another, and the body of the butterfly contains a floral burst.