Sometimes I wonder if I ever really grew up. In a world of mature grownups who want to collect the latest in crystal, I long for the simple joys of my childhood. Woh kagaz ki kashti, mitti ka khilona* (paper boats and toys of clay.). So the latest object to catch my fancy is this fleeting glimpse of a toy tiger, crafted by hand, probably from clay or paper-mâché.
Needless to say I was obsessed, I had to have it. Now the India trip's already done and I probably won't be able to get my hands on it anytime soon, so what recourse did I really have? The only option was to try to recreate it. It helps again that this is a prime example of folk art and perfection isn't of import. So here it is folks, my work in progress, as it dries on a shelf. (LOL, it looks more like an inquisitive kitty-cat at this stage, doesn't it?) I'm going to let it dry thoroughly, smooth over the cracks, add some more dimension to the face (his ears and nose need some reconstructive surgery, LOL!) and paint it a bright orange. And stripes. :D
I promise I'll share the finished tigger tiger with you once he's done. I can't wait to play with him decorate with him.
*Poetic license!
PS: If those words brought it all rushing back, here's a passable version of the song. (I'd like to add here, that tho' I do love to reminisce, I also love to look toward the future. So do indulge in nostalgia, for it's important to be connected with your roots, but don't let it drag you down into a big mopey mess. Because you won't be doing justice to life by living in the past.) {Gyan over}
PPS: If, upon reading this you think I have all the time in the world, you couldn't be farther from the truth. This is me indulging in pure escapism. Hi, I'm Gagan and I'm a life-long procrastinator.
aaawww.. thats the cutest tiger.. :-)
ReplyDeletelove it love it..you are so creative!!
ReplyDeleteGB I can vouch for this great Tiger - the memory of the paper machie holder u made is still fresh in the mind. And anyways we need more and more tigers to be born and taken care of :-)
ReplyDeletelove to see the how it is finished,it looks pretty artsy!to me
ReplyDeleteif you have a chance check out my new etsy shop,i have just started adding some new finds:)
You brought a BIG smile to my heart!
ReplyDeleteYou've got to make one for me too ... since you are procastinating and all already, what is one more right? :P
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hahaha u are too funny :)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to give him a suitably tigrine name...
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative Gagan! I think it will come out great...and very cute too!:)
ReplyDeleteI love that song- they played it at our farewell party when we graduated from high school. And I will take that tiger anytime over all the crystal :)!
ReplyDeleteWaiting to see how the tiger turns up! I also suffer from an evil by the name of "procrastination" and I hope someone finds a solution for it soon. Till then I shall wait for tomorrow to do stuff of my list ;)
ReplyDeleteThat shape has turned out really great!! Can't wait to see it painted!
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog, Gagan!
Meera xx
That's come out well. I don't have an iota of craftmanship in me.
ReplyDeleteI am drenched in nostalgia too, most of the times. Because I find very few inspiring things in the present :(
ReplyDeleteAnd that tiger, what a cutie. Eager to see how the colours turn out to be.
shooo shweet the cutest tiger ever seen, how have you made it with POP..now need a post on that too..
ReplyDeletexx
I agree with Shanthi- first the pencil holder and now this! You are in the wrong profession!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to see it all striped but, but I think you should make another one and keep it just the way it is now.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe I missed this post. Two things I love - the tabby and the song. Has always been one of my all time fav JS songs, more for the lyrics than anything else.
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