DARSHAN BHUMBLA
Here's one of my paintings for @queensofthecommonwealth project. we were given photographs and uncut interviews for us to get a sense of our models.
Darshan Bhambla is an amazing woman, I saw her personality really shine throughout her interview. I decided to paint her playful smile which I believe really shows off that she looks at life through a positive lens. I noticed her dress had Hydrangeas and the outdoor photography there were Hydrangeas too, I felt like it only made sense for me to paint her with them! Coincidentally, Hydrangeas are resilient plants, they can do well in most soils and this sounded a lot like Darshan - no matter where she was in the world she made it work because she's also resilient. Also, depending on the environmental conditions Hydrangea's flowers can change colours from white, green, pink, purple and blue much like how adaptable Darshan is throughout her life as well as her hair taking on all shades of the rainbow.
I met Darshan's family on the night of the event and it was so touching knowing that they were all so happy with the results. Honestly made me so emotional.
The final piece is a one-of-a-kind 12”x16” digital painting printed on Hahnemühle German Etching paper.
My paintings were exhibited in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for the ‘Queens of the Commonwealth’ exhibition.
I was also interviewed by the local paper ‘Erdington Local’ regarding my paitings as well as my views on the commonwealth.
