As part of exploring textures for the play costumes, Vishakha aunty suggested we play with sand.
After sieving the ochre sand to a fine powder that we collected from the sand pit, we mixed other coloured powders with it to see what shades we could create. A gentle pastel palette emerged from blending haldi, red oxide, stone dust and chalk. We were mindful to use only natural and non toxic colours.
We used the various powders to create shapes, patterns and images.
In silent practice, over the course of the afternoon, slowly the crooked lines and blotches gave way to straight thin lines, intentional curves and loops -with the fingers and wrist becoming finely tuned with each successive stroke. Confident, we felt now, that it was time to take it to the kids and for them to explore the versatility of sand.
Some of the older kids started on the initial work with sand, with three of them working on a big elephant over the course of an afternoon. A snake sneaked in as well into the canvas. The younger ones fascinated also joined to do some work on smaller tiles working on various designs.
Over the next couple of weeks, everyone tip toed around the amphitheatre to not disturb the artwork laid down while noticing the various designs and animals spread over the floor.
