Inspired by the traditional ek chala (“single frame”) Durga idols of Bengal, this piece brings the whole divine family together under one richly carved arch. At the centre, ten-armed Maa Durga slays Mahishasura astride her lion, flanked by Lakshmi with her owl, Saraswati with her veena and swan, Ganesh with his mouse, and Kartik with his peacock. A dramatic black-and-white rendering of the sculpted, temple-relief look of a Kumartuli pandal idol, with every face, ornament and lotus border picked out in fine detail.
How it’s made
Every piece begins as a bare 5″ × 7″ canvas that is treated and primed by hand, then coated with multiple even layers of spray paint. Each coat is left to cure before the next goes on, building a dense, flawless surface ready for engraving. The artwork is then etched into that surface with a high-definition laser, line by line, carefully removing the top layer of paint to reveal the design beneath. With five deities, their vahanas and an ornate chala packed into one frame, the laser settings are tuned so the finest details, from jewellery and weapons to the carved scrollwork of the arch, come out crisp without burning through the canvas.
Because the image is etched into the canvas instead of printed on top, it has a subtle depth and texture you can see and feel, and the weave of the canvas shows through every line. Small variations in the hand-sprayed layers mean no two canvases look exactly alike.
Details
- Original artwork designed exclusively by artist & owner of YldKat Studios, Ayantika Sen.
- Size: 5″ × 7″ (rectangle)
- Technique: High-definition laser engraving on a hand-prepared canvas coated with multiple layers of spray paint
- Finish: Black canvas with bright, light-etched detail for a dramatic monochrome look
- Made one at a time in our studio in Hayward, California, so each piece has its own small variations.
- A meaningful gift for Durga Puja, Navratri, Bijoya, housewarmings and new beginnings, and a graceful piece for a puja corner, shelf or entryway.
Care
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep away from moisture, steam and direct sunlight, and avoid cleaners or scrubbing on the engraved surface.
