Tucked away on the ground floor of a building in Bangalore’s suburban corner, Studio Gumani is a brightly lit, peaceful alcove from where illustrator, Pia Meenakshi runs shop. A painter, book binder, collector of natural oddities, previous tattoo artist and budding novelist, Pia aka Gumani dons many creative hats.
Her penchant for images inspired by flora and fauna is almost palpable. Gumani draws and paints magic with her creations of enchanted forests, birds, insects, and flowers; her vivid depiction of children living alongside animals in the woods evokes memories of the Roman fable of Romulus and Remus, a tale of twin boys raised by a wolf.
She confesses that she’s been particularly fascinated by wolves ever since one appeared in her dreams many years ago. Since then, the feral creature has been her trusted companion for imagery. A connecting thread running through her art is that of people escaping to the wilderness in search of solace. An appealing thought for burned out city dwellers!
Pia also loves to use images of women in her work, portraying them as strong and independent, who are happy to be part of a pack, but equally at ease with solitary existence. You’ll also find a touch of the macabre in her illustrations, skulls and skeletons of animals and humans, in gouache or etched in gold; they evoke a faint uneasiness a la Neil Gaiman’s Coraline – but are so fantastically crafted and beguiling, you just can’t hold yourself from stopping and admiring them.
Browsing through Gumani’s portfolio, you’re bound to be drawn into fantasy worlds that evoke some nostalgia, a bit of magic, and a feeling that you can’t exactly put your finger on – something hidden and lost, but not quite forgotten.
There’s nothing quite like Gumani’s signature style. Visit her website or Facebook page to pick up prints and check out more of her work.
Featured image source: Rang-Decor
Words by Pavi Sagar
