The dividing line between pornography and art is thin, yet there is a line. Painting a woman in the nude is an expression of love for god.

Introduction by my Uncle

My uncle Parduman died last year. He was 88. The sad part was that he died unsung and unheralded, though he was a painter of some standing. Sadder was the fact that he had left his family at the age of 80 and come back to Mumbai to paint. But he couldn't re-establish and died lonely. I wish I had been there to help him, but he was gone ere I came to know about him. My memory of him is of a vibrant painter who once took me to a nude painting class.

It was a wonderful experience as the nude model posed before some 14 artistes including 2 girls, as each sketched her. The nude model had her thighs crossed and I felt she was a little self-conscious. But over the years I have been wondering why painters have been painting nudes.

Nude and Naked
While in school our art master Mr. Paul once took us to an exhibition of paintings of the famous painter Roerich, a Russian. What caught my eyes were the large paintings of nude women that adorned the exhibition. Being an amateur painter myself, I did sketch one nude of a sleeping woman. Unfortunately, it is perhaps lying in a loft at my house.

The charm of painting a nude woman cannot be described. It differs from a naked woman, which somehow looks slightly distasteful. But the Greeks and our own ancient artistes all brought forward the nude woman. Most of the Goddesses of the Hindus have been sculptured nude in the temples, so I wonder what the fuss is all about Hussein's paintings.

Nude women and beauty
The fact of the matter is that a nude woman is an object of beauty. Hence a painter will try to capture that beauty. One has to see the Paintings of Goya, Picasso, and Dali to realize this. But remember nude paintings are not for the voyeur. They are basically an expression of art. Maybe at some stage love and sex may also be a part of it, but that is what the Tantra and Acharaya Rajneesh have been talking about.

Last Word
I for one respect the artiste's point of view. My friend an art teacher at the Art School commented ' Look its just an expression of ones innermost feelings.' I will leave it at that. However, I have one last observation. remember painting a nude woman is something serious and perhaps that is the reason that all nude paintings never show women smiling. Ever thought of that?



Dear Me,

I know. I know. It's been quite some time since we last had a heart-to-heart chat. But you know me better than anyone on this planet. I just keep getting busier and busier till I reach the burnt-out point and then I spoil myself silly with overindulgence - till my skin scrrrreeams. My eyes, hair, nails and skin are all grouchy. Why do I do this?

I can overcome self-neglect...

But then again, how about giving myself tiny goals and patting myself every time I achieve them? How about squeezing in 5 minutes for myself? Yes, I can! OK, so what's on my checklist?

1. I'm not buying any under-eye cream or skin cream just because my best friend bought it.
2. If I can't make sense of the fancy-shmancy ingredients (read chemicals) in the creams, then I'm not buying them.
3. I'm indulging in only those beauty products that suit me.
4. I need to understand my skin, personality, preferences.
5. Ummm... act on the above.

What am I?

So, after I checked myself from succumbing to the pressure of buying 'just because' (eyes rolling) plus, those bizarre chemicals (I'd have to be an Einstein to understand those terms); I feel good. Isn't that so, my dear me?
Now to the next point. What am I? What suits me and my skin?

Ayurveda has the answers...

After frantic online search I stop at age-old Ayurveda - the knowledge of life. At least, I'd be nurturing myself then. No side-effects. So here's what I find:

1. My long-term and stable energy-field or basic constitution is my prakriti.
2. My prakriti is basically made up of 3 main doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
3. I could be either one or a combination of the three - Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha and Vata-Pitta-Kapha.
4. I need to consult an Ayurveda practitioner for finding out my most dominant or leading prakriti type.

But how will I use my dosha as a part of my skincare regime...
All right, I have all this knowledge now. How do I apply it on me? Easy.

BALANCE YOUR DOSHA.

Wait, what?
Yes, balance your dosha. That's what Ayurveda is all about. Harmony.

- So, if I'm a Vata (which means I'm thin, energetic, have irregular sleep patterns, dry skin) then I need something hydrating, soothing and protect my skin from harsh climate.
- If I'm a Pitta (I have oily skin that is prone to turning red and I get irritable when I'm tired) then I need something that is chemicals-free, no strong fragrances and protect me from the sun.
- If I'm a Kapha (I'm heavy build, tend to gain weight easily, have dull skin, can get stubborn) then I need a good but gentle cleansing products and light moisturizers.
One size doesn't fit all. I am unique. So are my skincare needs.

Lastly...

I'll spare myself the why-didn't-I-think-of-this-before guilt trip. All that matters is that I feel safe and cared for. Goodbye neglect and chemicals. Hello healing touch and Ayurveda.

With love,
Me.