In a�three-day�long retreat (March 18-20, 2022) in California, artist Sujata Tibrewala will be introducing some of the most ancient art forms such as Warli Art, Mughal Miniature Art and Kalamkari to art lovers in America

Back in 2020, when the pandemic engulfed the world unexpectedly forcing us all to spend precious days and nights secluded from those we love, Bay Area based artist Sujata Tibrewala had a wonderful idea. The artist who had once used art as a medium to bounce back from her debilitating illness -- Fibromyalgia that left her in excruciating pain, knew that art could help those battling loneliness and loss. But in a world learning to live with social distance, the idea of in-person art sessions seemed impossible, which is when she began to conduct online meet and learnsessions about art from people around the world. The lessons delivered free-of-cost served as an outlet for many who had been craving social interactions.

It was during this time that the artist discovered the people around the world were more interested in Indian art forms than she ever thought. She says, �It was during one of the sessions where I was teaching basic Mandala to participants from Scotland and the US, that I realized that people wanted to learn more about ancient Indian arts but often did not know where to look.�

Tibrewala knew that once the world would start opening up she would like to do something about it. And now she is happy to organize a weekend of art retreat for anyone from around the world who would like to participate and learn the nuances of Indian art over yoga, meditation, drawing and sculpture classes and nature walks along the San Joaquin River Delta in Lathrop, California.

Talking more about her initiative titled, Pratibimba�s 3-Day Immersive Art Retreat, Indian American artist Tibrewala who has done successful shows in India and the US says, �I am joined by fellow artist Sabrina Davidson and together we are opening up this platform for anyone who would like to participate and spend a couple days meeting like-minded people, learning from experts, talking about art as therapy and generally making up for the lost time that Covid-19 claimed from our lives.�

The retreat will be held at a stunning private villa set against the backdrop of the tranquil San Joaquin River Delta. Talking about choosing ancient Indian art forms to be explored at the retreat, Tibrewala says, �While it is very romantic to say that Indian art has a vast heritage, for the majority in the West who have only known India through Yoga or more recently through Bollywood, it is very difficult to look for avenues if they want to learn more about Indian art. My retreat gives them an opportunity to open up that dialogue and explore more the thoughts, stories and history behind it.�

She adds, �Also Asian art is so therapeutic. It can really soothe your soul. It was only recently that in the West doodling or coloring books for concentration or for unwinding became a thing. Our Mandalas which follow the principle of painting in concentric circles and combining patterns and forms are based on the same philosophy. Mandalas for de-stressing is the new found secret in West. Through my retreat and lessons, I aim to bring more such aspects of Indian art for the world to discover and practice.�

On bringing a slice of subcontinent to the West, Tibrewala says, �It�s about time. We have to open up the gates and let the world see how immersive Indian art forms can be. Especially after the pandemic, which re-confirmed that humans across the globe are affected by similar experiences, there is no reason for us to not share the treasure we have with each other.�

For details on participation fee, accommodation, bookings and Covid safety measures at the retreat please go through the link.

https://www.wetravel.com/trips/pratibimba-s-3-day-immersive-yoga-art-retreat-2022-sabrina-davidson-lathrop-51617982

��BY AKANKSHA DEAN