Of fishy tales and artistic scales: Swimming against the current of Bengali stereotype

Ah, the classic Bengali dilemma - a love for fish deeply ingrained in cultural roots, yet here I am, a proud Bengali with a rather rebellious taste bud refusing to dance to the fishy tunes. Yes, you read it right; I am that rare breed who, despite being raised in a Bengali household, doesn't find solace in the piscine delights that grace our daily lunch tables.

It's a comical paradox, really. While my family members, from Mum to Sis-in-law, and now even Mum-in-law, continue their valiant efforts to convert me into a fish enthusiast, I've mastered the art of skipping meals to avoid the fishy situation. The irony doesn't end there; destiny has a peculiar sense of humour as I find myself living in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its love affair with herring – a fishy delight that takes center stage every June during the Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag) celebration in Scheveningen.

As I navigate through this sea of fishy encounters, both in my homeland and adopted Dutch abode, a curious pattern emerges in my creative pursuits. You see, I'm the proud creator behind UrbanCrafter, and much to my own amusement, a significant chunk of my artistic endeavours revolve around fish. From experimenting with Madhubani painting style to diving into the vibrant world of Bengali Patachitra, my canvas often becomes a marine spectacle.

Aritra, my ever-patient companion in this fishy journey, occasionally raises an eyebrow, suggesting a shift in design choice for the sake of sales. Yet, my artistic instincts seem to swim against the current, drawing me back to the mesmerizing world of fish. It got me thinking – why the persistent fascination with these aquatic creatures?

Delving into the depths of my subconscious, I realize that perhaps, at an innate level, I admire the fish for their ability to adapt effortlessly to different environments. They embody adaptability, independence, and the courage to swim against the current. Could it be that by painting them, I unconsciously seek to channel their spirit, finding motivation and hope to navigate life's currents with resilience?

A quick Google search provides validation to my fishy musings. Fish, it turns out, are not merely aquatic creatures but symbols of rebirth, fertility, luck, change, health, and the unconscious or higher self. Across cultures, they signify prosperity and wealth – a fitting motif for an artist seeking to enrich life's tapestry through her creations.

So, with a palette of colours and a stroke of whimsy, I continue my artistic exploration of aquatic themes. My fishies, each painted with care and affection, represent more than aquatic creatures; they embody the spirit of resilience and the hope for positive change. As I navigate the waters of artistic expression, who knows, perhaps one day, I'll become the fish I've been painting all along.

If you have any fishy suggestions to add to my aquatic collection, feel free to dive into the conversation. After all, life is too short to not appreciate the beauty of swimming against the current, fins and all!