Land of the Remembered

This painting is a tribute to Dr Kamal Charaipotra, beloved grandfather of my niece Kavya. It is a celebration of Dr Kamal’s vibrant and charismatic personality. His name, Kamal, meaning lotus flower in Punjabi, is the central bloom in the painting. This painting is also a meditation on Kavya’s solace-that those who pass become stars in the sky, part of the energy around us, and live on in the memories of those who love us
Acrylic on canvas

Sunset over the Lake

Never the same colors twice, we see a different palette every evening 
Acrylic on canvas

Eleven Poppies

11 red poppies for 11 lives lost. Painted soon after the mass murder in Pittsburgh, PA at the Tree of Life Congregation. Dedicated to those who have been murdered in Houses of Worship,  the Red Poppy represents death, sacrifice and remembrance.
Acrylic on canvas

Phoenix Rising

Symbolizing regeneration and renewed courage in a time of darkness. This was painted in November 2016 and was the genesis of PoppyJasperArts.
Acrylic on canvas

Earth Mama

Dedicated to my Mama. She nurtures those around her like she nurtures her beloved garden. Among the greatest gifts she gave me as a child, was the time and space to dream and create. 
Acrylic on Canvas

Girl reading

 My Daughter
Acrylic on Canvas

Roti lady

Rajasthani Woman making Roti (flat bread) in a traditional kitchen. Painting based on an original photo by Navdeep Singh Dhillon taken on his adventures in India 
Acrylic on canvas

Mama Rose

Inspired by the beautiful Rose and our Oneness with nature.
Do the petals form the arms or do the arms form the petals?
Acrylic on canvas

Mother Teresa in Prayer

Acrylic on canvas

Mother Teresa

Acrylic on canvas

We Are Not Alone

Painted after the passing  of our beloved dog Moti Singh. He lived a long and rich life. This Heart is a reflection on the joys and sorrows that color our lives over time. Each experience is an integral part of our garden and these common experiences bind us together. The central galaxy reminds me of the resilience that is the human spirit and that we are not alone in this Universe.
Acrylic on canvas

Pink Lady

See the beauty all around you
Acrylic on canvas

The Staff of Asclepius

Inspired by the Staff wielded by the Greek god Asclepius, the deity associated with Healing and Medicine.
The Staff of Asclepius is the true symbol of Medicine. It is often confused with the Caduceus - a short staff with wings and 2 entwined serpents . The Caduceus is symbol of the god Hermes and NOT related to Medicine
The Rainbow is being displayed in windows all over the world as a symbol of Hope and Solidarity during this time of COVID.
The flowers in my Rainbow Garden are ‘hand picked’ for their symbolism.
Blackthorn (small white flowers)-protection, overcoming obstacles for a better future. HOPE in the midst of devastation. It is a haven for birds such as the nightingale who find protection amongst the tree's long thorns.
Clematis (purple flowers)-ingenuity and associated with the beauty of mental strength
California poppies-restful sleep, peace in death, consolation for loss
Coneflower (red flowers)-strength and healing
Daisy-spring and rebirth, joy
Red lily-love, passion Blue lily-hope and tranquility
Blue Bellflower-constancy, humility, GRATITUDE
Orange calla lily-rebirth, resurrection, faith
Blue Lotus, Kamal Flower-the symbol of intelligence, wisdom and knowledge

Oil on canvas

Joshvir

My son with Gerbera daisies which represent cheerfulness.
‘Gerberr’ also means mischief in Punjabi

Acrylic on canvas

The Creator-Pawan Guru

Oil on canvas

Yes, I Can

Oil on Canvas 

Going to the Well of Kindness

Women carry water to and from the well still in some rural areas of India. It occurs to me they also carry the love, nurturing, and courage needed to keep their families whole
Oil on canvas with palette knife

The View from Anna's House

Inspired by what I see while my children learn to play piano
Acrylic on canvas

Love is a River

The eternal river of love
Acrylic on canvas 

Rajasthani Woman

Oil on Canvas cloth

If You are with me

Conquer your Mind

From Gurbani: "Munn Jeetay, Jag Jeet…."
-Conquer your mind and you conquer the world
Acrylic on canvas

Dancing Ladies

Joyful
Acrylic on Canvas

Woman with Calf

Oil on Canvas

Gift of Learning

 Original made for Mrs Clark, beloved KG teacher to both my children before she retired
 Pastel+Pencil

My Boy

Acrylic on canvas

Promise of Spring

 A reflection of hope and optimism in trying times. Growth and new life even in surrounding decay and shortening of days
Oil on canvas with palette knife

Sleeping Beauty

My daughter and her teddy. Teddy has been around the world on many adventures with us
Acrylic on canvas 

Sikh Prayer- Mother and Baby

Inspired by a Sikh prayer often recited before bedtime to keep away the bad dreams. Original made for my dear friend.
"Taati Vao Naa Laageye, Paar Brahm Sarnaayee"
-The burning winds cannot touch me for I am sheltered and surrounded by the Divine. Pain and suffering do not bother me
Acrylic on canvas

Lady Going to the Well

 I have made many variations on this female figure since I was a child. I wondered where she was going to, or coming from. What she might be contemplating looking in the distance. Now I have a daughter who's long, long braid waves in the wind just like my childhood imagined figure
Oil on canvas

Facing the Light

 Painted for a friend on the loss of their daughter.
Acrylic on canvas

Cattle Herder

Fulani cattle herder of Nigeria
Oil on canvas cloth

Protection of Kindness

The word for Kindness (Kirpa) is spelled out in Punjabi in the shape of a Kirpaan which the word for a protective sword. Kindness must be nurtured. But Kindness must never be mistaken for weakness.
Wordplay or swordplay?
Acrylic on canvas 

Blue Lotus-Kamal

Made after the passing of our beloved Dr Kamal.
Kamal means Lotus Flower in Hindi.
Blue symbolizes tranquility and peace and also represents healing
Acrylic on canvas

I Have my Mama's Eyes

Inspired by the bond between mother and child.
Like Mama in some ways but unique in her own way as well.
The Jasmine flowers representing wisdom Mama is attempting to pass on to the next generation. Some of them stick, some of them don't.
Acrylic on canvas

Cyndi's Tree

Made for a colleague who was going through a difficult time. I wanted her to know I was thinking about her. The leaves are falling and flying away as birds.
Acrylic on canvas 

Nirbhau-Nirvair, Without Fear Without Hate

As the Creator is and we should strive to be. From Gurbani, Sikh prayer
Acrylic on canvas

Mama with her Girls

Made for a friend and her beautiful daughters
Pastel and acrylic on paper

Papa

Portrait of my dad Pashaura Singh Dhillon -Punjabi poet, Singer, blogger and Community activist. Surrounded by flowers and leaves with the names of his wife, children and grandchildren.  My feelings for him cannot be put into words. I hope they can be felt in this portrait.
Oil on canvas

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for my heart and spirit.
My first self portrait.
The flowers represent the love, hopes and fears my family and friends have for me during the time of COVID.
Dedicated to my colleagues on the front lines.
Oil on canvas board

Punar-Janam, rebirth

From Punjabi-Rebirth, Regeneration
Painted during the wildfires in CA 2020 which devastated Huntington and Shaver Lake, Lakeshore, pristine forests and lakes where my children have developed their bonds with nature. it was made while thinking of the brave Firefighters risking their lives and those who have lost homes and livelihoods. Finding hope in the power of Nature to regenerate, and the human spirit to rebuild and mend mistakes. Grieving for so many losses, this cannot be our legacy.
Oil on canvas board 

Rahao-To Pause and Reflect

RAHAO” (Ra-ha-oh) from Gurbani meaning to Pause, Reflect, Meditate. 

Painted during the wildfires which forced evacuations all over CA Summer 2020.
The original name for this one was ‘Wake me up when it’s all over’, but after receiving so much love and support from friends and neighbors experiencing the same uncertainty - I felt more hopeful. 

Sometimes we just need to Pause and take a Breath.

Oil on canvas board

Serenity in the Sierra Mountains

Garden of Life

On the Home Stretch

Here we are on the home stretch of an unbelievable year. Coming out of the fire changed, yes, but also with resilience and hope. Prayers for a peaceful and healthy 2021.
Dedicated to my friend Bambi James and her sweet Mama.
Oil on canvas

The Door

‘The Door’ symbolizing transition, and change. Depending on what side you are on-imprisonment, banishment, or freedom and opportunity. Based on an original photograph by Dr Vineet Khinda.

Oil on Canvas board

AAman - Peace

Dedicated to Dr Aman Hothi and her sister Herleen Dulai. Inspired by art Herleen created as a mural in her home and by the light she brought to her family and friends during her short time in this world.
The symbol Ik Onkar communicates the idea of one Creator or one God, manifest in all of existence. The creator and creation are one entity, inseparable in the way an ocean is made up of its individual drops. The way a ray of light merges with the sun
Sat Nam- this is the eternal truth
Karta Purakh- creator of the universe
Nir Bhau- without fear
Nir Vair - without hate/enmity
Akaal Moorat - eternal, indestructible
Ajooni - not bound by birth or death
Saibhang - self existent
Gurprasaad - by the Guru’s grace
Jap - recite, meditate
This is the Mool Mantar, the very first few lines of Sikh Scripture (Gurbani) attributed to Guru Nanak. This ‘root verse’ crystallizes the essence of Sikhi.
Acrylic on canvas
t quantity
Acrylic on canvas

Hands of a Healer

For my father in law Dr Hari Singh, a General Surgeon who has treated thousands of patients over his long and accomplished career.  Born into a farming family, he overcame many obstacles in his journey to become a Physician. His dedication and selfless service have made him beloved in the community.
He passed away in March, 2021

Oil on Canvas

1001 Cuts

Made for my friend  Dr. Sarah Temkin the force behind https://www.1001cuts.org/ 
Proceeds from print sales will go to supporting this film about Women Surgeons, addressing gender inequality in the operating room.  Prints can be ordered with or without the film title

The plants represented have symbolism and/or medicinal properties:
White Hibiscus - femininity 
Orange/red Coneflower - strength and healing
Purple/white Mallow (Malva) - protection, healing and love
Purple Foxglove (Digitalis) - whole plant is poisonous but chemicals from the flower are used to make a prescription drug used for the heart
Dandelion (Taraxacum) - used for infections and as a ‘cleanser’. Symbolizes health, power, perseverance, endurance and determination
Purple Clematis- mental strength, ingenuity
Yellow Verbascum (Mullein) - courage, protection and health
Yellow Hypoxis - history of use in infection, diabetes, boosting immunity. Symbolizes health
White Jasmine - used to treat eye, skin diseases, depression and insomnia 

Oil on Canvas 

Words Matter

These are not just words, they are expressions of caring, concern, comfort, shared experience, and love.

And yes, they really do matter

Oil on Canvas

Reflections

 Thinking of the difficult times we face, dealing with the illness, pain and mortality of our loved ones and ourselves.
The Blackthorn in the shadow glass has complex symbolism. It was considered a portent of challenges ahead,  including illness,  a warning to prepare and brace yourself for the inevitable strife to follow.
It also has medicinal properties.
What intrigues me about the Blackthorn is the paradox that this tree produces sweet berries, at their most succulent, only after a hard frost.  A reminder to myself that sometimes our best comes from the unavoidable setbacks,  grief, and loss life brings. 

I am trying to remember that there is much I do not control and that is ok.
I can prepare myself as best I can and honor the bounty I already have.

The petals in the glass are Bellflower,  often given in gratitude.  Not part of my original plan but they are fitting so they remain.

Oil on Canvas 

Cyclamen

This is a time of great sadness and instability for us, falling through the darkness not knowing how things will be when we land. COVID has taken much from all of us, it is difficult not to be bitter and angry about it. Maybe that’s ok for the moment.
Cyclamen symbolize separation, sorrow, and goodbyes. The steel baata-bowl, holds Parshad-blessed food. The whirls represent family and friends who are giving us strength and courage.

Oil on Canvas

Spark of the Divine

 For my dear father in law Dr Hari Singh who passed away in March, 2021. He was a General Surgeon and treated thousands of patients over a long and accomplished career. Born into a farming family in Pre-Partition India, he overcame many obstacles on the journey to become a Physician. His dedication and selfless service made him beloved, to us and to his community.
He was a Spark of the Divine and we are privileged to have known and loved him.

“Sooraj Kiran Milai, Jal Ka Jal Hua Raam.
Jotee Jot Ralee, Sampuran Theeaa Raam”

“As the ray of light merges with the Sun, and drops of water merge into the Ocean;
So does one’s light merge into the Divine Light, and become whole, complete, and perfect”
from Gurbani

Oil on Canvas 

Jasmine’s Rose

Inspired by a beautiful bouquet brought by my friend Jasmine as an expression of sympathy, I deliberately left this one a little less ‘finished’ than usual. A reminder that perfection is not a prerequisite to be worthy of love and appreciation.

Oil on Canvas

California Dreaming

This painting is based on a photo of my mum at age 21, in the one bedroom she and my dad rented in a house in England. She and my dad worked very hard and sent everything they could spare back to India to raise my dad’s younger siblings. My dad became head of his household as a teenager. It was a great responsibility that was gladly shared with my mum once they were married.

In the original photo, she is pregnant with me, and the door is closed. In the painting, the sari border and now open doorway feature the design from one of her favorite saris. It was hand-embroidered all along the border and ‘Pallu’ with a scene from Kashmir. The sari was a gift from her mum to her on the occasion of her brother’s wedding and remained a prized possession for many years, traveling with my mother from India to England then Tanzania, Nigeria, Dubai, and then California.

I cannot put into words how I feel about my mum. I hope she can see from her painting how much I admire, respect and love her. She deals with life’s challenges with humor, gracious acceptance, and fortitude. She shows me how to be present.

The pages of book she is looking at in my painting are deliberately left blank. I wonder if she had any inkling then what her life would bring. Whatever comes next, I’m blessed to be a part of the journey as she writes her story

Oil on Canvas 

J Age 10

What can I say about this kid? He is brilliant, thoughtful, kind, hilarious, focused. He gives everything he does, his all. He is a musician, an artist/animator, an avid reader, outdoorsman, tea maker extraordinaire, and so much more. We have asked so much of him and he has stepped up every time. The maturity, resilience and grace of these kids amazes me. We ‘grownups’ could learn a thing or two from them for sure.

Oil on Canvas

Sacred Space - Pavitar Sthaan

Inspired by the words of a fellow physician, they made me think about the many moments of grace received from my family, friends and work family during this difficult time.
Each feels like a droplet, transient, beautiful, and healing.
Kind words in safe spaces.

Pencil on Paper

Physician Heal Thyself

Thinking about how it feels when your best is not enough.
We strive for perfection, completion, when life is messy and jagged and full of missing pieces.
As my husband reminds me, sometimes we have to return to the breath.
I am enough. Thank you to my family and friends who tell me this every day.

Oil on Canvas

Tangled in Blue and Yellow

How complicated life is, yet we try to disentangle and make sense of it as best we can every day. Sometimes we have to take it one moment at a time, one knot at a time. And repeat.
I am thinking about the senseless war in Ukraine, the recent loss of a sweet cousin who leaves behind a one and five year old and a grieving husband, my dear friend who lost her father who had much left yet to do, my grandmother who recently passed - though after a long and full life, the one year anniversary of my father in law’s traumatic passing.
The list goes on. As I was sharing my thoughts with my wise father, he was reminded of a poem by Prof. Puran Singh widely considered one of the founders of modern Punjabi poetry,
‘God is a tangled up riddle, an impossible puzzle which in attempting to solve, could make one a non believer. But don’t let the fear of becoming a non believer keep you from the valuable lessons gleaned from the search. Better to attempt the puzzle than to be a mindless follower.
ਰੱਬ ਇੱਕ ਗੁੰਝਲਦਾਰ ਬੁਝਾਰਤ
ਰੱਬ ਇਕ ਗੋਰਖ-ਧੰਦਾ ।
ਖੋਲ੍ਹਣ ਲੱਗਿਆਂ ਪੇਚ ਏਸ ਦੇ
ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਏ ਬੰਦਾ ।
ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਹੋਣੋ ਡਰ ਕੇ ਜੀਵੇਂ
ਖੋਜੋਂ ਮੂਲ ਨਾ ਖੁੰਝੀ
ਲਾਈਲੱਗ ਮੋਮਨ ਦੇ ਕੋਲੋਂ
ਖੋਜੀ ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਚੰਗਾ ।

Oil on Canvas

Family Tree

Dedicated to my sweet nephew Avitaz age 5 and his questions about how we are all connected. It is his (and his little brother’s) first Mother’s Day without their mum’s physical presence. I hope he knows her beautiful persona is in him and in the energy around him.

For the ones missing their mum
For the ones missing their child
For the ones who long to be a mum
And to the mums

Oil on Canvas

Enough

Feeling absolutely sick knowing families will wake up tomorrow and not be able to do what they did today sending their babies to school, this time in Uvalde, Texas
My kids have never known a time free of lockdown drills.
Afraid to go to the grocery store
To go to church, synagogue, temple, mosque and gurdwara
To go to the movies
Looking for the nearest exit ‘just in case’
Thoughts and prayers, flags at half mast, ‘fill-in the blank STRONG’ T shirts need to be replaced with policy change.
This cannot go on.

Oil on Canvas

Your Body My Choice

Oil on Canvas

We think this cannot happen in America…
Savita Halappanavar, a 31 year old dentist of Indian origin living in Ireland, was 17 weeks pregnant with her first child and miscarrying. She died October 28, 2012 from sepsis after her and her husband’s request for an abortion was repeatedly denied. Her doctors were paralyzed by the laws and could not risk prosecution because the dying fetus had a heartbeat. The law in Ireland was amended 2018 in a landslide vote after nationwide outcry.
The arguments are ‘moral’ and the hypocrisy familiar.
To force a person to not knowing their mental, physical, social barriers to continue is cruel. To make the doctors who have taken an oath to protect their patients make existential decisions like this and risk prosecution while trying to help their patients is cruel and untenable.

Whole Heart

Oil on Canvas

Inspired by Kintsugi, the centuries-old Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. Rather than hiding or disguising the cracks, they are highlighted, with the addition of powdered gold, silver, or platinum, making each piece and its history unique.
Medical professionals have witnessed pain and suffering which have been difficult to process.
They are expected to and do, continue to practise with empathy despite their own personal grief and losses.
The gold lacquer symbolizes the positive, supportive relationships in my life, my family, friends and colleagues.

This is what holds us together.

Amrita

Oil on Canvas

Amrita Pritam (1919-2005) is recognized as the first eminent female Punjabi writer and poet of the 20th-century. She was a trailblazer and wrote on topics never before penned by a woman. Her autobiography ‘Kala Gulab’ or ‘Black Rose’ is represented in the painting.
The words in the background are from her famous poem
“Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu” - “I say unto Waris Shah” addressed to the historic Punjabi poet Waris Shah (1722-1798 CE), who wrote a popular version of Heer-Ranjha, the story of the star crossed lovers set in Punjab.
Her poem reflected her sorrow on the horror and violence of Partition of 1947. Her golden earring is in the shape of Undivided Punjab.
Amrita Pritam won many honors and was the first woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Bharatiya Jnanpith, one of India's highest literary awards.

Mind-Full

Acrylic on Canvas

Watching the rain on the windowpane and thinking about how the beautiful droplets were obscuring the view beyond.
How to focus and prioritize when there are a thousand competing sometimes distracting droplets?
The responsibilities we have are important and so is the view beyond.

Focus

Oil on Canvas
It is difficult to see the good and beautiful in a world of sadness sometimes. Grateful to those who show me when I cannot see.

Taus

Oil on Canvas

Taus means ‘peacock’ in Persian and many credit its creation to the Sikh Gurus.

This beautiful instrument is fashioned after its namesake, including real peacock feathers.

We are fortunate to have an incredible teacher in Leena Singh . Her passion for Sikh Heritage instruments is inspirational and hearing my daughter play this instrument is moving beyond words.