It has been two years since I have been away from home, Mumbai, India, still adapting, still searching for my belonging in another place, Aotearoa. In this liminal space, I am constantly transforming, evolving and fusing my past and my future.

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My rich cultural background and kalamkari textile craft dictate designing the botanical motifs of the unique flora and fauna only found in Aotearoa. Kalamkari is an ancient textile craft originating from Andhra Pradesh in Southern India, which uses natural dyes made from fruit and vegetables to either hand paint or woodblock print on a cotton cloth. One of the most famous motifs called “Tree of life” has been a part of the Indian heritage Kalamkari art. The tradition began to be associated most significantly with Palam pores or bed coverings, featuring a central flowering tree growing from a rocky mound or arising from water surrounded by sacred lotuses and marine creatures. 

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Experiencing the unique botanicals of this place for the first time has inspired me to create a “Tree of Life” motif for Aotearoa. This is an attempt to fuse both Indian and New Zealand cultures to form something meaningful. The tree of life symbolises the interconnections between heaven, earth and the underworld. I have designed Botanicals like the Kowhai, Pohutukawa, Manuka, Kauri, Silver Fern, Harakeke, and Rimu. The Maori culture also has many tales related to these plants and creatures. I have designed motifs of the native bee (Leioproctus), native butterfly (Rauparaha’s copper), Fantail, and Kereru for the fauna. These motifs are combined to form the “Tree of Life”, symbolising my connection to a new unknown realm.