“The first time I saw a swan was in a depiction of Goddess Saraswati sitting and playing the Veena on a beautiful white bird. I fell in love with the milky whiteness, the curvaceous neck and the beautiful depiction of plumage. Somehow the image of that bird got stuck in my memory. Somehow that bird symbolized serenity and grace for me. The story of ‘The Ugly Duckling’ only enhanced this image in my mind. Today, when I look back at my obsession with the lovely bird in my growing years, I feel I was searching for the swan in me all along. I am not yet sure if I, ‘the ugly duckling’ have matured into a swan, but this painting is my humble offering to those birds who glide and dance in water captivating me with such beauty, grace and tranquility.”
