Indian Art through Kamishibai

Art has always been an Amazing Refreshing and Tantalizing experience for me. And when it comes to the activity of painting or drawing, it has always had a meditative effect on me. Being a storyteller by profession, I always love creating my art work whenever it was needed as part of my work.

When I started doing Kamishibai style of storytelling, I tried to create the story cards myself, as much as possible. Infact I wanted to try to incorporate the Indian art forms in my story presentations through Kamishibai, for two reasons:

• The beautiful traditional art forms of India can be introduced to our listeners, the story way through the art itself.
• I can also learn the art form in the process.

And this search led me to the folklore of how the Bhil Art came to be.

The Bhil are an indigenous tribe in India that are considered one of the oldest in the country. They are found in many states in western and central India.

I found the folktale to be interesting and educative too. It spoke to me in many ways and I wanted to share that with others. And since it was a tale about an art, I wanted to craft my version of the tale by creating the artwork too. Kamishibai style of storytelling seemed just perfect for this. Thus, began my journey into creating the story cards for this story presentation.

My reference to the pictures were from the book “A Bhil Story” authored by Nina Sabnani, illustrated by Sher Singh Bhil and published by Tulika Publications.

I started practicing the Bhil art with simple images first. While traditionally, the art is done using natural colors, plant extracts, clay, cow dung etc., it took me sometime to figure out the intricacies of the art using the chemical paints that I had. Thereafter I began the art work for the story. It was not easy at all and very time consuming for sure. It took me a couple of months to do it but worth the effort. I am not an expert and may not have done a truly class art, but I quote Lord Tennyson,

“Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’

Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades

For ever and forever when I move.”

I truly enjoyed the process and I think I did a decent work too 😊

Now with the story cards set, I was all ready to present my story to the audience the Kamishibai way. And it happened in November 2024, when I was invited to lead a story session in Kamishibai style as part of Children’s Day Special.

The storytelling was enjoyed by children and parents alike. Parents walked up to me personally to mention that it was indeed a unique style and they loved it. And I followed it up with teaching the kids to try their hands with the Bhil art for a simple image.

A memorable beginning yet miles to go before I sleep… miles to go before I sleep…