Fit for a Life by the Sea

“I need the sea because it teaches me.” — Pablo Neruda

A life by the sea. Shells. Cloth worn soft by sun and wind. Natural fibers. The geometry of a sailor’s compass. These are the things for a home by the sea.

The road to commissioning a new piece of artwork is a treasure hunt. You find an image somewhere — a gallery, a shop, a rabbit hole on the internet — and go off on a discovery adventure. The cloth, the materials, the tradition, who made it historically and who is still making it today.

That’s exactly how Bhanu and Gola came to be.

In the Sittilingi Valley of Tamil Nadu, there is an embroidery tradition called Lambadi. Over 40 distinct stitches. Composed entirely without a drawing, without a pattern, without a plan…just the artist’s eye and hand moving across cloth. By the late 20th century, it had nearly vanished.

Two women in their seventies, Neela and Gammi, brought it back. From memory.

Today, more than 60 Lambadi women work through the Porgai Artisans Association. Porgai means pride and dignity.

I first came across a vintage Lambadi textile online…the geometry felt ancient and contemporary all at once. And then there were the cowry shells worked into the border, pulling the natural world right into the cloth. Striking that balance we’re always looking for.

Bhanu and Gola are both originals, hand embroidered on cotton, in that same tradition of creative instinct and accumulated knowledge. The palette, the compass-like geometry, the deep red against blue with pops of yellow…these pieces belong on a whitewashed wall with the salty breeze coming through. They are exactly what I want in my room with sandy floors, a pile of worn books on a wooden bedside table, and breezy button-downs in the closet.

Limited edition fine art prints and originals available at proudmary.co — 15% of every print sale goes back to the artist.

Stay inspired.

x Harper

—

If you made it this far, we’re grateful for you. And if you didn’t, hopefully that means you’re on ProudMary.co buying some fine folk art for your home and all your inspired spaces.

Till next time. Proud Mary