Radically Yours

Hi! I’m Malini

26^th February 2021, marked two years of my journey of venturing into Art. My heart is so full as I share my story with you from my Art Studio. From sitting on the floor in my living room with just one paint brush, a canvas and some paints to now penning my story from a room full of art supplies, this journey is telling of the One whose goodness and faithfulness has never failed me.

So, this is my story.

When I look back, one of those things that has never fizzled out over the years is my passion for creative arts including music, dance and interior designing. I pursued this passion and went on to complete my post-graduation in Mass Communication. I then gained to my experience a good 11 years as a Program Producer for various shows with a TV station. I also seized every opportunity that came my way to teach Dance at a few International schools in Hyderabad.

As years went by, life took its turns – some gradual and some sharp.  Marriage, relocation, and a fresh new start in career, all came in together. A sharp turn as one could tell, with a great blend of confidence and experience. With my husband as my pillar of support, I saw myself making some crucial and radical decisions. I went ahead and quit my job to kick-start our own media production company. However, it took me less than a year to realise that this dream project wasn’t going as well as I expected it to. The challenges of being a fresh player in the established world of media stared me in the face, but I went on to push myself a little harder, because I had a great team and great confidence in my work ethic. Sadly, but surely, things panned out in ways that were too overwhelming for me. I hit a roadblock. I gave up. I failed. I was back at the starting line and this time without a job too. 

What followed, was probably the longest year of my life. Not only was I battling with various worries and a feeling of shame that came with my failure, but I also had to battle with some health issues – a condition of stiffness and swelling in both knees. I had innumerable fears about my future, health and career. There were days I would be so lost and clueless. I would ride my bike aimlessly in an attempt to free my mind of these thoughts that were choking me. There were days when I had lost my way – literally and figuratively – in trying to fight this mess I was in. One thing led to another and I finally found myself battling with depression. Much like most people, I efficiently hid this battle behind my ‘happy’ mask. I managed my act so well that except for my husband, no one else could even guess the enormous struggle I was going through.

Amidst all the darkness I experienced, there were yet those thin rays of hope that shone through, assuring me that Jesus would never leave me. Recalling my father’s words to me from many years ago “one has to have self-motivation to rise up and move on”, I picked myself up, broken as I was and resolved to do something to shift my focus from my brokenness.

It was 26 April 2019 (Ash Wednesday) when I picked up my paint brush and a blank canvas and threw on some colours – all that I wished to see in my life. I painted a colourful abstract cross (Inspired by Original Artist Kume Bryant), as if to reassure myself that life in all its fullness is possible only because of what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross.

This is where my life took its turn again – an unexpected, gradual and exciting turn. As a woman of this social networking day and age, I shared my painting on social media. What happened since then has been beyond my wildest dreams, it is a true testament of something that only God can do. Encouragements poured in and I went on to paint an entire series titled ‘Journey to the cross’ reflecting on the season of lent. I experienced my Jesus, the Light of the world. He pierced through my darkness. He liberated me in ways that words cannot express.

I found my hope in this Bible passage “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The Carpenter’s Ark

After selling a few canvas paintings, I challenged myself to explore the wood crafting world. I was an absolute beginner at this stage and just gave it a go. I initially sought help from a carpenter, but it gave me very little chance to explore. I decided to learn the craft myself. I learnt through watching videos and other carpenters. I studied about the tools, techniques and their functionality. There were difficulties and challenges that I had to face while learning this craft, but the fact that I could bring life to recycled wood was a thrilling experience.

The Carpenter’s Ark was born as a small-scale business, spreading joy, hope and the love of Christ through wooden handmade creations. Today, I function out of a small studio in Chennai and I have sold over 1000+ products so far. I have also collaborated with wonderful artists on Instagram and got featured on their amazing brand sites.

In this digital generation where Art is becoming a primary tool of evil and destruction, I am thankful to God that I have found this avenue to do and say good. The course of this journey is unknown to me, just like ‘Noah’s Ark’ in the Bible which had no sails, no oars, no motor, or engine, my Ark too is directed by God Himself. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

My identity is not in the work I do or what people think of me, it is not determined by the success or failures that come my way. My identity is found in Christ the One who created me with a purpose, and I pray that my art encourages and brings hope and joy into people’s lives.

You can contact Malini on Instagram @thecarpentersark