Chapter 2, Understanding the task and the routine

Initial days on the mountain as I started working were difficult. First, the mountain was steep and slate stone rocks were slippery. However, embedded in an acute angle, that still allowed some kind of grip that one gets used to as one gets into the habit of climbing the mountain. There was no drinking water (except some collected rainwater in a small pit nearby) or source of food around so one should be prepared for the day. The clear skies were beautiful, but the sun was hitting hard- and the semi-reflective surface of the rocks was adding to the heat and the glare. With no trees around it was quite a challenge to find a shady spot to rest for a few minutes. The experience of the first day was enough to prepare me for the rest of the days. I knew the mountain better and while I kept on cursing myself to fancy such a task, at the same time I was quite joyful in a way and was willing to go with this flow.

As I came back from the first day’s work, and narrated my experience to the co-artists, I did get some inputs and advice plus I again worked on my time table as to what time I should be going to the school to conduct the workshops as phase-I of the project and what time is suitable to work on the mountain as phase- II. Looked like the first half of the day needs to be spent with the school kids. There were two schools nearby, a secondary and a primary. 

Collected some locally available blue pigment, a bucket and a few locally available brushes to begin the work. I would usually go to the mountain after lunch but if sometimes the lunch is delayed, I would pack something from breakfast and reach my work spot. I managed to get a team of kids from the local school. In the beginning, a group of some 13-14-year-old children joined me but later it became a group of smaller kids, less than ten years of age. They would join me after their school is over i.e. after 4 pm. I always wondered how difficult this job was for me if these kids have not joined me. But then, this was essentially a community project and their presence, more than mandatory. With their small feets they would climb difficult of spots and reach each and every corner of the rocks to be painted. It was too surprising to see how even small kids of 3-4 years were not afraid to climb the steep slope but rather they seemed to know these mountains more than anyone else. As the sun would set, we would climb down and get to a local shop nearby and I would get some toffees and treats for the kids as a reward. The very first day I decided to approach the people (children) of Badanga as a friend and equal rather than as an outsider who will hire them for money. This probably was one of the reasons this project did not interest older kids. And younger kids joined me probably out of amusement and for treats!

I wonder, I have so many things to tell about this experience, back from this residency and now in self- isolation and social- distancing time particularly looking back now when so much has changed in the world. It all feels so unreal and overwhelming- and therefore, equally important at the moment I feel is the need to spill it out...in a way to remind myself, the year already started off on a wonderful note.