Title of Artwork: Kathakali Dancer

Size of the Artwork: Ready-to-hang, approximately 12"W x 24"H

Artist's Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Artist’s Notes: Kathakali literally means “story play”. Usually performed by only men; the dancer tells a story by his movement of his hand gestures (called mudras, a form of sign language) and body and facial expressions (called rasas). It is a stylized classical Indian dance/drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with music and complementary percussion.  The story/dance can last from 3 hours to overnight sessions and can also last for weeks. Kathakali dancing comes from the State of Kerala in South India.

Gallery price: $125

Shipping Information: FOB Brampton, Ontario

Artist and author Ann Louise Smith had dreams of becoming an artist for many years, even though she had never touched a brush to canvas. In 1995, Ann joined an oil painting class in Florida. When she moved to Lindsay, Ont. in 1998, Ann went on to take art classes at The Lindsay Gallery, and travelled to P.E.I. for classes in watercolours and acrylics.

Ann Louise has compiled a book about her uncle Dr. Walter G. Anderson M.D.’s experiences during WWII, entitled “Canadian Missionary POW on the Death Railway”. Ann's mother Marion and uncle Walter were both born and raised in India by their parents in the early 1900’s. Uncle Walter later earned his B.A. and M.D. at the University of Toronto from 1924-34. In 1937, Walter's dreams of following in his parents footsteps came true when he was appointed to India as a Medical Missionary with the United Church of Canada, a position he filled for 39 years. During World War ll, however, Walter was inscripted by the British Indian Army, then taken prisoner by the Japanese for 3½ years on the Burma/Thailand Railway, where he attended to the sick and wounded.

Ann Louise’s art depicts scenes of India taken from her grandparent’s photos, found buried in trunks that remained unopened for 57 years.

Ann donated this original work to the Mina Fund's efforts.