SHILPA SHASTRA COURSE
Shilpa Shastra: The Science of Arts and Crafts
Taught by India’s top Shilpa Shastra gurus, the Shilpa Shastra Course is a two-year exploration of Ancient Vedic Iconography.
Deepen your knowledge of the traditional arts and shilpa shastra principles by studying under one of the leading experts and teachers on Vedic Iconography.
You’ll learn practical skills and techniques, starting with fundamental shapes and motifs, and move through to detailed iconography and geometry-based proportions.
Drdha Vrata studied the classical arts for over a decade in South India under renowned iconography masters. He has travelled the world exhibiting his work, and now conducts workshops and courses with the aim to promote the ancient artform.
Course Information
8x TERMS OVER TWO YEARS
12x 1 HOUR CLASSES PER TERM
DELIVERED LIVE ONLINE
Course Structure
The course is divided into content based sections, each with lessons to practice during and after class. Your teacher will also introduce occasional projects based on the lessons learned.
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The course introduces students to traditional exercises and basic drawing techniques to familiarize them with the style of art and gain control over the medium and strokes. Beginning by drawing basic designs with pencil on paper, they will gradually progress to more complex geometric motifs and patterns which will culminate into creative projects to be completed in ink or color.
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The students will learn the symbolism and how to draw the various animals used as vahanas (mount) for Gods and Goddesses or as decorative elements.
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The weapons and symbols found on the numerous Gods and Goddesses hold a lot of significance and symbolism. You will learn their relative measurements along with their meanings and uses.
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The bodies are adorned with varieties of temple style ornaments from the headdress down to the ankle bells. Learn about the different types of ornaments and how they are used.
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The students will learn the most crucial and complex part of traditional Indian art, Talamana Paddati. These extremely detailed proportions found in the Shilpa Shastra are used to create the numerous forms of Gods and Goddesses. The students will learn about the measurement scales of Talamana and how they are used to calculate the forms they are meant for.
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Learn Hasta-mudra (hand gestures), Paada (feet positioning), and body poses in relation to natural elements.
Hand gestures, known as mudras or hastas, are crucial in visual communication which will be covered in the module.
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Different Bhavas (expressions) and proportionate facial features, including eyes, nose, lips, and ears will be covered in this module
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Explore the infinite number of Gods and Goddesses in Hindu temples and philosophy. Students will learn about the more well-known deities, along with their attributes, colors, and entourage.
The course also introduces ancient concepts of Nava-Taala, Dasha-tala measurements with male and female anatomy, covering structures, angles, and references for a comprehensive understanding of proportions and aesthetics as per Shilpa Shastra
Learn more about the course here...
Frequently Asked Questions
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In the initial classes, students will start by drawing basic shapes and strokes with pencil on paper as a form of conditioning. They will then progressively learn more complex designs, cThe course runs over a minimum of two years, with four terms per year.
Winter Term: 1st January - 31st March
Spring Term: 1st April - 30th June
Summer Term: 1st July - 30th September
Autumn/Fall Term: 1st October - 31st December 1st October - 31st DecemberEach term has 12 hour-long classes, once a week.
Plan your time to include activities and homework outside of classes.ulminating in creative projects completed in ink or color. These projects will incorporate techniques from the earlier practice lessons and become increasingly detailed and challenging, eventually leading to the study of human proportions and various ancient geometric designs and compositions. -
The Shilpa Shastra Curriculum Course runs over two years, and class intakes are managed through our waitlist and an open applications period.
Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated when applications open, or apply to the waitlist now. -
You will need:
a) an internet connectionb) a computer, tablet or phone with working audio and video capabilities
c) the art supplies listed here
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Initial Registration Fee: USD $30
Winter Term: Minimum 12 Classes - USD $260
Spring Term: Minimum 12 Classes - USD $260
Summer Term: Minimum 12 Classes - USD $260
Fall Term: Minimum 12 Classes - USD $260
Payment could be made through Zelle, venmo or the link
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Kind communicate absence from a class atleast 24 hours before the session to help prepare the teaching artist and to set the expectations
The recording of the session would be provided and the questions or doubts could be cleared in the following session
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Punctuality: We value your time and aim to make the most of each class. To ensure a smooth start, please drop off your child no later than 5 minutes before the start time.
Behavior: We maintain a positive learning environment where all students feel respected. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any participant who exhibits disruptive or disciplinary behavior.
Parental Contact: For your child's safety, parents (or a designated responsible adult) must be reachable by phone throughout the class duration.
Student Photography: We occasionally take photos of the class and student artwork. These may be used for our annual "Young Artists Showcase," website, or other promotional materials. We reserve the right to publish photos of students working in class or their artwork. If you do not want your child photographed, please notify us before their first class.
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Get on the waitlist : to express the interest, please fill up the waitlist form here
We'll contact you: Once a spot becomes available, our staff will reach out to confirm your child's place and provide payment instructions.
waitlist
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Get on the list for the next intake for the Shilpa Shastra Course.
Note: Submission of the form is free and does not guarantee enrolment.
Seats are given on a first come first serve basis.