This piece secured the second place in the GSARN Artistic Excellence contest Which is a web contest hosted by Global Sugar Art Network

I have chosen to depict the art from the State of Kerala in southern India through the famous brassware from “God’s own Country”.
The two eminent symbolisms from Kerala are the brass “Urli” (bowl) and intricate brass idols of Gods. I have chosen to replicate a Kerala style idol of Goddess Saraswati. My inspiration comes from my reverence to Goddess Saraswati, for all that She represents, and of course for Her having blessed me with the skills that enable me to bring forth my ideas.
Most homes in Kerala have an Urli (usually a brass bowl) filled with water and colourful flowers, either at their doorstep or in the pooja room (temple), to attract positive energy and calmness; and to welcome their guests. This bowl is usually made of brass or bell metal –an alloy.
According to Vaastu Shastra, water denotes wealth and enables its flow inwards into the house. It is believed that keeping water in a metal bowl helps in getting rid of any unwanted or unwelcome contaminants and ensures positive energies enter the household.
Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, knowledge and wisdom is revered all over India, so also in Kerala. The Sanskrit word “Sara” means essence and “Swa” means self – “Saraswati” meaning “essence of the self”.
The lotus is a symbol of the Supreme Reality. By sitting on a lotus, Saraswati signifies that She is Herself rooted in the Supreme Reality, and symbolizes Supreme Knowledge
The four hands represent the four elements of the inner personality. The mind (manas) is represented by the front right hand, the intellect (buddhi) by the front left hand, the conditioned consciousness (chitta) by the rear left hand, and the ego (ahankara) by the rear right hand.
The Goddess is shown playing a musical instrument that is held in Her front hands, which denote mind and intellect. This symbol conveys that the seeker must tune their mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world
A peacock is always depicted along with Saraswati as waiting to serve as Her vehicle. The parrot symbolizes speech and depicts that with great knowledge comes the responsibility to spread the divine word.
Figurines and modelling is not my forte, but for this competition, I decided to challenge myself. And of course I had to use Sugar Flowers as offerings to the Goddess! I have chosen to use some of the flowers that are traditionally offered to the Gods and Goddesses – Red Hibiscus, Frangipanis and Jasmine buds. The figurine is made using Saracino modelling paste and Cerat tools and colored using Magic Colors.