Alpana Ahuja is an artist and wildlife conservationist, whose work has helped raise thousands of dollars towards the rehabilitation of rescued elephants in India and Singapore, in collaboration with Wildlife SOS.
"Padhchinh" or Footprints in Sanskrit is Alpana's unique Collection, co-created with rescued elephants - their footprints on her canvases. Each footprint tells a unique story. To her, this Collection symbolises the elephants walking away from a miserable existence towards a better future.
For this Collection, Alpana worked with 2 elephants - the famous Raju and sweet Kalpana at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, India. She says “Raju was very cooperative and gave us some beautiful footprints. Kalpana and Holly, the inseparable duo, were well, inseparable. Holly didn’t like lifting her foot, so we left her alone. Kalpana was happy to do some foot lifting in exchange for treats. But she got bored quickly so back we went to Raju to finish the lot. We also had to contend with a litter of 8 pups running around fearlessly. Hence my art had to dry on a cart! Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paints was a great experience. I was happy that my paint run-offs didn’t pollute the earth at the Elephant Care and Conservation Centre. Being mindful of our daily actions is important for the future of our planet.”
This Padhchinh has been created with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that is odourless, non-toxic and low on VOCs, completely safe for babies, pregnant women and animals alike. Colours used for the footprint are Chalk Paint in Florence, Arles, Burgundy and Original, sealed Chalk Paint Matt Lacquer.
All proceeds from the sale of the Padhchinh collection will go directly to Wildlife SOS towards the rehabilitation of rescued elephants.