My latest jewellery collection, the Shakti collection, came to fruition after months of self-reflection. I turned inwards this year to better understand who I truly am, with the aim to use that knowledge to fuel my work and my daily life.
You can read more about the Shakti Collection here.
Through my journey, I’ve discovered my connection with Shakti - the divine feminine life force - is a huge part of my being. And something I aim to nurture and develop as I move forwards.
I’ve been intrigued to learn more about how people around me connect to the idea of Shakti so I reached out to Poonam Dhuffer, founder of YSM8 to find out about her interpretation of this spiritual force.
Poonam is a multidisciplinary artist, somatic coach, textures archaeologist, and alchemist of gold. “I am devoted to holding spaces for women to reconnect to the wisdom of their bodies,” she explains. “To help them use art-making as a tool for liberation, build restorative healing practices, and reconnect to their creative Shakti”.
I had the pleasure of working with Poonam myself over the last few years, and she has truly been pivotal in helping me identify my connection to Shakti and how She fuels my creative practice.
And for Poonam, Shakti is vital; “Without her I would not exist. She whispers ideas and grows them through me. She is the connection who weaves all the threads together. She is the practice. She is the influence.”
It is because of Shakti that Poonam says she expanded her creative practice. What started with words for Poonam has since expanded to include more tactile activities such as collaging, stitch and sculpture.
“As my Sadana (meditation and mantra) practice deepened, I witnessed this shift in me as I struggled to write in linear sentences,” she shares. “And I was feeling called to experiment with making sculptures that went from micro to cosmic size. As my process deepened, I was able to return to my writing with rich experiences and begin to express myself with what felt like ancient language.”
This is something that really resonates with me, as this year I felt my creative calling shift. While previously my collections have been rooted in motifs that inspire me or connect me to my heritage, this year I felt called to design pieces that were much more in-line with my personal energy. Poonam calls Shakti “the sacred invitation”, and this year, I feel I was invited to dig deep and opt for motifs that resonated with me on a much deeper level than ever before.
“Shakti is all movements, all ideas, all processes, all connections, all methodologies, all colours, all textures, all motions and shapes - all reside within her,” Poonam continues.
I love this way of thinking - Shakti is more than just the name for an idol of a Goddess. Shakti is an ever-shapeshifting force that expands and contracts to ignite and nourish creative thinking. With YSM8, Poonam aims to help her clients rediscover their connection to this primordial force.
“Shakti is the healing force that supports my clients to fall in love with themselves. She is the wisdom that rests within them.”
Poonam works with clients to remove creative blocks, to reconnect with themselves and move into a mindset of self-love. For her, Shakti is the energy that allows her to do this - her process, methodology and approach.
“I am simply the conduit- the vessel - the guide - the devotee who is attuned to Her,” concludes Poonam.
All images are courtesy of Poonam Dhuffer
I’m honoured to have the opportunity to share Poonam’s perspective on Shakti with you, and hope it has sparked some introspection for you. I also had the pleasure of speaking to folk singer Pritee Varsani about her connection with Shakti., read it here. I’d love to hear about what Shakti means to you - email me hello@anishaparmar.com to share!
