A few days a ago, a close friend, asked me how it felt to live now that Baba (my father) has passed away. My father — Prabhakar Vasudeo Gokhale (88), passed away earlier this year. As my friend and I talked about this, my mobile phone & Instagram (being the excellent listeners that they are, assuming that’s what I’m ‘into’ right now ; ) immediately took up the responsibility of serving me posts that were connected to losing a parent. First one of the lot was this quote by Paul Rudd who said “When you lose a parent, the world is off its axis and never rights itself….You either adapt or you perish.” My friend waited for an answer, and here’s what I replied –
My father taught me how to ride a bike, as must be the case with many of us. This was when I was about 6 years old and visiting my brother Raam in New Jersey with my parents. We got the bicycle out on this little community street and he convinced me to get on the bike and try. He instructed me to start pedaling and moving ahead, assuring me that there was no reason to be scared about falling because he was going to be holding the bike at the back the whole time. Trusting him, I started to pedal. It seemed impossible at first but after a few pedaling cycles, I started feeling like I could do it. I looked back and he was still holding on running behind me, smiling. He kept telling me that even though he wouldn’t let go, I now had everything I needed to go ahead without him. With my new-found confidence and excitement, I started pedaling a little faster. And before I knew it, I was balancing myself completely and going fast ahead! I had learnt how to ride a bicycle. By myself.
Now I looked back again. And it shocked me when I realized that my father was now standing at a far distance, not holding my bike at the back anymore. He had let go. This moment of shock, caused me, the girl who could now ride a bicycle perfectly well all by myself, to fall down. Of course, with time, I did get back on the bicycle and just kept on pedaling ahead because I knew Baba will always have my back : ) This art is my tribute to all the fabulous Dads out there.
83 Oranges® is an eclectic brand & studio featuring unique art, designs and prints created & curated by Indian artist Uma Gokhale - solo as well as through collaborations worldwide. At 83 Oranges®, we help you showcase your personal style through art. Our art pieces are more than just visually stunning – they are made to endure. We have two main goals — ensuring the best quality and making fulfillment as eco-friendly as possible. Our internationally-collected pieces are rooted in ideas, color, craft & impeccable quality with a focus on sustainability, craftsmanship & design and are sold by the artist herself - no middle man. Uma’s work is known to defy labels and for its generous use and balance of vibrant colors.
Sarah N. Verified owner –
Excellent quality prints. Just the statement piece my living room needed. Will come back soon. Giving 4 stars only because it was delivered a couple of days late but the wait was totally worth it ❤️ Thanks guys!
☼Romalyn☽ Alpaz Verified owner –
Super vibrant print and the artwork is very detailed and colorful..My kind of art! It makes me feel so happy when I look at it hanging on my living room wall.
Amar J. Verified owner –
Shop exclusive premium small batch art prints, canvas prints & fabric prints by Indian artist Uma Gokhale | Eclectic Bohemian wall art & Posters shipping worldwide.
Elena Kasparis Verified owner –
I’m living in Miami and saw this artwork advertised for sale on a Facebook group and loved it. I tracked down on the internet that you are the artist and saw your profile that said to send you a little note if we got any of your artwork. Just wanted to say how much I love having this colorful art in my bathroom – it gives me a smile when I’m doing my skincare routine! 🙂 A great little touch of whimsy for my day-to-day!