5th July 2026 Beena
When I shared my watercolour painting of a majestic Kenyan elephant I named Nashipae, I was moved by how many people connected with it. The name Nashipae means “Happiness” in Maasai, and I hoped to capture and share that spirit through my art.
As a child, I was captivated by elephants—their sheer presence inspired awe rather than fear. Across the world, elephants hold deep symbolic meaning: in Hindu temples, they represent strength, wisdom, good fortune, and protection—qualities we all long for. In Hinduism, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, removes obstacles; in Buddhism, the white elephant stands for mental power and purity. For Africans, elephants embody leadership and resilience. In Thailand and Myanmar, they are revered as symbols of royalty.
This painting was inspired by Pradip Baiju’s striking photograph, captured during a safari in Tsavo National Park. The elephant’s reddish hue is not just beautiful—it’s a testament to their resilience. The mud, flung across their vast bodies, shields them from the blazing African sun, cools them, and wards off biting flies and parasites. Each brushstroke sought to honour that strength and adaptability.
Did you know elephants can paint? With guidance from their handlers, some elephants learn to create expressive works of art. Suda, a four-year-old elephant in Thailand, has become internationally renowned for her vibrant paintings.
Do you have any similar stories about elephants? I would love to hear them.