Reena Ahluwalia Receives Fellow Award, Delivers Keynote Address At The George Brown College Convocation 2017

Full Keynote Speech by Reena Ahluwalia. Drawing from some of the pivotal lessons from her life, Reena Ahluwalia urged students to nurture and value their unbounded mind, their unique inner compass and passion to persevere.

After an extensive vetting process, Toronto’s George Brown College chose jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia to serve as their keynote speaker at Convocation 2017. According to Dean Luigi Ferrara, “Reena’s influential work in the global diamond and jewelry industry, her achievements in the world of Fashion and Visual Art and service as Faculty and mentor to so many of our students, made her the ideal choice for inspiring our graduates and sending them off into this exciting new phase of their lives.” 

Drawing from some of the pivotal lessons from her life, Reena Ahluwalia, jewelry designer, painter, professor and community builder, urged students to nurture and value their unbounded mind, their unique inner compass and the passion to persevere. During the ceremony Reena received an honorary degree in International Fashion Management and an Institute without Boundaries (IwB) Fellow Award for leaving an indelible mark on industry, country, community and for her contributions to the areas of study offered at George Brown for being an exceptional role model for the students. Reena’s full Keynote Speech can be seen here: https://youtu.be/jnuiYuxtLtI

Anne Sado, President of the George Brown College, said, “Our Academic Management Committee made up of all college Deans, were unanimous in recommending Reena Ahluwalia. Our criteria for granting an honorary degree is for people who have made an exceptional contribution to the country, world, with relevance to the College. As a person worthy of this recognition, Reena Ahluwalia exemplifies the qualities that George Brown College staff and students strive for – perseverance, passion and excellence.”

The George Brown College convocation ceremony for the Centre of Arts, Design & Information Technology was held on June 12th, 2017 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada.

The Art And The Artist | Reena Ahluwalia Featured by Adorn Magazine

Reena Ahluwalia was recently featured in ADORN Magazine - India's First Luxury Jewellery Magazine (Nov. - Dec. 2016). In an exclusive interview, editor Shanoo Bijlani finds out more about artist Reena Ahluwalia, her art and what drives her to create her diamond paintings. 

The Portrait of Innovation - Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia

"Shine like the whole universe is yours." -- Rumi

This universe is truly ours! You and I are brilliant specks of consciousness in this vast universe. I love this simple idea that has the power to liberate and empower us. To dream freely, to reach within and share our thoughts uninhibited with the universe is a beautiful thing. 

A dream with courage is innovation. Innovation is exactly what Aaron Shum of Aaron Shum Jewelry created in his patented diamond setting. Coronet Solitaire has accomplished what centuries of master jewelers have tried - creating a luminous grand solitaire effect - with only 30 points of diamond (and 1/10th the price of its solitaire equivalent). So when Aaron asked me to custom create a diamond painting of the 'Coronet', we both knew instantaneously that it would not just be a copy of the diamond setting. We knew that undertaking this commission will mean that I will be painting not a specimen of the diamond setting but rather a portrait of innovation and telling the story of a diamond dream. 

The 'Coronet' diamond painting was a true joy to create and took 45 days and nights. The painting belongs to my 'Diamond Portrait Series'. At 48 x 48 inches (4x4 feet), it's an extremely detailed and precise portrait of innovation. The Coronet setting ensembles seven round brilliants with an elevated center diamond set without prongs, creating effect of one grand solitaire. 

The Coronet® Diamond Painting was unveiled on 15 September 2016 in a special exhibition at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016. The response was overwhelming! In addition to the Coronet® portrait painting, the exhibition featured seven of my diamond paintings in Hong Kong for the very first time.  

Aaron Shum Jewelry and I also announced our upcoming jewelry design collaboration which we launched in Baselworld 2017 - the spectacular CORONET BY REENA AHLUWALIA diamond jewelry collection.  

Miss Switzerland, Kerstin Cook radiates in the 'Inner Brilliance' spinning diamonds jewelry from 'Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia'. VIEW THE COLLECTION. Image credit: Abdou HILALI | Baselworld

Below is a look at the making of the 'Coronet' Diamond Painting. Enjoy!

'Coronet' Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia for Aaron Shum Jewelry. 48 x 48 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Close up details. 'Coronet' Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia for Aaron Shum Jewelry. 48 x 48 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

VIDEO: Making of the Coronet Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia.

The CORONET Diamond painting by artist and jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia for Aaron Shum Jewelry Ltd. was unveiled at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016. The painting is a 4x4 feet, extremely detailed and precise portrait of innovation. The guests of honour at the unveiling were Jimee Essink, General Manager of UBM Asia, the show organiser; Vicky Chan, deputy General Manager of Chow Tai Fook; and Alex Popov, Chairman of the World Diamond Mark.

The Coronet Diamond painting was unveiled at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016.

The Coronet Diamond painting was unveiled at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016. L to R: Kent Wong, Chow Tai Fook, artist Reena Ahluwalia, Alice Trinh & Aaron Shum, Aaron Shum Jewelry.

Tremendous response! Press Conference and the unveiling of the Coronet Diamond painting at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016.

Making of the 'Coronet' Diamond Painting:

Ever wondered how I create the under-drawing of my paintings? Here's the layout of the Coronet Diamond. Although it takes a long time, I thoroughly enjoy the precision and geometry involved. Being a jewelry designer and professor of technical drawing helps too. Making of the Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Symmetry, precision and balance! Working on my canvas backgound. Making of the 4-feet Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Close up detail of one of the seven round brilliant diamonds. Making of the 4-feet Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Symmetrically beautiful. Seven round brilliant cut diamonds make the Coronet several times brilliant! Making of the 4-feet Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Magnificent Seven (diamonds) in this painting! To me it looked like a dazzling Kaleidoscope. Making of the 4-feet Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia

The sheer brilliance of the Coronet diamond is inspiring. At all stages during the creation of this painting, I was mindful to tease out its powerful positive essence and present it through each of my brush strokes. There, within these magnificent magnified facets lie stories that each of us can individually interpret. That's what makes diamonds special to me, because they are carrier of stories, yours and mine. Making of the 4-feet Coronet Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia. ©Reena Ahluwalia.

Heart of Gold - A Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond Painting By Reena Ahluwalia

It’s that heart of gold, and stardust soul that make you beautiful!

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Isn't a heart of gold the best treasure of all? Capturing the warm glow of sun rays, 'Heart of Gold' is my yellow heart-shaped diamond painting, one of three heart-shaped diamond painting from the Diamond Portrait Series. I went ahead and added real natural diamond dust with paint in the painting, the diamond dust sparkles when it catches light.

The most romantic of all diamonds, heart-shaped diamonds are often referred to as an extremely popular fancy cut and the ultimate representation of love. I love working with heart-shaped diamonds for my jewelry creations. So much so that I wrote about most Famous Heart-Shaped Diamonds in history. 

Here are a few images of the painting and process...

'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond
36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Close-up detail of the 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

When you shine, the world shines with you! In progress, 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Be the light in someone's life! In progress, 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

It’s that heart of gold, and stardust soul that make you beautiful! Making of the 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Unlocking the heart of gold, one brush stroke at a time! Making of the 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Let's follow our heart, it leads to our dreams! 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Setting heart on fire, one facet at a time! Progress of 'Heart of Gold' - Portrait of a Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Natural Diamond Dust and Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Real diamond dust, a signature of Reena Ahluwalia paintings. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Reena Ahluwalia with her trio of diamond paintings. To see the other paintings of this series, please check out the 'Diamond Portrait Series' by Reena.

Passionate Heart - A Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond Painting By Reena Ahluwalia

Life is short. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

Celebrating a heart full of passion, 'Passionate Heart' is my pink heart-shaped diamond painting, one of three heart-shaped diamond painting from the 'Diamond Portrait Series'. Pink diamonds are extremely rare diamonds and are the hot favorite of collectors and connoisseurs. The most romantic of all diamonds, heart-shaped diamonds are often referred to as an extremely popular fancy cut and the ultimate representation of love. I love working with heart-shaped diamonds for my jewelry creations. So much so that I wrote about the most Famous Heart-Shaped Diamonds in history. 

Here are a few images of the painting and process...

Live with passion, follow your heart!

'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond
36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Close up detail. 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Preparing color palette for my pink 'Passionate Heart' diamond painting. Coloration within a pink diamond is highly nuanced. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Life full of passion is a beautiful one! Reena Ahluwalia in her studio working on the 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Do it with passion or not at all! In progress, 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Diamond facets are so beautiful and detailed, don't you think? Just like a heart ... you look into its depths, you find so much more to love. Facet details of 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Reena Ahluwalia at her studio working on the 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Reena Ahluwalia at her studio working on the 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Completed and signed! 'Passionate Heart' - Portrait of a Pink Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

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Pure Heart - A White Heart-Shaped Diamond Painting By Reena Ahluwalia

Beauty of a pure heart shines brighter than any star!

Nothing can stop us to radiate our inner brilliance. A pure heart is pure light! It's that essence I set out to capture in my painting. After all, what is heart without story?

From the 'Diamond Portrait Series', this painting is a portrait of 'Pure Heart'. A D-flawless white heart-shaped diamond full of light and brilliance. The most romantic of all diamonds, heart-shaped diamonds are often referred to as an extremely popular fancy cut and the ultimate representation of love. I love working with heart-shaped diamonds for my jewelry creations. So much so that I have written about the most Famous Heart-Shaped Diamonds. 

Here are a few images of the painting and process! Enjoy...!

'Pure Heart' - Portrait of a White Heart-Shaped Diamond
36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Shining through a 'Pure Heart'! Close up detail. 'Pure Heart' - Portrait of a White Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Trio of heart-shaped diamond paintings belong to the 'Diamond Portrait Series' by Reena Ahluwalia. 'Pure Heart' is one of the three heart-shaped diamond painting. ©Reena Ahluwalia

So meditative! Preparing palette for my 'Pure Heart' diamond painting. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Polished diamonds are pure precision! If you know your diamonds, you totally know this! My paintings, just like my jewelry pieces capture precision and pay tribute to this poetry in geometry. Progress of 'Pure Heart', my white heart-shaped diamond painting from 'Diamond Portrait Series'. ©Reena Ahluwalia

A pure heart is pure light! It's that essence I want to capture in my painting. After all, what is heart without story? Reena Ahluwalia in her studio working on the painting. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Dazzle & shine B R I G H T, because you can! Detail of 'Pure Heart', my white heart-shaped diamond painting in progress. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Making of the 'Pure Heart' diamond painting. ©Reena Ahluwalia

Close up detail. 'Pure Heart' - Portrait of a White Heart-Shaped Diamond. 36 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. ©Reena Ahluwalia

When your heart is in the right place. 'Pure Heart' white heart-shaped diamond painting in progress. Reena Ahluwalia in her studio. ©Reena Ahluwalia

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