"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that... Continue Reading →
Monks with color
I explored adding more color to the monks. Detailed the buildings and depicted them in concentric circles to symbolise the inner journey to find oneself. Finding your own quiet spot and rejuvenating yourself need not await a vacation but finding balance everyday, all the time.
Connected minds
Once in a while, I let the monk get away from his solitude and mediate with others. The energy of connected silence i find visually and emotionally uplifting. In life too, we come across people who suddenly cross our paths, where you can immediately sense their aura, their positive energy and shared intent. Suddenly, there's... Continue Reading →
Depicting clarity
I am exploring ways to depict meditation and self knowledge. I found a few metaphors that align with my interpretation of the process. I am using building forms to depict the outside world and symbolize the noise of everyday life. The energy lines around the monk attempt to describe the changes and the aura that... Continue Reading →
Everyone meditates differently
Meditation is best defined as a state where the mind is silent, completely still and without distraction. The mind is clear, relaxed, and focused inward. We aspire to achieve a state where the mind is silent and no longer distracts. Every individual will have their own process to get to this state of being. It's... Continue Reading →
Where everyday is a vacation
Imagine a life where everyday is a vacation. Where every single day we wake up smiling with a hop in our step. What are things we do on a holiday? Slow down, hear the birds, feel the wind on our face, let go of all stress, do the things we love, spend quality time with... Continue Reading →
Givers gain
What goes around comes around. Goodwill is the most precious asset to nurture. Networking is helping others achieve their goals without expecting anything in return. The more you become a catalyst to people's dreams and aspirations, the more the power of reciprocity kicks in. The secret is not to expect it and never to make... Continue Reading →
Be still
Quieten the busy mind, switch off from the noise, get off the daily grind, tune into your inner voice. Allow the moment to embrace, the mind is an empty bowl, within this silent space, you will find your soul.
Having fun sketching!
I am managing to take out precious time every day to sketch. Still exploring quotes and concepts that inspire. The addition of using water color pens has allowed a add a dash of color to bring alive these ideas. I am also having a blast with the ribbon style 3D typography that's allowing the words... Continue Reading →
Visual quotes as sketches
I am having fun finding inspiring quotes and bringing them to life as sketches. Here are a couple of pages from the sketchbook.
Letting go
To be in a place where you can mould your self without the baggage of the past. To be able to access, be aware of and then let go of everything which doesn't sit well with our values. To be able to simply be in a state of equanimity and see situations and moments for... Continue Reading →
Depicting meditation
An illustration I made over coffee yesterday where I attempted to depict what meditation is for me. Meditation is to spend time in quiet thought where the mind is an empty vessel. The mind learns to form a ring that keeps external chatter completely away and slowly submerge into a space of complete inner silence. ... Continue Reading →
Karma
What we do determines what comes back to us tomorrow and not in the next life. Instant karma is knowing our actions create a boomerang of activities - good or bad.
Shut off digital noise
The need for the hour is to constantly just switch off from all digital distractions. Find time for ourselves without our phones, computers, tablets and television. To just be one with observes and the people around us. Look around and feel in the moment without noise.
Let time play
sometimes just let go of urgency, allow time to be a child. Let time just play without reason or a pursuit. Just being in the moment.
Now
Leave yesterday. Forget about tomorrow. Just savor how magically Now unfolds.
Finding direction
Finding direction and purpose, seeking why we do what we do and following the pursuit of true passion everyday.
Being in the now
a series of new sketches on being in the now. More meditative monks symbolizing the essence of soaking in every passing experience and switching off often.
Switching off
a sketch I made on the importance of switching off everyday from everything and just being in the now.
Hidden zen messages in art
having fun with a new series where messages are hidden in the drawings within the elements. Trying phrases now across elements. These are a build up to a large size image with a full sentence made up all over the frame. Watch this space and try and find the messages in these pictures.
Monks and typography
I tried blending 2 styles of sketching which I love and the results are interesting. The process is more than meditative and I empty my mind when I draw, imagining myself as a monk creating patterns in the garden.
Sketches inspired by the zen gardens of kyoto
I have now begun sketching the monks set within zen gardens. Many years ago I had visited Kyoto and I guess the impact still remains. The experience as I wandered through the gardens soaking in the effect of calm that permeates the space was spellbinding. Kyoto gardens was on my bucket list for the longest... Continue Reading →
The samurai in the mountain
He who conquers others is strong, He who conquers himself is mighty. -Lao Tzu A beautiful quote by Lao Tzu. I also worked on the kanji for the word Fearless within this.
The monks are back
My sketchbook is filled with monks now. It is fast evolving into my own meditation space. I blank my mind completely and let the pen do its work letting things evolve on their own. Finding kanji for values which resonate with me is exciting. The pictures tend to depict these values and then I seek... Continue Reading →
The new monk sketch
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle
When it rained
Dubai gets just a few days of rain every year and it becomes a momentous occasion. Radio stations bring out their romantic playlists across languages, social media posts of raindrops and wet roads jostle for attention and every one is smiling. What's app groups remind everyone that it's magical and encourage people to head away... Continue Reading →
Samurai and mountains
My next series. On the focus and ethic of the samurai warrior.
Sketches in a Singapore coffee shop
While Travelling to Singapore, I did a few sketches at a Starbucks on orchard street. It was midnight and raining outside. While I was sketching people around me, I suddenly realised that on each table sat groups of friends busy with their phones. They were hanging out but not conversing or acknowledging each other. Smiling... Continue Reading →