Thinking aloud through sketches, words and humour
Koi didn’t visit Monk for over a week. She spent time reflecting on all the conversations over the last few days. Soon, winter arrived and the mornings got even more colder. At the crack of dawn, a expansive blanket of fog stretched sleepily across the lake. At the bank, where Monk sat every day, a... Continue Reading →
Monk knew Koi was back and she was patiently waiting till Monk was ready to speak. “Good morning Koi. I see you are up early today.” “Good morning Monk. Yes I am. I swam here as soon as I woke up.” The lake was silent this morning as the sunrise unraveled itself. There was no... Continue Reading →
The sun cast long shadows and began its goodbyes by kissing the lake golden. A lazy mist floated upon the water, as Koi made her way back to the banks. She could see the Monk bathed in the shimmering hues of the evening sun. His face was glowing with an ethereal aura. Koi hesitated and... Continue Reading →
It was still raining heavily that morning, when Koi returned to the Monk. This time, she was sure the Monk would still be there. All the other fish had swiftly retreated to the safety of lake bed, perturbed by the rhythmic pitter patter of raindrops on the surface and the occasional sound of distant thunder.... Continue Reading →
“What is gut feel, Monk? I hear everyone speaking about this and instinct and intuition. Tell me more.” Koi had been waiting to ask the monk this question since the last evening. Monk gifted Koi his trademark smile, that always radiated suddenly from his calm meditative visage. “Your questions are getting interesting Koi. Often, you... Continue Reading →
There was a slight drizzle and Koi wasn’t sure he would find the monk. She swam towards the garden anyway, amidst gentle ripples that danced as raindrops kissed the water. The monk was there, in his regular spot by the water, sitting cross legged with an aura of calm around him, unperturbed by the rain... Continue Reading →
Monk was expecting the Koi any moment now, he could sense Koi’s curious energy. Koi appeared on cue, gently past the lotus leaves near the banks of the lake. “Monk, I have something I want to talk about today.” “Koi, I see you have brought your friends along too.” “I have been sharing our conversations... Continue Reading →
The Koi was back after a few days. Swimming up to the monk on a cold winter morning, as a blanket of fog hung over the lake. The monk spoke first, with his eyes gently shut, yet sensing Koi was nearby in silence. “You are back Koi. How have you been?” “I am well Monk.... Continue Reading →
The Monk eyes were still shut, but he sensed an aura of restlessness as Koi approached him. “Is everything ok, Koi?” asked the monk with his eyes still closed. The Koi spoke as he neared the banks of the zen garden. “Monk, I am not feeling happy today. I watched you and have been trying... Continue Reading →
The Monk felt the Koi’s presence and opened his eyes “Welcome back my friend.” Koi smiled and said “I have another thought today Monk.” The Monk waited for Koi to continue. “Monk, how do I learn to forgive?” The monk smiled at Koi. “I love your questions Koi” and then closed his eyes in silence... Continue Reading →
The Koi fish was back early morning. “I thought of another question Monk.” She said. The monk patiently waited for Koi to speak. “What is wisdom Monk?” The monk was silent for what seemed like eternity and then he spoke softly. “Koi, Wisdom is listening intently to knowledge and making use of what she imparts.”... Continue Reading →
I have begun creating some time lapse videos of the monks being sketched. This is an initial exploration of the same. I am going to try and do this regularly and share the process of how the illustrations are created color, ink and all.
Tried playing and exploring working with photographs and creating layers with the monk. Some cool results. Still learning and having fun. Miss the simple joy of pen and ink and the meditative state of drawing them. But also having a blast playing with color. The best of both worlds - who said I need to... Continue Reading →
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.
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 →
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 →
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.
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.
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.
Finding direction and purpose, seeking why we do what we do and following the pursuit of true passion everyday.
a sketch I made on the importance of switching off everyday from everything and just being in the now.
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.
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 →
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 →
Decided to try my hand at Arabic calligraphy. The forms are exquisite and flow so smoothly. Wish I could read and know if I am writing the right things. For now enjoying the meditative flow of just writing and seeing forms come alive.
SEEKING ANSARS 