Lets Play Catchup!

It all started with a thought: "This weekend I have to catch up with a lot of stuff. including myself."

Catching up with oneself never happens over a couple of days. It involves a whole lotta jumps, dives, surfs and elephants...or maybe thats just for me. 

Some ice creams and many drawings later:

(Blogger doesn't allow HD viewing here. Check out the direct vimeo link for better video)

We keep catching up with things, or things try to catch up with us.

 Regardless, it is a constant game of catchup. So lets all just play!

Fridays at The Tampered Press

I had a ritual a few months back. A weekly visit to this warm, cozy cafe- a routine set outside the usual routine. Here are some sketches made in between thoughts and treats.

There was a table of three fathers having very entertaining conversations about their lives. 

If you live in Toronto and haven't been to The Tampered Press, you should definitely check it out! Its located just across trinity bell woods on Dundas and Shaw. 

That Wonderful Feeling

A few sips of the coffee, a bite of the cake, and some eavesdropping later, a profound thought arrived. 

Here it is:

Catch a snooze

Sleep where you can,

bus or train;

It's tiring,

life in the fast lane.

Bear Witness

"Bear witness to the situation and have faith that the right thing to do will naturally arise."

-Bernie Glassman, Dude and the Zen Master

This quote inspired a pun, and then the drawing begun...

A compilation of dialogues between Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman, this book is a great read! You can find an excerpt of dialogue between the two here.

Taking The Wheel

I had the good fortune of attending a brainstorming session for Azad Foundation, a non-profit organization based in New Delhi and Sakha cabs, its brainchild. Sakha is a car hire service that provides transportation for women, by women. 

Steering clear of yawn inducing speeches, the meticulously organized session was packed with information, visual aids, Q&A rounds and discussions amongst the attendees. Shanti and Khushi, employed with Sakha as cab drivers spoke about their inspiring journeys- not only about how far they have come, but also how far they aspire to go. Their smiling faces and simple words revealed the power they hold in their hands and mind.

Two illustrators were also present. They drew everybody, and I drew them.

The beautiful symbiotic relationship between Azad and Sakha has empowered many women, impacting the family and community as well. At a time when safety for women has become a dire issue in this country, they are already ahead of the game, both in vision and action. A venture as great and significant as this can in no way be an easy task. The Azad-Sakha joint spirit is an inspiration!

A Comical Life: Thoughts, Feelings and Emotions on swimming and shit

Hello Dilli

A comic about comical India

[Dialogues written according to phonetics: translation attempted below]

People's faces and bodies frozen when in front of the camera, never ceases to amuse.

Here are two Stylish bandhas(dudes) photographing India Gate

Drawing boards and Donkeys

Life drawing at The Artists 25 studio- A very nice space with the feel of a proper studio- donkeys, easels, a wash basin crusted with paints...the whole nine yards.

Its a different feel to stand in front of a drawing board and a well- posed model. I tend to forget how satisfying it is.

One of the problems with not going often is, you make many mistakes. Here are a few that I noticed:

The session I attended was run by this guy:

He was hardcore and painted the model during short poses, stealing a snooze in between the longer ones.

The place was great, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in Toronto who is interested! Check it out-  http://www.artists25.ca

Standing Scoliosis

"I stand everywhere now. At night I go home and stand - a single bulb swaying from the ceiling of a featureless room - waiting until it is time to come back into the office."- Rich Duhaney