For you, my tears don't stop.

Top: We Have Triumphed, 2008
Middle: You either have it or you don't, 2006
Bottom: nah rukte hain ansoo, 2008

Yesterday, before I heard news of the latest Israeli assault on Gaza, I begin incorporating the words of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (1942-2008) into my drawings. His words "We have triumphed over the plan to oust us from history" remind me that erasure of a people is not possible, no matter how many bombs are dropped, how many homes are razed, how many people are systematically starved, and how many history books are written and rewritten. Ironically, today, as Israel attempts once again to oust Palestinians from history, the spirit of those who survive will triumph.

The piece in the middle is a small collage I made a few years back. It was an exercise in response to the famous George W. Bush line: "You are either with or or against us." I cannot DISAGREE more.

The piece on the top is inspired by a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan qawaali. This line translates as: "The tears don't stop".

The top and bottom works are dedicated to all those that have died from Israeli occupation, state terrorism, violence and aggression, including Palestinians and Arab and Jewish Israelis. For you, my tears don't stop.

Necking It!

Wouldn't you want to put this around your girl's (or guy's) neck? I would, just that I'm still waiting for her to walk through my door. Nevertheless, I have dreams of making these neck pieces in black onyx and gold. Any designers/manufacturers out there who wanna collabo? Drop me a line if you got a lead.

Top: Rani as in "Queen" in Hindi.
Bottom: Swagat as in "Welcome" in Hindi.
All designs copyright misc. 2008.

Composites!

Pop Quiz: What two words make up each of these composites?
Clue 1: there is one Hindi and one English word in each puzzle.
Clue 2: There is a clear word relationship in each Composite.

If you have no clue, check back later in the week for answers!

What? Did you just say you are SO excited to solve this that you wanna run and learn Hindi? Props to you!

Pure Gospel. Old Truth.

Repeat this:
"The ancient truth, ageless truth
Is, now, truth.
And Nanak says,
It will always be truth."
(Gurmukhi script in drawing)

Want Mor?

Nah, not a typo. Mor as in peacock in Hindi. Don't quite now why I drew it, but I did. Want More?

"Punjabi" in Hindi

For years now, I have been trying to teach myself to read Hindi. In my brief stint as a student in DPS (Delhi Public School), I was making quick progress, although the lack of continued exposure in Toronto meant that I barely remembered a thing once I returned to Toronto. Later on, in high school, I enrolled in evening Hindi classes which turned out to be more about having fun - or making fun - with friends. Earlier this year, when I was in India for three months, I once again began teaching myself the alphabet, although with so much calling my attention there, this once again fell to the wayside. Now, I have rekindled my desire to learn to read Hindi and have started by working it into my art. What better way to learn then by spending hours writing just one word! Hindi readers, I do hope you are able to find the word "Punjabi" in this maze of lines!

Tat Tvam Asi

...or "Thou Art That". I learned of the significance of this concept back in undergrad when I took a course on South Asian Art. It was one of my favourite courses because of the professor, the material and the fact that we learned about the relationship between religiousity and art in a South Asian - mostly Hindu and Buddhist - context. "Tat Tvam Asi" is a Sanskrit (an Indian classical language) phrase that unites the individual Self with the greater Self. Oh and by the way, the words "Tat Tvam Asi" are hidden somewhere in the drawing above. A beautiful word search? Enjoy!

Let Love Rule

(Click on image for a better view.)

I'm back! Yes, it was quiet on the blog front for three weeks as I was away from my studio. But now that I am back, stay tuned for fresh new work! Peace.

Tagore translates Kabir

Rabindranath Tagore translated Kabir's work in 1914. Kabir was a mystic and a medieval Indian saint and poet who lived in Northern India from 1440-1518. This lines translates as: "O Sadhu! practise that Word!" In Tagore's translation, this line is preceded by: "Receive that Word from which the Universe springeth! / That Word is the Guru; I have heard it, and become the disciple. / How many are there who know the meaning of that Word? / O Sadhu! practise that Word!"

Barack Obama, Shine On

"Creative Imagination + Brilliance = Wisdom"
- Toni Morrison on Barack Obama

Just imagine for a moment what a different place this world would be if the political leaders of this world ACTUALLY loved? What would it mean if they lead with their heart, mind and soul? When you step with the ideology of love, it does not matter what party, religion, race, gender, class you represent. When you step with love, you are a leader and you deserve to lead, in fact, you MUST lead.

"Win" or "lose", Barack, you are my man. Shine on.

Btw, big thanks to Sterling Ensemble feat. Mario Inchausti: "Truth (I Know You Are Beautiful)" (Obama Mix) (via soulbounce) for the musical inspiration for the "Obama Love" piece above.

Whodunit?

Well, now you know : ) Both these works (7.5" x 5.5", Limited Edition of 10, Giclee on Archival paper) - Bliss and Peace - will be for sale at the Whodunit? OCAD Mystery Art Sale in Toronto from November 19 to 22. Each work will sell for $75, surely a better investment then stocks : )

Oops!

A little sumthin' to celebrate the courage of my lezzie and fag (oops!) sisters and brothers out there on Queen/r Street West in Toronto and elsewhere around the globe : ) Let's keep living boldly and with love. Peace.

Everything is Everything REMIXED

CLICK on the image for a better view.

A little dose of inspiration has got me : )
So i've thrown done this remix for all y'all.
Enjoy!

I & I

This morning I'm giving you something a little special - "I & I". I and I is a concept and phrase used by Rastafari to suggest, among other things, that Jah (God or the spirit that lives within us) and "I", the outer "self", are one. There is absolute unity. It's a mystical concept that moves me each time I hear it. It is a reminder to me that all of us are one in our perfection, we only need to polish that mirror clear so we can see it.

German mystic Meister Eckhart said:
"If I am to know God directly,
I must become completely He and He I,
so that this He and this I become and are one I"

As Morgan Heritage says:
"...I and I feel the vibes
Lord knows it feels right
We can feel Jah love, woy
Flowing amongst mankind..."

Peace

Open Your Eyes

"Darlin' open your eyes and let me show you the light...There is a light that shines special for you and me..."

(In appreciation of Bobby Caldwell, Dwele and Common.)

Heaven on Earth

CLICK on the image for a better view.

Translation:
If there be a Paradise on Earth.
It is this, it is this, it is this.
- Shahjahan
(Diwan-i-Khas, Lal Qila, New Delhi, India)

Everything is Everything

CLICK on the image for a better view.

See post below for explanation. One day. Peace. (Thanks L Boogie)

Nothing Even Matters

CLICK on the image for a better view.

...no more. One day, I hope to be there. Where nothing even matters even when everything matters. Huh? I know you know. Meditate. Peace.

That Language is Gospel

CLICK on the image for a better view.

Wrds a power. Gon keep on keepin on. Much rspct. (txt mssge) : )

X's and O's

Yup. Sometimes it really can be that simple. xoxo

Pure Gospel. New Truth.

Some dope words from/for my biggest fan and soul brother for real. Peace.

Untitled...

Freedom, a personal rendition.

Rawalpindi. New Delhi. Lahore.

An exercise in imagination.

Unstoppable!

"...Ey ey ey ey / You don't lie / Ey ey ey ey / You don't lie...I got to be Unstoppable..."

Much respect, Santogold.

Go With Love

When you go out on a date with yourself, go with love. Enough Said.

A Flower For You

It's Poppin'. Or Is It?

Top: Lighthouse (Jaffa, Palestine), acrylic on canvas, 2008, 3' x 3'
Bottom: Choose Life, acrylic on canvas, 2008, 3' x 3'

I've started painting large and loud! The colours are jumping off the canvas and I just don't know how to stop! Really though, it's a love hate kinda thrill. So how about you decide, is it poppin' or is it not?

For the Love of Drawing

Revolution!

Okay, I lied : ) Enjoy.

Latram Patram and Other Non Sense.

This weekend was a throwback to a phrase I haven't heard in years: Latram Patram. Its Punjabi for "nonsense, useless, etc., misc.(!)" My attachment to this word makes little sense to me. However, something of its nostalgia has inspired me to throw down some lines and shapes. Something about it also satisfies my search for lost words in my childhood vocabulary--words that fall out of use as identities undergo transformation.

Stay tuned for other Non Sense to follow.

Get Your Kurta On!

T-shirts are SO yesterday so why not get your kurta on? I am selling the fabulous FabIndia kurta shown above with hand-sewn detailing (by me). It's 100% cotton and can be rocked with jeans, tights or low rider patialas! $65. Size small.

Drop me a line at misc@meerasethi.com or in the comment area below if you're interested in buying. Remember it's one-of-a-kind and won't last long!

CHOOSE LIFE.

What more can I say? CHOOSE LIFE. I saw this statement on someone's t-shirt recently. Bold and to the point. The drawing in which the diagonals are talking to the triangles are dedicated to that statement and the beautiful soul who was wearing it.

Oh and in case there is any doubt, CHOOSE LIFE is not an anti-abortion statement. I fully support a woman's right to choose. CHOOSE LIFE is about making a choice to be all the best you can. As Sizzla says:

"Yes,you got to be strong / And be all the best you can / The world is out there, conquer your fears / And don't you wait too long..."

Be strong (and vulnerable).

Peace.