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.