Randomness

          A small time gangster decides to leave behind everything that was once his and start a brand new life with the country girl his parents had arranged marriage for him. Don’t exactly remember the years, but three kids later, I was born. It was not a very classic love story but that was how the story was. Four more kids followed but two died as an infant. But this part of the story is not for today.

Title: Random Me

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas 

Size: 30x24 Inches 

Price: Please contact the artist directly. 

Signed and dated at the bottom left hand corner. 

          I was born so tiny that to imagine growing up as a man sounded like a joke, of course it was a good joke.  Then I found my second love within the lines and pages of some random book my big sister bought and it stayed. Soon, I started keeping journal but most of the pages ended up blank. I started writing down some random stories but never got completed. That was the love story.

          Year 1997, a civil riot divided our family into three. My father, my mom and me. My father; because he couldn’t quit his job, so he stayed with my older brother and sister who were in college. My mom; because it was not safe to stay in the town with the civil riot gaining momentum, so she shifted to our now permanent place with my two little brothers. And me; because I had to swap places between mom and dad’s because I was through quarter at school where my dad was and also trying to adjust shifting to a new school where mom relocated. Now it’s all settled.

          Physics was what I should have and math is what I graduated with. It all happened in New Delhi. Then my first love decided to come back again in my life. As expected, we fell madly in love again, romancing between colors and canvas. I quit my job. The journey continues.

          Last Word: Randomness is everywhere and this life we live is a very small part of this very big randomness, I think.

One Cold Winter Night

          The place where I come from, we never get to see the snow and the minimum temperature it can drop during the winter would be around 4°C. And now it would be unfair on my part to even try to explain how cold a winter can get and by the way, our winter here is almost over when I am writing this. So I will not even try to do that. But yes, I would want you to come with me on a walk through some streets one cold winter night.

Title: The Sleep 

Medium: Oil on Canvas 

Size: 30x24 Inches 

Sold to a private collector from UK

Signed and dated at the bottom right hand corner. 

           If you ever have had the opportunity to walk through the crowded streets of New Delhi before, you will know what I mean. But if you haven’t, here is what it looks like. As you would have already guessed it, it’s always crowded and honestly, it’s not even very safe to walk but the irony is, you are even at your worst if you are driving. It’s almost like a circus show where a person throws knife at an apple placed on another person’s head as the bull’s-eye. You are never safe. One moment, a car will honked at you when it’s almost about to hit you and the next moment you realized a beggar is pulling you from behind (you can even say molesting) for just a two rupee coin. Don’t fall for that unless you have a million in coins. One moment you will realize that you just got hit by a motorbike on a bicycle lane (Yes that happens) and the next moment, someone just pulled you to a corner to show you branded Ray-Ban goggles that you can buy it at “Only For You” price. Of course it’s a fake. And if you are a foreigner or a tourist, God himself will find it hard to save you from all the Auto Drivers and Rickshawpullers (but this I will leave it as homework for you to find it out for yourself). But then, the winter night sets in. Now we walk.

          The streets become deserted; fogs rule the roads and some stray dogs cuddle up somewhere in the corners for some sleepless night because of the cold. It’s just the starting. Soon, another layer of coldness will swipe over, that will be near enough to wipe out anything on its way. And then another layer, that will leave the bones of the stray dogs to chatter. Now the show starts and until the first light of the morning takes over and wipe out what just happened last night. You know these layers I am talking about. You have had the taste of its chill even with your warm clothes on and beneath the roof. But somewhere down these streets where we are walking right now, in some corners, someone is taking the same cold with a different degree of coldness as a cut on their skins. Another person is trying hard not to chatter his teeth because it makes him feel even more colder. One kid is shivering so bad that it might even wake up the person next to him. A mother is trying hard to warm her child, but she seems to run out of heat herself. What they need? No!!! They don’t have the strength to think right now. They are too busy trying hard not to be in the list of people who, “Seven people reported death last night due to the cold wave that swipe through the capital”. 

          Now, my painting doesn’t tell the story of any this people. Nor does it tell the story of what their suffering is or what they need. It was a painting I did here in winter when the cold was at its lowest and a theme based on a winter night when sleeping inside the warm blanket seems like the only comfort left in the whole world. But, that doesn’t mean, their story is not worth telling. It’s a shame that the government seems to be doing nothing for them and even these filthy rich are too busy attending late night parties. And it’s even a shame on me that these are the people who had pulled me for a 2 rupee coin, overcharged me for a rickshaw ride and enticed me for “Only For you” price for some fake Ray-Ban goggles during the day. I hope you like our walk. Stay warm.

Last Words: An original piece, but I must admit, certain aspects of this artwork is inspired by another work, in terms of positioning. More than that, it's an original creation.

Art...Improvised!!!

          Again sorry, because I haven't been regular in posting new post on my blog. Consider me lazy or whatever but here is a new painting I did sometime back but never got posted. Its an abstract art done on Oil on Canvas and of course untitled. As the headline says "Art...Improvised!!!" lets get there, shall we???

Title: Untitled

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size: 30 X 36 Inches

Price:Please contact the artist directly.

Signed and dated at the bottom right hand corner.

          The best way to buy colors is, select the colors you usually work with, list it down and buy in bulks. That saves you a lot deal of money in the near future. But there is a draw back with this method, single colors don't come in small quantities and that means you have to buy a lot more then required for the moment (Of course you can and will always use it in future), which means you have to burn a big hole in your pocket at the time of buying it.

          Yup, that's my problem. I am a struggling artist at the moment and don't have that much money in my pocket to burn. So my way of buying colors for now is, buy it in sets. When I buy it in sets, colors comes in smaller quantities which is sufficient for me to use at the time and which means lighter to my pocket. Well and good or maybe not... When I purchase colors in sets, at the end of the day there are so many unused colors left behind, inside the set, which I probably might never use it again for the fact that I can't imagine where to fit in those colors in my paintings.

          Not anymore!!! This painting was done with those many unused colors which I nearly decided to throw away. Yay!!! I am genius (Just kidding)...Anyway, in the above painting only blue and yellow are the real colors, the rest of the colors are the final result of mixed and use the unused colors effect. Cool huh!!! Well, that's about "Art...Improvised!!!". Apart from that, its an abstract figure of a women and her daughter but still is untitled, which I prefer more these days. And you are free to and more then welcome to have your own explanation and find your own beauty within the painting. I think that's the beauty of being an abstract. No boundaries or boundaries just set by your own imaginations.

          Be blessed.

Down The Memory Lane

          As a kid and till now, I always hated to be photograph. So as expected, I hardly have any pictures of my childhood. Sometimes, I wished I had taken more pictures of myself as a kid. I miss my childhood. Those days were so much fun. The days of Black and white, or is it?

Title:  Black and White

Medium:  Acrylic On Canvas

Size: 36x24 Inches

Price:Please contact the artist directly.

Signed and dated at the bottom right hand corner.

          By the time I was born, color film was taking over and the days of black and white photography was on the verge of extinction. However, I would always want to remember "Black and White" as the color of those days when I was a kid. My mom and dad always looks amazing and romantic in black and white in the old family frame. And Marilyn Monroe became a legend in those days. I guess some our childhood, where spend during those time when pictures developed were in black and white. Now, when I trace back those wonderful time in memories, it takes me through the path of black and white. Nostalgic feelings all over. Oh God!!! "Black and White still lingers somewhere unknown in me."

          This painting describe my mood as a childhood and till now, reluctant to be photographed, so it's a moody painting of a lady in black and white. The model in the painting, is a traces of a magazine (I don't remember the name now) that I once saw. Must have been a long time back and it was not in black and white, but she did leave an impression on me. I knew I was painting something like that one day. So, here it is.

         Last word, "All I ever wanted was to be a Kid, but this damn growing up will not leave me alone" Ahahaha...

The Story Of Salvation

          "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" Revelation 22:23

Title:  The Story of Salvation 

Medium:   Oil on Canvas

Size: 36x46 Inches

Sold to a private collector from India.
Sign and dated at the bottom right corner.

           This painting is the depiction of the life and death of Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice. The Salvation from sin.

          An abstract painting (Oil on Canvas) of the face of Jesus Christ, depicting his life on earth. Black background depicting the sins of mankind and evil and finally, the touch of  red pointed towards the eyes which is a representation of the blood of Jesus Christ shed when he was crucified on the cross. Thus saving mankind from their sins.

          The painting shows a troubled Jesus as he already knew his death, which is depicted by the touch of red which is pointed towards his eyes. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42.

          Rather a simple painting abstract painting but carries the story of the life of Jesus Christ on Earth and his ultimate sacrifice for mankind. His final words... 

          "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" John 10:30

Magazine cover follows....

So, finally after a long wait North East Sun gave us the cover story. But unfortunately, the final print got something wrong and my article for which I spend three sleepless night o write twas given credit in my friends name. For correction, a fortnight to wait. That's too long, so here is the original article I wrote, "The Story Behind Our Recent Show" and I am pretty sure many of you will never get to see the actual magazine itself as it is only distributed in India. Of course, this article was printed with a little editing.

Me, Cynthia and Jithuw (From left)

I am not the best but I am one of the best and I pray, even Jithuw and Cynthia have the same thinking. I hope this is a good way to start off with our story. This is not my story, neither this is Jithuw Pfuzeh’s story, nor Cynthia Kolakhe’s story. This is our story. This is “Random Lives and North East India”. This is us. Though just the beginning, we have come a long way.

When Mr. Kallol Dey (Principal correspondent at North East Sun) requested me to write about us and the story behind our recent show “Random Lives and North East India”, in front of Café Coffee Day one fine evening, I readily accepted his offer on the spot. I knew what I was going to write. But then, when I started to penned it down, I realized I barely knew anything about either Jithuw or Cynthia. I was completely lost. I couldn’t even find a word to start with. It was like; the dictionary had just run out of words. This is very me (lost every time within myself) but I needed to start. This cannot be just another story. It has to be good. It has to tell our story. I seriously needed a journalist perspective.

September or October of 2010, we met Cynthia over a cup of tea at a common friend’s place. I don’t remember now if it was a morning or an evening. Jithuw and I were roommates for nearly two years at that time. It was not the best of time, but I guess everything has its best time and it came. I was not painting for nearly 5 years, just some random sketching on my sketchbook when I get bored. Colors were totally forgotten. Jithuw was in his third year. He was busy with his studies and as a roommate, I know, he was barely painting. He was rather actively taking part in posters making at college competitions. But Cynthia must have been painting seriously at that time. I heard she did a solo show and also, she was into T-Shirt designing in collaboration with a clothing store at Lajpat Nagar, because a friend text me to go and check out some of her creations. I didn’t go and that’s funny. But let me take a wild guess here as I don’t remember exactly, it must have been that day that the seed of “Random Lives and North East India” was sown somewhere within us. Of course, the name “Random Lives and North East India” didn’t take its birth at that point of time. It came in much later. It was not a day of introduction. We have met quite a few times. Especially during our Mao student union function in Delhi, where we collaborate with some of our few other friends and worked together as a team from interior designing to choreographing fashion shows. Actually, by then we had become quite a very good friend.

Me, Cynthia and Jithuw (Bottom to top)

Unlike any other projects that we had worked together previously, “Random Lives and North East India” was something personal and dear to every one of us individually. It was not a project completed within a week or two. It was our baby and it took its time to grow up. It first open its eyes within our laughter, it took its first steps over dinners, adolescence, then time for teenager came with confusion and dilemma and finally when the time came for our baby to take the world, we knew we would do everything within our limited capacities to bring out the best. There was no going back. We hired the best curator we could find, Kapani S Kolakhe. Then, Jithuw and Cynthia was running around and meeting up people for sponsorship. They were hardly sleeping. They didn’t mention it, but I knew it through their sleepy eyes (especially Cynthia, funny!!!). It was going rough and soon we couldn’t keep up with it. I quit my job but it didn’t bring in the desired result. It was frustrating and I guess it was the worst phase we went through. We didn’t know what to do first or last, or whom to meet. Already limited resources were draining up fast with no returns. One meal a day was a luxury of time we could afford. Sleep deprived and some people we met even added to the already grave situation. And unfortunately we had to delay our show. From far, quitting seems like the best option but that option we wouldn’t take. Then, the wind changed its direction.

Me with my recent work

Indus Flavors steps in, the first sponsor Jithuw and Cynthia could tap in. Then sevendairy.com opened us with a new window. Sponsors started to flow in, we grew even stronger. Time was very limited and we needed publicity. We had to divide our works; Jithuw and Cynthia would handle the sponsors and printing part, and I would run after the media. I ask our curator Kapani to go along with me. Hindustan Times agreed to do us a story and we are still very much thankful to that sweet lady at HT whom Kapani and I met. White Smile and JK Construction agreed for sponsorship. Asian News International agreed to broadcast us on DD News, Asian Age was going to give a very good story. North East India Foundation extended their hand of brotherhood and became one of our sponsors. Financial and moral help came in from visionaries and, from families and friends. And finally, one very sweet and beautiful young lady joined us through the journey and gave us a very beautiful and encouraging story through Morung Express.

Resident Commissioner, Mr. Jyoti Kalash and Deputy Resident Commissioner, Mr. John Chawang, Govt. of Nagaland, stood by us and willingly offered Nagaland House to showcase our works. North East Sun gave us the big brother hand from the beginning and still continues. Indo-Bhutan Photography (indobhutanphotography.com) left behind cherished memories through their amazing photographs and with their continual help since our journey started. It started as an individual dreams and most likely a social cause, if it ever worked out. Hopes were tiny but still were hopes. We needed a fire to kindle. And we got that from everywhere and everyone. Jithuw will later say “The theme Random lives and northeast India came as a random choice and so is my profession as an artist”. And to Cynthia, “it’s about our life with full of surprises and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success”. Two days exhibition and it turned out to be a big success. Crowds thronged the venue and Jithuw says, “Our exhibition brought in many media, hundreds of crowds from students to professors, diplomats, officers to retired persons, foreigners and many Delhites”.

The rectified version of the article i wrote

“Random Lives and North East India” is a journey of the three of us spanning over a year. A journey, through the path of inspirations and depressions, understandings and misunderstandings, laughs and fights but it did leave behind traces of us along the path through the success that we achieved after the show. It was a path less taken, I would say, by our own people. But we took it and we are proud for that.

Me and Charity, Continue....

           After my last post on Alicia Silverstone, things aren't going very good at this end. I sat down to paint but hardly any new inspirations has hit me lately. Even the one I am working on right now, I couldn't find the strokes I needed in me. So, I am kind of unemployed here on Facebook and twitter (hahaha).... Anyway, as I am a little free today and tomorrow, I wanted update what had happened after my last show.

Untitled. 

Medium:  Acrylic on Canvas.

Size: 24x36 Inches

Not For Sale 

           Its been quite a lovely journey. Two paintings done, as gift. One for lovely friend of mine which is till lying here in my room but I cannot post the picture of it yet, because my friend doesn't want me to post the pictures until she sees it first. So, I am kind of still waiting for her to collect it soon. I will update the picture as soon as she collects it.

           But here is the picture of the painting I painted for the children home. (The picture quality is bad and now I wish I had a phone with a better camera, blackberry camera s**ks. Anyway, here is what I could come up best with some editing).

      Very recently, I met one of my long lost childhood friend on facebook after almost 14 years. Its was heart warming and we exchange our phone numbers. Then, one evening he call me up and we spoke for nearly an hour over the phone. During this conversation, he told me that he and one of his uncle was running a children home for unprivileged kids. And as I found out that some of the children at the children home were very interested in paintings but have no clue how to start or most likely no opportunity. So, I assure my friend that maybe I could do something about that. And I told him that I was willing to paint the kids one painting as it was not possible for me to physically down go there and teach them (or at least at this point of time) as my friend live in another city.

          Later it seems my friend conveyed the message to the kids and the kids were very excited about my painting (and I was very excited too) and my friend also told me that they even wanted to see me (I hope that plan works out very soon). Well, this is what I came up with for them. My childhood dream to own a modified Ambassador car (no, still I don't have one).

         Last heard the kids were too excited to see the final work. Wow!!! I am even more excited then them.

MY FIRST SHOW FOR CHARITY

              I did my first show in association with "The Tent" (A unit under Touch Trust India) for their fund raising campaign to help and uplift under-privileged children find a better world to live in. I put up two of my paintings and major portion of the sale donated for their goodwill mission. This was my first try at water color as a medium of painting. Here are my two paintings.

 Title:  Agony Hand.

 Medium:  Water Color on Paper.

         Agony hand describes the story of the clashes of the rich and poor within the character of a human holding a cigarette. Its a painting of a malnourished man depicting the poor class in the society, holding a cigarette which a the part of the rich in the society and the background of blue and brown depicts the confusion, clashes, and imbalance in the world we live in.

        I just hope and pray, the world we live in was a better place for everyone where everyone gets the same opportunity to live a better live. Lets try and create a world a better place for everyone.

Title:  A life in a Day

Medium:  Water Color on Paper.

             A Life in a Day tells the story of a modern person's life capture within a day. Its a construction of geometrical figures as a backdrop of a room and skyscrapers where we have everything we need but still not satisfied with our own lives. We are lost, we seek identity but it still elude us.

            It depicts the pain of a person sitting inside a room surrounded by all the lush of a modernity but still the gloom of lost and confusion that followed us in every direction we turn. But hope still remains and we seek with this hope. I hope everyone finds it.