Sketchbook XIX: Where Broken Buddhas Meet Park Monsters

In which we explore guardian statues, gluttonous creatures, and the endless quest to capture the flutter of severed wings on paper...

There's something peculiar about the way stories seep into drawings. Sometimes they arrive fully formed, like the tale of the Broken Buddha that seemed to sketch itself into existence. Other times they emerge from mundane moments, like spotting my own reflection in the playful monsters that now haunt Osho's park benches. These illustrations are breadcrumbs of imagination, scattered across pages, screens, and now the blockchain as NFTs. Let me take you through this peculiar gallery of mine...

The Broken Buddha of the Woods

Deep within the forest stands a remarkable statue - the Broken Buddha, a guardian with a profound story. Legend speaks of a time when darkness threatened to consume the heart of the woods. As Buddha journeyed through the nearby lands, he learned of this impending doom and chose to make his stand between the forest and the encroaching shadows.

Using his divine power, Buddha blessed an enormous boulder, transforming it into a shield against the darkness. Over countless seasons, the whistling winds carved this sacred stone, slowly revealing Buddha's own image within. These winds, carrying tales of protection and resilience, echoed through the forest canopy, becoming one with the woodland's eternal song.

Though the statue has weathered numerous waves of darkness attempting to breach the forest's sanctity, it remains steadfast in its vigil. The left side, now broken from countless battles against the shadows, bears testament to these confrontations. While the statue embodies protection and benevolence, its damaged facade serves as a sobering reminder of the malevolent forces that lurk in the darkness, waiting to test its resolve.

Urban Monsters: A Playful Self-Portrait

The city parks of Osho, Pune, have become home to my latest whimsical creation - large, gluttonous monsters that mirror a touch of self-reflection. These adorable creatures, now available as NFTs, capture the lighter side of urban life through the lens of two cute monsters enjoying their time in the park. Their presence adds a touch of fantasy to the everyday, transforming ordinary spaces into playgrounds of imagination.

now available as NFT

Samurai Jack: A Tribute

At the request of Dr. Pam, I created a print of Samurai Jack - a character that never fails to inspire. Thanks to Tartakovsky's brilliant creation, this piece celebrates the timeless appeal of this legendary warrior. As they say, there's never a bad reason to draw Samurai Jack, and this commission proved that rule once again.

The Solace in Drawing Women

There's something inherently therapeutic about drawing women. In moments of quietude, I find myself returning to this subject matter. One particular piece features a woman with severed wings, loose feathers scattered around her - a powerful image exploring themes of loss and transformation. These textural illustrations are available as prints at Paintcollar.

A Signature Doodle

What began as a random doodle centered around my name eventually evolved into something more significant - becoming my profile picture. It's fascinating how sometimes our most casual creations end up defining our online presence.

These pieces are more than just illustrations - they're fragments of stories, some borrowed from ancient legends, others born from modern-day whimsy. Each stroke of the pen weaves together mythology, personal reflection, and the occasional hungry monster lounging in a city park. Until next time, keep your Buddhas strong and your monsters well-fed.