Well the Hindu festival of Durga Puja is winding down. It’s a particularly big deal for us Bengalis. The festival commemorates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishashura. This week I was inspired to create a stylized illustration of Her riding into battle. I don’t often work in this style and it was so much fun.

Also I’ve finally gotten around to uploading more art from this year: The 4 pieces I did for my gallery show as well as a portrait of my friend Julia.

Today is of course the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday as well as International Day of Non-Violence.

I left work early today because I’m starting to get sick. Anyhow as Gandhiji’s struggle to free India resulted in people of different ethnic groups, language groups, castes and religions come together, throw off the shackles of their colonial masters and form the world’s largest democracy. It leads me to tonight’s debate between Biden and Palin. Please, please, please America – don’t give us a McCain & Palin administration. I’m begging you… I want a leader who inspires the nation to realize it’s full potential rather than continue on this downward spiral we’re on.

So enough of the politics. Where have I been? Why haven’t I been blogging? Well a lot has happened this summer. We lost Gung Gung. I had a gallery show and it got extended. My father-in-law retired. My mom retired and went back to India. We moved.
Work has been nuts.

You know what else is going on? Facebook – that’s what’s for dinner. For the last 4 weeks or so I’ve had people from my past pop-up out of nowhere. Junior high, high school and even college. A lot of these people I have not seen in 20 years! Oh yeah, almost forgot…I turned 35 last month. Awesome! YES REALLY! Life is good.

Now we’re all about redecorating and furniture. Remember these words: Mid-Century Modern. Otherwise I’ve got some art in the works. Stay tuned for another update soon.

Till then – let’s think about living in peace.

My gallery show “Through Immigrant Eyes” opened Sunday, August 3rd. And it was a blast! Check out the pictures at our collective’s site at: Immigrant Eyes.

I’m proud to announce my gallery show “Through Immigrant Eyes” opens this Sunday, August 3rd at A Different Day Gallery in Albany, California. The show runs through Sunday, August 31st.
Proceeds from art sales and opening reception tickets are being donated to UNICEF.

I’ll be showing with my good friends Michael Sacramento and JJ Jose – both are fantastic artists. I’m really proud of the paintings I’ll be showing. If you’re in the Bay Area during the month of August, please stop in and check out our work.

I’ve set up ImmigrantEyes.com where you can see a preview of our show. For tickets to thereception please visit: A Different Day Gallery

Last Thursday night my wife and I were by her granfather’s side in his final hours in this world. He lived to the age of 87 and a half. He was one of those old-school men – worked hard, sacrificed and took care of his family. He’s had a colorful life…coming from China to America & serving in the Army (during WWII) , being a butcher, rancher, running small businesses and being an almost magical gardener who could make anything grow. The man had an infectious smile and was always cracking jokes or doing something silly to make someone laugh.

My wife’s grandparents accepted me into their family without hesitation and always treated me as one of their own. My own grandparents were far away in India and I only saw them on a few trips back there. They’ve all long since passed away, and I am fortunate to  have met my 3rd set of grandparents. How lucky is that?

I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Gung Gung.