National Jubilee Arts Festival Los Angeles

Last week, I had a chance to attend the National Jubilee Arts Festival in Los Angeles as a judge. I judged visual art and performances. Above, you can see some photos from the gallery. What a beautiful event, in which a community came together to celebrate and encourage art making. My friend Karim Gowani asked if I'd like to judge some of the art and I'm glad I did. It was very inspiring to see the outpouring of volunteers and members of the Ismaili community celebrating their values through art. Judging was certainly challenging, as there was a lot of beautiful work. What I enjoyed most was talking to artists and people just there to enjoy art and support while I walked around the gallery. Thanks to Shamim, Farzana, Karim and all the other wonderful volunteers and artists who worked so hard to put it all together. I hope this is the first of many. Good luck to all those who passed this round and on to the next in Lisbon, but I hope that regardless of how a piece 'scored' that it is the thought and the process of creating that really matter.

Gibson Girl with model Marissa Gomez sketches

Another costumed session at Center Stage Gallery, featuring model Marissa Gomez as a Gibson Girl. Here are some of my sketches from the 3 hour session. Medium: markers and watercolor.

Mariachi Dancer with model Toni Czechorosky

Another costumed session at Center Stage Gallery, featuring model Toni Czechorosky, who filled in graciously as the model for the night was unable to come. Here are some of my sketches from the 3 hour session. Medium: watercolor.

Tree Spirit with model Mather Louth

Another costumed session at Center Stage Gallery, featuring model Mather Louth. Here are some of my sketches from the 3 hour session.

Bowler Hat Guy with model Johnathon Cripple

After a long time, I managed to squeeze in time to do some life drawing. I went to a costumed session at Center Stage Gallery, featuring model Johnathan Cripple. Here are some of my sketches from the 3 hour session.

Kathputli Colony Loss and Hope

I feel at a loss. Yesterday, I read the news that residents of Kathputli Colony in Delhi, India were bulldozed out of their homes. This is a colony of artists that migrated to this unwanted space about 50 years ago. Traditional puppeteers, magicians, acrobats, fire breathers and other performers and artists have made their home, in difficult conditions, without the benefits of government services and utilities.Hesitantly, I just called Puran Bhatt. I hesitated, because I don't know what I can offer and can only imagine how many people he has spoken to already. So I called him, and his response was suprising. He spoke to me, his voice hoarse and the connection unstable over the phone. He told me that what was, was as it had to be. They did not need any funds. He has moved into the transit colony. His hopes and the hopes of his community are just that their children will be given ownership of their own homes as promised. Any support in ensuring that happens is all that he asks. Besides that, he hopes that his children and those of his community can receive modern skills training in computers, so that they can both build upon their traditions and survive in the future.These artists have weathered the changing economies that have erased much of their already modest incomes. Yet they have continued to perform, and even innovate in the art forms handed down through generations in their families. Though these same artists are paraded out to showcase Indian culture at large events and for visiting dignitaries, they have not seen the financial rewards that should accompany the rich representation of culture that is readily being foresaken for short term financial gain.So, before speaking to Puran, I was at a loss for what to do. As usual, it is the artists themselves who have provided those answers. They inspire me with their resiliance in the face of challenges that I can't fully imagine. They inspire me to continue the uphill battle of raising funds for 'Risalo', my puppetry film in collaboration with Puran Bhatt and his team.Despite not being able to get a visa to India, I worked with Puran Bhatt, from the Kathputli to create the puppets for the film over phone and email while working directly with musicians and other artists in Pakistan. My wife was in India, and she visited him and picked up the custom puppets he created along with premade puppets from Rajesh Gurjargour in Udaipur.I worked with scores of artists to put together the music, puppets and backgrounds for the film. I brought these back to Los Angeles, pieced together work, built more skills, struggled to find full time work to replenish or at least stay afloat, while writing proposals, applying for grants and seeking support to bring a small group of puppeteers from Delhi to Los Angeles to shoot the film despite political, geographical and financial barriers that keep us apart.So how can you help? Hire these traditional artists and create new opportunities. Support projects that include these artists. Share skills that could be relevant to their future. For my part, I am working to raise funds to complete 'Risalo'. In addition, I have been creating youtube videos with lessons on animation techniques in Urdu/Hindi and English.Here is a documentary on the Kathputli Colony called Tomorrow We Disappear.