London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Inspiration

I get really inspired by events like the London Paralympic and Olympics, they really do "Inspire a generation." 

Colourful performers with umbrellas are suspended from mid air. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

Nearly 27m people watched the Olympic opening ceremony making it one of the most watched programmes in history! It's fair to describe The Games as "the greatest show on earth." 

The hundreds of performers create a sea of umbrellas. Image from: 
www.olympics.time.com/

The ceremonies are a great way to celebrate everything The Games are about. From British history and texts from Shakespeare, to flying performers, fireworks and also Stephen Hawking who said the Paralympic Games is about transforming our perception of the world. 

The Union Jack flag carried by members of the Armed Forces. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

The London Paralympic opening ceremony was set to the theme of enlightenment and offers a more deeper kind of inspiration. What inspires me is the story behind each athlete, they serve as an inspiration to us all. Some are disabled from birth, others have suffered terrible accidents, some the victims of terrorist attacks and others ex-service military men and woman, yet they stay determined to achieve what they want. 

The Cauldron, all lit up marking the start of The Games. Image from:
www.Dailymail.co.uk

I've enjoyed watching The Games, getting inspired and also being able to share the wonderful journeys of the athletes. I'm sure the closing ceremony "The Festival of Flame" will be just as inspiring for me and many others around the world!!

Fireworks display marking the start of The Games. Image from: www.guardian.co.uk/

I'd like to share the words spoken by professor Stephen Hawking at the opening ceremony: 

"What is important is that we have the ability to create. This creativity can take many forms from physical achievement to theoretical physics. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." 

"The Games provide an opportunity for athletes to excel, to stretch themselves and become outstanding in their field. So let us together celebrate excellence, friendship and respect. Good luck to all." 

British Inspired Artwork for Sale

It's been a Great British summer with the Jubilee, Euro 2012 & London 2012 Olympics. It's no wonder this summer's inspired me to create new artwork. 

My new British inspired artwork is a mix of computer generated art, photography and sketching and is on sale and on display in my exhibition at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. 

My Union Jack with British icon the Mini says best of British. It's a mix of photography, sketches & computer generated art. On display & on sale in my current exhibition.

My style isn't fine art, but a more quirky, fun, vibrant and colourful art for the young and old alike and at reasonable prices too. 

Visit the photo area of my fan page to see a small selection of my artwork ranging from paintings, photography, greeting cards and graphic designing: 

http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography/photos_stream

As always contact me if there's anything specific you would like or if you are interested in purchasing any art or need a graphic designer: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonsoonArts
Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography

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My Week & London Olympics Opening ceremony

Firstly, how good was the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics? I love events like this and the Jubilee in the world as it really brings people together. A great British summer huh? Gutted I missed out at being 1 of the volunteers!! Things in my life at the time of the application process meant that by the time I applied, places were few & competition was fierce. Gutted! 

Copyright photo: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
Fireworks light the sky over London's Tower Bridge during London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. 

I love the Isles of Wonder part of London's Olympic Opening Ceremony: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tm7NWsxRRc&feature=player_detailpage

Copyright photo: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
The fireworks finale lights the Olympic Stadium. 

Anyhow, as I type this, 1 of my pieces of Artwork is making its way to Poland! Always nice to see my art go overseas. Don't forget my exhibit is still up at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Contact me for more details or if you're interested in purchasing any art: 

Tweet: @MonsoonArts
Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography 

Copyright Sharonjeet Galsinh
My framed photographic print making its way to Poland. Contact me if you're interested in this or any other artwork, Sharon.  

Also this week, I bumped into 3 people I haven't seen in years from school, work and 1 locally - nice when life throws good surprises at me! Also took some different photos - always fun, always a bonus! Met some inspiring arty creative people like myself at work and then hopefully might land a new lead - Exciting!

SOMETHING INSPIRING: 
When I was helping a guy he said "Thank you & keep smiling. We're only born with 1 heart so keep showing your heart. Think how much better the world would be - it'd be a much nicer place - Thanks." 

A nice guy, a nice chat & true words, we could all listen to this - so COME ON WORLD !!

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Children's Jubilee Celebration Mask Making Worksheet

Celebrate the Jubilee with my fun children's mask making project to keep your little ones busy this bank holiday. For a British theme paint and stick ribbons and feathers in red, white & blues. 

Click the link for my worksheet:  

http://monsoonarts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/mardi-gras-mask-making-worksheet.html 

My mask decorated in my favourite colours. To create a British look decorate in red, white and blue paint, feathers, sequins & gemstones - perfect for celebrating the Jubilee! 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

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Mardi Gras - Mask Making Worksheet

My Mardi Gras mask Decorated in my favourite colours using paint, feathers, sequins & gemstones.
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

What is Mardi Gras? 

It's the final day of carnival, a day of fun, feasting and merrymaking. It is celebrated in many Christian cultures just before the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and called Shrove Tuesday in English.

My Mardi Gras mask. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

Why Masks?

It is tradition to wear a masks and costumes on Mardi Gras day. They are used at the parades to get attention from float riders and the balcony revellers. Masks are made of feathers, sequins, glitter and even plaster. They imitate all the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras. Gold, purple and green masks embody the colours, spirit, pride and the true feeling of Mardi Gras. 

Try glueing feathers on one side instead of the middle. Use a peacock feather to create a different look & add coloured ribbons too.  
© Image from http://storepetsupplies.com

Materials: 
Mask pattern
Craft foam or card

Scissors

Sequins, gemstones, ribbons, glitter, feathers

Paint

Wooden dowel or straw

Glue

Instructions: 

1. Print the mask pattern and draw on a piece of card or foam.

To enlarge template right click & select Open image in new tab then draw on card / foam. 

2. Cut it out including 2 holes for the eyes. 
3. Paint the dowel / straw gold and leave to dry. 
4. Now you can get really creative. Using the glue decorate the mask with gemstones, glitter, sequins, ribbon and paint. 

5. Glue a feather to tge back of the mask. 
6. Glue the dowel / straw at the back to one end of the mask. 

Your mask is finished!! Have fun parading! 

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

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Mardi Gras 2012

It's almost the carnival season of Mardi Gras which is French for Fat Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday in English. It's a fun filled carnival which includes wearing colourful masks and costumes, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc.

Look out for my Mardi Gras worksheet on a fun mask making project for children - Coming soon! 

Image taken from http://limelightnashville.com/index.cfm

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Happy New Year! New start . . . New ART

Happy New Year! It's that time when everyone looks for change in their life, new inspirations, new beginnings - after all January 1st brings with it a new year & a chance to encourage change.

For me 2012 Means:
New art, photography & looking for new inspirations (amongst other things). I first fell in love with art the day I was handed a paintbrush at Playbus & knew that this was what I wanted to do. Though not everyone's supported me for being an artist / photographer & I've even been told "don't artists usually make money from their art when they're dead?" I ignore them knowing that this is my passion. A passion which is fun, creative & allows me to express the things I love & the world around me too & in some cases reach thousands of people from a busy public corridor, other cities & even on a double decker bus & train! Exciting! 

I'm a dreamer so I'll continue to dream, believe & achieve & who knows where my art will go. And maybe next year this time I'd have just finished celebrating the new year & welcoming in 2013 at Sydney's Harbour party! We can all dream!

Monsoon Arts & Photography