As with all creative people your surroundings make a huge impact with the creative flow of new ideas. As I am always working at new and different places I feel there is always many things around me that inspire me. But now and then the views from my studio make a huge difference! . . . . 

Fab views from the studio of Birmingham city where lots of lovely creative people work. 

With fab views like this I am sure they inspire everyone! Time for some art!

As always do not forget to visit my Facebook page: 

Click to visit my fan page

Ikon Gallery Opportunity

It has been really good to work with other Artists and creative people this week on a new project at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. Then to end the week walking through the German Markets in the dark with the Christmas lights was so nice and festive. 

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

This opportunity will now allow me to share my new creative skills and techniques with others through running workshops within the community which I am really looking forward to. 

More info to follow soon. 

My Art Workshops

I run art workshops in primary schools. Pupils use a variety of mediums including watercolour paints and watercolour pencils, acrylic paint, printing and things like gemstones, tissue paper, sequins and gold / silver paint pens. 

Projects range from creating mosaics, bunting, henna inspired art, foam printing and more. This enables pupils to learn different techniques whilst also developing their creativity. 

A mosaic created by a Key stage 2 pupil in my first primary school art workshop. These designs were inspired by landscapes. 

My Art workshops provide children with a chance to explore and have fun creatively in a friendly, supportive, motivating & inspiring way. It's rewarding to see young minds get enthusiastic and inspired through art, 

Get in touch if you'd like a workshop or after school club in a school, day centre, community centre, playgroup, hospital, church or just for fun at home for children's parties. 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography
Twitter: @MonsoonArts

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Celebrate Life - Charlie Chaplin's Iconic Speech

We have all heard of Charlie Chaplin, an endearing actor, entertaining and inspiring millions in his silent movies without needing to speak a word. 

But when he did speak, he inspired generations, as shown in his iconic speech in his 1940 movie "The Great Dictator" which I had to share for those who have not watched it before: 

With this speech in mind I wanted to share a piece of art that captures the beauty of his wisdom, as relevant today as it was back then in 1940. What will you take from it?

Charlie Chaplin inspired artwork. 

World Body Painting Festival

The 16th annual World Body Painting Festival took place last weekend in Austria, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Body painting artists and models from over 40 countries came together to create and show off their fantastic selection of creative body art. I have to say it looks really fun, I'd love to go! So I've shared some of my favorite shots, but I love them all! 

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Copyright Heinz Peter Bader

Love these! 

Poem: I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I really like and appreciate a well written poem and the skill and thought someone can put into one. So much so that it can be very personal and touch the heart. Take a little time today to write some words for a loved one straight from your heart. Often these unexpected written words will touch the heart and mean so much more to them than an everyday "I love you."  

I would like to share with you a beautiful poem that someone shared with me. And if like me you have lost someone that you truly love, whether it be through death, having to say goodbye or just  parted ways, you will know how this emotional pain can also become a deep physical one. This poem is well written, gets you thinking, but most importantly true to every word, making it touch your heart and think of that lost loved one, enjoy. 

I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

Rainbow Bridge

Copyright: http://www.rainbowbridge.com

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. 
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was clos...e to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me. 

Copyright: http://healingtheheartpetloss.com/

Happy Birthday - My Gorgeous German Shepherd

Today's my gorgeous German Shepherd's Birthday - My trusted best friend to the end. Loyal, intelligent, caring, protective and funny are just some of the words I use to describe her. With an unbreakable bond so very deep and strong it goes far beyond any words I can use to describe it. So on this day it only seems right to share with you just some of my photos, though they really don't do enough to show all her amazing qualities. Enjoy. 

My gorgeous German Shepherd - "The King of Dogs" as I say. My favourite breed. 
© Copyright 2013 By Sharonjeet Galsinh

My Ultimate Favourite Dog Bread: 

The German Shepherd Dog. In my eyes it cannot be matched. It's why I call them the "THE KING OF DOGS" & why 10 out of my 12 dogs I've had since I was born have been the GSD. "Love them!" 

Being a true dog owner: 
It's not just about feeding, walking, playing with, grooming and even Googling dog facts that you proudly tell other dog owners about - No way! We don't need Google. It's more about the many true things you know about dogs simply through growing up with and spending time with your own dog, not your neighbour's dog. It's having actual experiences with them that touch your heart forever, not through someone else's words read on the internet. As quite simply, you cannot compare it as you haven't truly experienced it. 

My trusted best friend. Loyal, intelligent, caring, protective and funny. 

© Copyright 2013 By Sharonjeet Galsinh

Being a true dog owner is knowing what your dog is thinking and feeling (I don't mean "I'm hungry" or "I'd like a walk" talk.) But it's even about being able to pick up when your dog is letting you know that within the next month or 2 they will no longer be here and it's time for you to start preparing your goodbyes as it's soon time for your unbreakable lifelong paths to part, even though there are no signs or symptoms of illness . . . yet. I truly don't think everyone can pick this up. 

Arh so cute! 

© Copyright 2011 By Sharonjeet Galsinh

I thought my over imaginative mind was on over drive, but my dog was quite simply letting me know and giving me time to prepare myself for us to say our last "goodbye". It was plain to see for me but was too blind to see for everyone else. All started to make sense soon after and it was only a matter of time (well 4 weeks). 3 weeks later all were still blind. 

Funny, comical & always knowing how to make me smile everyday. 
© Copyright 2013 By Sharonjeet Galsinh

Then the dreaded day arrived. She plucked all her strength to walk tall & welcome us all, despite all her obvious overwhelming pain. Moments later, after the last goodbyes, as she took her final breathes, she looked so very deeply into my eyes, so happy, letting me know all was good & well. Happy & ready to be on her way . . . her face fell down into my hands. I looked into her big brown almond eyes - she was gone. 

After all, "It's far more compelling to leap rather than to just hang onto the edge."

I can now look back with a stronger sense of feeling proud rather than sadness, for an intelligent loyal dog that I know I raised pretty well to the end. I'm left with fond memories that I truly believe not everyone can actually comprehend.

"A hug a day keeps the vets away." Me with my protective dog.
And she said "Hurt her and I will bring harm to you." 
© Copyright 2013 By Sharonjeet Galsinh

"She took my heart and ran with it, I hope she's still running, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with hers forever." 

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Earth Hour 2013: To unite people to protect the planet.

What will you all be doing on Saturday 23 rd March 2013 at 8:30 pm? I'd like to invite you all to join me to switch off your lights for the future of our planet. 

WWF's Earth Hour is a unique annual phenomenon that focuses the world's attention on our amazing planet and how we need to protect it. At 8:30 pm on 23/03/2013 hundreds of millions of people will turn off their lights for 1 hour, at the same local time, on the same night, all across the world in a huge symbolic show of support. 

Taken from www.NationalGeographic.com

Earth hour has grown from 1 city, Sydney in 2007 to the world's largest campaign for the planet, uniting hundreds of millions of people across 7001 cities and town in 152 countries, all 7 continents. 

Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge, before and after lights switch off. 
www.AlternativeChannel.tv

Watch the official 2013 video above to see the celebration of this year's event across the world and see its mission to unite people to protect the planet. 

Visit Earth Hour 2012 - On The Night Favourite Photos

Visit the Earth Hour site

Major world monuments and world heritage sites are turning off the lights too, including: 

The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Times Square, New York

Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil

London Eye

Table Mountain, South Africa

Davis Station, in Antarctica

Opera HoOuse, Sydney

Niagara Falls, Canada

Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

The Obelisk, Argentina

Government House, Hong Kong

Royal Palace, Thailand

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My Featured Interview

I am excited to say I have been featured in an article in A Little bit Individual, a website where "finding that unique gift idea became a little easier." Click the link below but visit again soon as I will be adding to this when I can: 

Featured article MONSOON ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY | a little bit individual

I was also interviewed about my art so please click this link to read my interview with Adrian: 

My Featured Q & A Interview MONSOON ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

Here is a small peek at when Adrian interviewed me: 

I can enhance your photos, add borders or various filters & effects. 

So, what can you expect from my art? 

Colourful & quirky paintings. All sold at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy, whether it be through a painting, print or by giving a loved one one of my greeting cards. 

My Indian inspired watercolour painting makes a nice gift to give to someone special or to just treat yourself! 

What’s the best thing about being an artist? 

As well as being creative which is my passion, I get to express the things I love and then share this with thousands of people from a busy corridor, other cities & even on a double decker bus. But I also love it when people tell me they’ll be using a greeting card to write a note to tell someone they love them. I think that’s sweet. 

Professionally, what’s my goal? 

It’s great to see my art in public spaces and it was a nice feeling to see one of my posters on the outside of a double decker bus and another around Liverpool. But eventually I’d love to see more of my art go overseas. As well as doing more professional henna, I’d love for my greeting cards to be part of a professional publisher and sold in high street shops. 

Season of Love - Valentine's Day

With Valentines Day just round the corner Love is in the air and so Love has inspired me to create new mini Valentine's cards. We all like to be in love, it's a warm welcoming feeling in these snow filled winter days and I think love adds to that magical feeling that comes with these picturesque snowy landscapes which are so beautiful. It's a time to appreciate the love we have and to let them know just how much we care. Whether it be your partner, sister, mom or friend. But I think it's a perfect time to let that beautiful stranger know just how you feel! A cute mini Valentine's card is a sweet way to do this. Below are some of my new designs which are for sale in my exhibition or by contacting me direct. 

My mini Valentine's cards

My cards can also be accompanied by something handmade like my love inspired painting which makes a special gift for a loved one to be kept and displayed, always reminding them of the love you share. 

My Love inspired painting makes a special gift for a loved one to always remind them of the love you share. 

To purchase a Valentine's card contact me direct:

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com

Twitter: Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

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

Caption This - Photo of my Cute Puppy

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My cute little puppy

My photo of my young puppy on her first day she ever stepped out onto grass. Although she was very excited & running around, I wanted to capture her inquisitive side. Come & write your captions here or on my "Inspires Me" album in my fan page: 

Click here to caption my photo in my "Inspires Me" fan page album

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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." 

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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Henna Tattoos

I absolutely love having henna! It's cultural, traditional - yet moves with the times and it looks so beautiful - any excuse and I'm there! Here are just 3 henna photos but visit again soon as I have so much more to talk about and show you all in the future - Exciting!

This design moves from the hands, extending up the arm. Complimenting Indian clothes and jewellery. 

Henna is also popular on the feet with glitter and colours for a modern twist. 

A beautiful henna pattern on hands and wrists. Perfect for any occasion. 

Visit again soon for more henna info and photos of this beautiful art. 

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Denver Chalk Art Festival

I came across Denver Chalk Art Festival online and it sounds quite interesting. 

Copyright image from http://www.denverchalkart.org

It's a free 2 day street painting festival in June where over 200 artists use the streets as a giant canvas and turn them into a museum of chalk art. In order to promote arts awareness and education in Denver. It creates a unique colourful experience and atmosphere. It's pretty amazing what people can do with chalk, just so long as it doesn't rain! 

Here are some of my favourites: 

Copyright image from http://www.denverchalkart.org

Copyright image from http://www.denverchalkart.org

Copyright image from http://www.denverchalkart.org

Copyright image from http://www.denverchalkart.org

There is also live music is all weekend which adds to the unique atmosphere. Sounds like fun! 

Follow me on Twitter

Monsoon Arts and Photography is now on Twitter! 

Join my Facebook fan page too

Receive tweets: 

• When I post art & photography tips & techniques for you to learn & try. 
• When I create new artwork to view or buy. 
• So you can visit me and buy my art at art festivals, craft fairs, shows & exhibitions. 
• When I create children's worksheets on fun arts and crafts projects. 
• To see what inspires me when creating new paintings, from people, places to cultures. 
• When I put  new art for sale in my on-line shop: 

folksy.com/users/MonsoonArtsandPhotography 

"I look forward to seeing you all!"

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