Street Art

If you're a fan of urban art like me you will know about Melbourne's famous Hosier Street. Melbourne's known as one of the world's great street art capitals for its unique expressions of art, not graffiti or tagging which is illegal. To me public art is at at its greatest. 

Street art on Melbourne's famous Hosier Street. 

"It's about uniting all the streets, bringing a gallery of art for everyone to enjoy."

To me public art is art at its greatest.

If you know of any other parts of the world with great street art please share them below, Sharon. 

World Cup Brazil - For the Love of Colour

I love anything positive that brings people of the world together like the Olympics and now the World Cup. Some of you may hate the football but I enjoy it as although teams play against each other, it unites people. Barriers like language, race or background are broken despite war, poverty and crime. We all sing, cheer and celebrate for our love of football, it is infectious. 

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said of the World Cup: 

"As the only game in the world that is played in every country by people of every race and religion." 

Art also brings people together, every 4 years Brazilians paint their streets for the love of football. This year they are sharing it with the world. 

With the World Cup starting today watch a country brought to life by its people and explore the colourful streets of Brazil in this short video to infect the non football fans amongst you! 

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. 

My Henna Diwali Event

I really enjoyed my henna artist training, it's another form of creativity which I love. It's ideal for parties, celebrations, when attending weddings, occasions like Diwali or if you just love having henna as much as me! 

I have done events and henna for Eid. These photos are from my henna event last week in celebration of the Indian festival of lights - Diwali. I hope you like them, please contact me if you would like your own henna event for a birthday party or if you just want henna for yourself: 

Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

My Diwali Henna event. Thanks to Sukhi for helping on the day & NHS photographer Hannah for taking photos - I want your Nikon!

Henna heart and stars design. 

Get in touch if you would like your own henna party for a Birthday - Kids love it!

Get in touch if you would like your own henna. 

I quite like Henna flowers. 

Me with my Indian and Diwali inspired table decorations. 

 

My decorated table with divas, candles and my cute Indian inspired greeting cards that I sell - All handmade. 

Me with some of my hand drawn henna designs on paper. 

Photographer Hannah. Thanks for taking lovely pics for the NHS. 

Get in touch if you would like your own henna. 

Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Tweet: https://Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

Happy Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali translates as "a row of lamps." The festival celebrates victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, and so many divas, lights and candles are lit. 

Divas, lights and candles are lit around homes, temples and streets. 

I like celebrating Diwali, it's colourful, bright, spiritual yet fun, especially in India. It marks new beginnings and represents joy, love, reflection, forgiveness, light and knowledge. 

Woman create Rangoli folk art on the floors and courtyards. 

Rangoli, a traditional Indian decoration made of ground rice, dry coloured flour, sand or flower petals is created on living room and courtyard floors. 

Rangoli in the courtyards. 

Apart from decoration Rangoli is thought to bring good luck and is also created on marriage celebrations. Traditional designs include geometric shapes, deity impressions and flowers but Indian symbols of lotus flowers, leaves, peacocks and birds are also created. 

Rangoli in living rooms. 

I must celebrate Diwali in India some day, it's much more festive. Streets and homes come alive with candles, divas and lights, people are everywhere celebrating together creating a fun atmosphere. 

Diwali at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, North India. 

I also like the spiritual feeling where so many worshippers can be in the temple yet it still feels peaceful with all the candles set against the dark night. 

Many worshippers but still peaceful. 

Diwali at Trafalgar Square with lanterns, musicians and traditional food. 

Diwali in Times Square

Here are some Diwali colouring pictures your children will love. 

Rangoli peacock design. 

Indian paisley design.

Diyas design.

Henna and Diwali Day Celebration

With Diwali round the corner I invite you to join in with the celebrations while I do your henna, a beautiful and culturally rich art form. Choose from 1 of my designs and take a seat to enjoy the music while I do your chosen henna design on you. Suitable on both adults and children. 

My henna design I did on Tusleem for her Eid celebrations

If henna's not for you, you can always try your hand at creating your own design on the day. With music from Alston Primary School. Full details / music to be confirmed for the rest of the week. 

Date: 05/11/2013
Location: Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

In the mean time visit me at: 

Fan Page: Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

Flickr: Flickr.com/people/74998172@N08/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonsoonArts

I look forward to seeing you soon! 

Sharon

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! 

My Photography Exhibition

I am happy to say my new photography exhibition is now up on public display and is one of my biggest ones yet! 

My exhibition is located in the main glass corridor at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. 

I am a Nature Lover and love flowers, so many of my photos from this collection were shot in my garden. They capture the beautiful colours of Summer in full bloom - bringing sunshine, colour and warmth to your home, whilst also evoking memories of Summers gone by. 

One of my larger sized framed prints. 

Please look through my photos and if there is a print you like please get in touch on the details at the bottom of this post as all artwork is on sale and comes framed and ready to hang. 

I have a variety of colours and images for you to choose from - Sure to brighten up any room. 

My display plaque showing my Artist Statement. 

As well as smaller prints I also have some large sized framed prints too. 

Bold, colourful and vibrant. This Sunflower sure knows how to add some interest to this boring blank wall! 

If you're a nature lover or fan of colours like me, how about this bold red - orange flower to make a statement? 

All artwork comes framed and ready for you to hang. 

If you have found something you like the look of or if there's a bold, vibrant print that can make a statement to one of your walls, please get in touch: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

Fan Page: www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography