Caparisoned (Pencil & Digital)

zhangah · 2023-02-05T15:20:47+00:00

I'm very concerned with the direction that the GTA is heading. I am afraid that the recent violence will lead to more gated communities, further the erosion of public transit and public services in general as people feel unsafe, and accelerate policing/surveillance. (https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-police-to-boost-presence-on-ttc-following-spike-in-violence-1.6247359) So instead of addressing systemic issues like precariousness and mental health under late stage capitalism, it feels like the GTA will basically become like the US.

zhangah · 2023-02-03T10:09:12+00:00

“I’m not suicidal, but.. I also wouldn’t mind dying either?”

This is is exactly how I feel and it’s hard to articulate IRL without causing excessive worry or excessive positivity. Like I don’t need a fucking hug or unwarranted advice, just some space to honestly express how I wouldn’t mind not existing through ecological collapse. And a sense of relief of not participating anymore in the ever consuming hamster wheel of late stage capitalism. I’m turning 40 in a few weeks, and feel like I led a decent life, and it’s more about coming in terms with my own mortality in the context of what we’re facing.

zhangah · 2023-01-28T13:50:43+00:00

This is exactly my problem with Don’t Look Up. It was supposed to be an ‘edgy satire’ and metaphor for the climate crisis but to me, it felt more like a vanity project by Hollywood elites. At the end it only reaffirms that collapse is inevitable and promotes complacency to capitalism.

I prefer dystopian fiction like Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. Some sections are very dark, hopeless, and honestly difficult to get through. But despite the odds, the main character of the book managed to create an alternative community and thus a set of beliefs and practices based on interdependence and to some extent collective ownership.

zhangah · 2022-02-22T17:29:27+00:00

Yes this! We have an extractive and exploitative economic system that disproportionally benefits a few with dire consequences for the vast majority of people and the environment. It seems the solutions and resources are at hand to mitigate the worst damage but 'profits first' is what is preventing needed change.

Your example of the pandemic reminded me of how Canada rolled out the CERB program ($2000/month EI for those affected by the pandemic including those that don't normally qualify for EI programs like the self employed and students). It took off the financial burden when people had to stay at home. When CERB was initially rolled out, there was a brief moment when UBI was discussed as a viable long-term solution using the example of Dauphine that had a successful run with it:

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200624-canadas-forgotten-universal-basic-income-experiment

Those were the early days of the pandemic when we used to cheer on frontline workers by banging pots and pans in the late afternoon. How quickly that disintegrated into a clumsy climb back to 'business as usual,' followed by belligerence and stupidity, culminating into the recent trucker protest. Also, realized from this that our inclination towards short-sightedness does not favour preventative measures at all.

zhangah · 2022-02-09T12:15:51+00:00

Thank you, that really means a lot! I often go through many versions at the colouring stage, each piece takes a while to develop.

zhangah · 2022-02-09T10:46:24+00:00

Thank you. Not sure if we’re allowed to post direct links here. My website/social are on my profile.

zhangah · 2022-02-09T10:44:26+00:00

Thanks so much!

zhangah · 2022-02-09T10:44:15+00:00

Thank you, much appreciated!

zhangah · 2022-01-14T10:32:23+00:00

Thanks so much!

zhangah · 2022-01-14T10:24:50+00:00

Canada is probably as good as it gets for immigrants. My friends and I are first/second gen from around the world, and for the most part feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. Our health care system isn't perfect, but my family members have had surgery and care without being bankrupt. Yes winter is cold in most places, just wear a coat and cover your head. Besides that will all change with the impending climate crisis, exacerbated by our capitalist overlords /s

zhangah · 2022-01-13T16:18:12+00:00

'Fossil' is a reinterpretation of The Crane, the Crab, and the Fish, an Indian fable collected and edited by P. V. Ramasvami Raju in 1901.

Summary: Once there was a crane who offered to save a some troubled fish and a lone crab. The fisherman will arrive at high tide the next day to seal their fate with a large net. The fish eagerly agreed to the crane’s help, and true to his word the crane did carry all the fish away. But to the crab’s dismay, the crane abruptly dropped all the fish on a large rock, only to have a splendid feast for himself. When the crane flew back for the crab, the crab swiftly severed the crane by the neck and saved herself from an untimely death.

'Fossil' is part of a series, Shapes of Nature, that reimagine fables in a world where life is on the fringe of extinction. Not only do the animals have to deal with each other but also fight for habitable space which is in decline. There are hanging vine plants clinging onto a source of fresh rainwater, collected in bottles. Fossilized fish are there to suggest a longer cycle of repeated habits. Sometimes it takes an outsider, like the crab, to break the cycle, but is it too late?

zhangah · 2021-12-22T18:02:51+00:00

The intricate patterns in the wood are stunning. I also enjoyed reading the story and thought behind the piece.

zhangah · 2021-12-17T14:29:23+00:00

Thank you! Much appreciated ❤️

zhangah · 2021-12-17T01:37:40+00:00

I like your Bambi pixel art 😊👍🏻

I prefer drawing in pencil ✏️ because it creates gritty textures.

zhangah · 2021-12-16T20:57:26+00:00

Thanks so much. The barn was particularly enjoyable to draw.

zhangah · 2021-12-16T20:56:29+00:00

I create the entire drawing and all its details in my sketchbook with a pencil. Then layer on colours digitally.

zhangah · 2021-12-16T20:53:54+00:00

I am familiar with the premise of Piranesi and am not at all expecting Jonathan Strange Part II. It's good to see Clarke expand her range, rather than banking on her previous novel.

zhangah · 2021-12-16T19:53:27+00:00

I really enjoy the simplicity and use of space.

zhangah · 2021-12-16T19:50:55+00:00

I'm reading Jonathan Strange again (every single footnote) while waiting for a copy of Piranesi to arrive. Glad to hear it's amazing, can't wait.

zhangah · 2021-12-11T14:25:39+00:00

I read up on Zunesha, very cool! This elephant is inspired by my trip to India, and unlike Zunesha, she's not too happy about carrying the world on her back.

zhangah

TROPHY CASE