Days 100 - 95

Most of us make resolutions at the start of every new year. But they often fall by the wayside before even the first fortnight is over. There are 100 more days left for 2018 to end. And I plan to post one positive and feel-good experience each day. So, this blog will be regularly updated, every 2-3 days, if not daily. It is primarily for my own evolution. Of course, you can choose to read it and get entertained or inspired as you wish.

Day 100 (23^rd September)

Today was the Ganesh Visrajan finale and I punished myself by going to Girgaon Chowpatty. My last such experience was 6 years ago in 2012. The objective was to test my ability and agility with the camera in the crush of a huge crowd with occasional random and chaotic movements. And I passed my test successfully. I obtained some decent pictures in rapidly failing light.

Day 99 (24^th September)

The class reconvened today after 10-day break for Ganapati. I began a new topic and spoke without using PowerPoint. Decided to write down what I spoke and it came to 1300 words. So, if I write down each of my 40 odd lectures, I will get 50,000 words, which is good enough for a book. It is an exciting thought. Now to implement it with discipline.

Day 98 (25^th September)

Art offers an opportunity for self-evaluation. Instead of questioning the object, we are in fact questioning ourselves – why do we look at it the way we do? That was the big takeaway of “Berlin”, the first episode of Season 9 of Art21, which was screened at BDL Museum. Plenty of good stuff to stimulate my right brain.

Day 97 (26^th September)

The panel discussion on gaming was totally absorbing, even though I have never played a video game in my life. Is gaming an art? Is gaming a sport? These were some of the questions the knowledgeable panelists grappled with. They gave me new eyes to view gaming. Maybe I should dust off the Civilisation CD?

Day 96 (27^th September)

Another evening at BDL Museum under thundery skies. Three paintings from the Renaissance period – The Lady with the Unicorn, The Pastoral Concert, Virgin and Child with Saint Anne – were clinically and critically examined to improve our understanding. This included looking at the canvas under IR and UV light to recreate original lines. Allegories and metaphors were suggested. Absolutely fascinating documentaries under the Palette series.

Day 95 (28^th September)

Today we had the Oscars of our industry at the Taj. Fabulous place to drink and eat. But I decided to skip at the last minute. Déjà vu perhaps? But having made the decision not to attend, my mind started cooking justifications. I am not sure if in that process I am brushing away one big real reason.