He paints. The mural behind is his collaborative effort along with a fellow artist. He said “I got two bits of advice for you. If you don’t make it big, you’ll end up like me. Don’t. And if you don’t lie, you won’t make it big”.
“I don’t understand”
“If you have it in you, soon before you know you’ll have to sell your soul that is if you have it in you. And if that moment of trade is not in sight, work towards making one”
Right opposite the wall is his shop. I glanced at his creations for sale for a few bucks. Indian gods, birds, animals on postcards, intricate work, decent stuff. He told me about a well-known local artist, dead, left plenty blank drawing sheets autographed, for his son who now hires random guys to do the rest.
“I structure my photo essays not sure if I want to make it interesting but I do feel a sense of duty to protect the person in my portrait…”
“That’s a start” He smiled
“So long”
arjun bagga 
The price of making it big is too high
Both ways mate.
Indeed 🙂
Nice Portrait Arjun and truly said that an Artist art is needed to be protected and appreciated.. 🙂
P.S.–I don’t know Arjun whether interpreted it properly or not,but read it 3 times and the above line shows my Interpretation..I will be happy if you explain me had I made any mistake.. 😀
You guys from east have been through enough, will read between the lines, perceive the not so obvious with ease, life has taught you well. Power to you!
An awesome post card of life. Experience, wisdom, practical advice…. Truth. You’re becoming a master at this.
I have to ask; is that hair coming out of his ears?
My drunken night obscure conversation with you, I’ve given my new found focus, journey, a title “Why am I me?”
Ah ha! Now it sort of comes into focus. Well, postcards like this one (and The Printer) are a superb testament (or is it testimony?) to this noble cause. We are, after all, that which we see.
Testament and testimony is the same, synonyms (little that I know) hence I assume deep down everyone’s journey is not quite different, a bleak chance to resonate with someone out there….That’s me!!!
Me too! Occasionally we hit a nail on the head 😉
Ha Ha…I am you just that I think god should co-exist (Minus religion strictly, no more messengers please). He’s been here too long to do away with. He said he’s fine with a new name, atom, neutron, freedom, anything, damn the shepherd….
Brother, have you ever read God’s Debris? It’s a brilliant short story, 100-odd pages only. I like this concept of a god. It’s logical. He’s the link to where you can download it for free. If that fails i have it on pdf.
http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/50221.God_s_Debris
Got it!!
Now enjoy it! I did.
Very interesting conversation you had back there…
Great portrait, Arjun! Very well done!
I need these conversations unlike you, who knows exactly what she wants and I admire you for that, truly!
Oh, but I am constantly learning, and I always appreciate a dose of good advise and life wisdom. I love to hear what people have to say, and to start a dialog. And I too change my mind if I see my way was wrong after all. I believe we should be flexible.
You’re perfect. Trust me. Think about it. You’ll return to self in due course.
If I’ve to lie to “make it big” – I’d rather remain small.
There’s always a price to pay, it depends how high and for everyone it’s different one ! LOve the picture 🙂 !
No price is too high for the ones born to be wild 🙂 !
Basta :)……..hahaha ! Have a wild weekend Arjun ! Xoxo
:)) :))
🙂 !!! Xoxo
Wonderful portrait and story! 😀
So I have your blessings too?! 😀
I don’t know about blessings but I do know you can tell an interesting story and capture thought provoking images. A sure winner in my book! 😀
Arjun, what do you think?
I answered that in the photo-essay “I feel a sense of duty to ‘protect’ the person in the portrait”. We’ll see.
Wonderful portrait and post. I think there is a nub of happiness there…
True. To be aware of oneself and the path we choose, the journey is but a celebration.
In truth is reality. In reality lies sorrow. Sorrow can either crush or affirm the spirit. I read this and decided that I must embrace sorrow, for failure cannot be dictated by anyone outside…
(…this makes sense to me?)
It makes sense. Eventually, you can’t be what you aren’t.
Great reportage Arjun,
I love the idea with the hair in the ears…..
have nice week end my friend.
Thank you Massi. You have lots of fun with food and images. Always a pleasure to see you!
Interesting picture, Arjun, and your story is as intriguing as always. Did you plant this hair in his ears?
I’m a photographer. I carry an extra set of battery and lens, no make-up or accessories, no costumes, no assistants. I travel extensive, walk 10 kms a day, this is all that I do, retired at 34 and India is a land of distinct and vibrant characters. Please visit http://www………..com and book your tickets now 😀
Yes, with all this time on your hands, what are you to do but walk for 10 km 😀 So, he planted those hair in his ears himself. A very picturesque character!
A terrific exchange.
Thank you Elena!
Good post. I think we all need lessons in life, love, hardships and truth. It opens my awareness and mind to being more kind, more merciful, more understanding. And that is a good thing. Take care of that hangover friend 😉
With heart and laughter Yisraela
Thank you for a lovely response. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this post. Have a lovely day Yisraela!!
I just always enjoy shedding light on the goodness you possess in how you post somethings. I pray that your life is well Arjun.
Yisraela
Well he passes my test. He looks very happy!!
You’d know better. It’s a reverse psychology of sorts either to test waters or help the other person find focus. That’s what he was doing with me, I guess. I observed him for two days and he’d adapt depending on the person he was dealing with in his shop, very versatile and yes, a happy man.
Here’s the link to him on Trip Advisor.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g297672-d4476519-Reviews-KK_Art_School-Udaipur_Rajasthan.html
…come sei finito, tu?
🙂
Sai che è già Ventis. Anche se sono ancora nel buio :))
mmmhhhhh…io da qui vedo una bella luce! 🙂
Che ha rimosso tutte le mie ombre di dubbi.
Grazie Ventis!!
Such a fascinating person. You seem to have a talent for meeting very interesting people. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us.
No talent David but this is my new journey. To find interesting people, I barely manage 2-3 such characters in a month hence the number of posts have gone down but this will be my theme for next 12-15 months.
I love these portraits and conversations you have-you do meet some very interesting people. Looking at the photographs and reading your words-I can *see* the conversation. Terrific work Arjun!
You’re one of my inspirations, Meg. I’m enjoying my new-found theme. Thank you very much!! :))
A great portrait of this spirited character who’s undoubtedly found his niche in life! I believe he knows who he is and why, and I can see him adapting his ways to whoever comes to his shop or his school. Did you take a cooking class too while there?
Lol. I think that’s what I intend to do eventually if my words prefer the shadow than ink my soul another blues.
Sounds like it’s a bit too much to ask. Hold on to your to yourself – don’t follow others – lead.
Absolutely. What I find interesting since we last spoke, is that I feel obliged that they allow me to take their pictures, a notion I did not experience before (Earlier, I would slyly shoot and vanish), an unspoken trust that I’ll never misuse these pictures or show them in a bad light but be honest and meaningful in the interactions I have with them. I don’t know what lies in future but I belong to them and they to me and this new sense of belonging is a beautiful experience, I’m elated.
Not sure if I made sense but I owe an explanation to you, always will. Thank you Sir!!
Can’t you make it big and still keep your soul? 😀 I know, I know, silly question, I’m a dreamer… 😛
I LOVE your posts bro. both photo and words. 🙂
Ha Ha…We’ll see when we get there. We have a lot of work to do meantime! Be around Ela. With you by my side, it’s going to be worth our while.
That is for sure bro. 😀
Ha Ha. In fact, we’ve got no choice but to do what we have to and I see you and some more friends here, very much alike, I pray, y’all blossom and spread light.
We all blossom and spread light already my dear, and YOU are the first one. You can see it, so that is what you already are, blossom and light! 😀
In your grace, that is :))
😀 😀 😀 😉
Thank you my awesome, most loving, dearest sister!
Thank you my awesome, most loving, dearest brother! 🙂
Frowning at the idea of selling soul for ANYTHING. I think an artist does only what the soul speaks(at least during the creation or expression of the art) and thus cannot do nor be anything other than what he or she is, in that moment. There are lies of purpose, and then there are lies that are simply the inner things that rush through us on the way to a choice.
Wise words from Elisa, I’ve yearned for, for a very very long time and finally…..you’ve obliged me. I read this again and again and I’m smitten. This is you, every word of it!!
You have a real talent in putting people at ease and bringing out their best– both visually and verbally. I really love this series of photos and interviews with people.
P.S. This comment is coming so late because somehow WP deleted my subscription to your blog. I was wondering what happened to you. I am sorry.