The Beginning of a New Era Creatively

On Thursday, a sudden wave of discontent swept over me regarding the trajectory of my creative career. I found myself at a crucial juncture, already halfway through a 30-day commitment to refrain from illegal graffiti (it feels rather juvenile to admit that). Remarkably, I sensed the grip of addiction loosening, and my conscience growing clearer. This decision marked a significant stride forward in multiple dimensions.

Previously, I'd been incessantly compiling a catalog of locations to adorn with my art, frequently pushing the boundaries, from bridges to alleys and trackside spots. It had been a mere 45 days prior to my resolution to quit that I commenced my spree of illicit painting. In fact, it began just days before the birth of my child, perhaps as a coping mechanism.

Recognizing my newfound immense responsibility as a family man, I chose to abandon illegal graffiti altogether. I'm now taking things a step further by temporarily abstaining from graffiti lettering entirely, thus propelling myself into a new era of artistic expression.

Back in 2008, my mentor urged me to make my graffiti legible, with the intention that people would remember the name of the Lord, even suggesting that I paint Krishna himself for the same purpose. Additionally, I was encouraged to create comics depicting the facets of material life.

As fate would have it, on the auspicious occasion of his appearance (his birthday), I was ready to close the chapter on one of those directives. I now possess an entire photo album brimming with legible Krishna-themed pieces gracing the East Coast of Australia and most cities in New Zealand. It was time to shift my focus toward crafting comics.

I've dabbled in the world of comics over the years, but I've never truly delved into it. Here's the inaugural installment of a series I've dubbed "Itching a Scratch," a play on a phrase coined by Srila Prabhupada, who likened sex life to the act of rubbing two hands to relieve an itch, emphasizing that material life is rooted in sex life. My comics will delve into the realm of material existence, seeking to illuminate the humor in the relentless pursuit of happiness in this mundane sphere.

I invite you to share your feedback as I continue to release these comics, as your input will contribute to their ongoing improvement.

While I was engaged in painting at the skate park yesterday, a young boy asked me about the duration of my painting journey. I responded, "Half my life, and I'm 33, so do the math." After a brief calculation, he returned with the answer – 16 years and 6 months. For a significant part of those 16.5 years, I've been dedicated to my guru's guidance on creating readable Krishna graffiti. Now, I'm embarking on a new chapter, creating cartoons that delve into the nuances of material life.

Love,

Muchukunda Dasa