18th May, 2026

What am I working on?

I am working on a texture artwork - trying this for the first time. This is what the result looks like:

What am I reading?

I recently finished reading The High Desert by James Spooner. Since I’m not familiar with the punk scene, parts of the book were a challenging read—especially the many references to songs and artists. Told through black-and-white illustrations, it’s a memoir of the author’s life in Apple Valley, capturing the punk culture in the region. Wanting to belong, the author navigates friendships with outcasts, faces racism, and finally discovers his own sense of self. The DIY aesthetic visuals are authentic, from the clothing and hairstyles to the raw energy of the underground scene. A unique touch is the inclusion of musical references throughout the book (all of which I had never heard), and some helpful footnotes. At the same time, the book confronts darker realities: the rise of white supremist groups, racial hostility, and pervasive drug use.

Though I only scratched the surface of punk’s origins and evolution, the book sparked curiosity about how subcultures emerge as acts of defiance; challenging establishments and carving out identity through art, music, and community.

I’m now reading Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe. Excited for this one as I loved The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.

What am I watching/watched recently?

I recently watched Ernest & Celestine, a heartwarming movie set in a world where mice live underground and bears live above-ground. Celestine, a young mouse, is sent above-ground to collect bear teeth—used as replacements for mice underground. What unfolds, however, is less about this peculiar setup and more about the tender, genuine bond between Ernest the bear and Celestine the mouse.

This watercolour like illustration is the coziest animation I have seen till date. It is charming and funny. There are so many scenes I loved - mice trained in a militaristic setting with mousetraps, the thrilling underground-to-above-ground chase, the clever moment when Ernest and Celestine paint their van to blend into the surroundings, and the gentle depiction of changing seasons. The friendship that grows between the two of them is a delight to watch. Infact, I could have seen more of their adventure as well. Celestine especially stood out as a protagonist: curious, kind and brave. Her love of painting made her all the more endearing to me, perhaps adding a touch of my own bias there.

Ernest and Celestine enjoying a beautiful spring day

New thing I learnt lately?

Netflix has recently released 'The Netflix Effect' report. I am summarising a few points I found interesting here:

• Unlike 10% of Non-English viewing share a decade ago, Netflix today has >33% Non-English viewing share. Language is no longer a barrier as long as the story is good. Netflix films and series are dubbed in 36 languages, with subtitles in 33 languages.

• Influence of content goes further. According to a report from the French National Film Board (CNC), 38% of tourists mentioned Emily in Paris as one of their motivations for visiting the City of Love. 72% people would like to visit Korea after watching K-drama. Countries can gain visibility, desirability and economic benefit through content.

• 75% of Netflix content is licensed. This has also helped in reviving shows that used to air on cable TV channels and growing their following. Curation is an important pillar for the platform. I am sure Netflix would be churning huge data on audience search trends, social chatter, regional demand and trends, etc to make a decision to license a content piece.