When the ink flows, a soul comes to life, and when he drew a picture of a bird on a stone, the heavy stone became light, and where it lay, it flew up!
Mawlana Abdur Rahman Jami of Herat.
It has been my privilege to work as a Juggler, comedian, and professional oral storyteller for more than 38 years.
Storytelling, in its most fundamental form, is the oldest art form in the history of humankind. From the prehistoric representations of animals and hands on cave walls, through the ancient tales told by the Zen masters and Sufi teachers, to the tales told by travellers along the Silk Routes, stories have played a vital role in guiding their listeners toward a balanced life. These oral folk or "wonder" tales provide us with a platform to discover the concept of life as a learning process, and this understanding empowers us to prosper.
In 2020, I was in Morocco, researching and writing my first book, "Tales From The Teahouse", when the world changed. The person who had offered to illustrate my writings was unable to do so, and it was suggested that I try to do it myself instead. I had never drawn a thing in my life. I had time on my hands as there was no storytelling in schools, no theatre performances or workshops in sight. So, I gave it a go.
Each story I wrote showed me the way ahead, and illustration I drew told me to keep going. To follow the path, my own way. The results of this ongoing journey are to be found here in my books and my art. And along the way, I have had much support.
