design
« Previous EntriesBuddha Park, Laos
Monday, October 21st, 2024
Oct.1st: Buddha Park 01, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper.
25 km from Vientiane, Laos, Buddha Park displays over 200 large, reinforced concrete statues based on integrating stories from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, created by Luangpu Bunluea Surirat and his apprentices, started in 1958. This is the first of many representations I have planned. I was there in 2016 and took so many photos, intending to do a series of drawings much sooner than today, but couldn’t decide where to start because there are so many interesting pieces and points of view.
Though the sculptures at first seem crudely done – for how easy can it be to manipulate concrete? – the artists have carefully rendered the grace of hands in prayer and portrayed such character in mythological gods, animals, demons, and combinations of all the above. Discovering cows grazing in the neighboring meadow as part of the setting in the far end of the park, it’s a place where the sum of its parts is so fantastic, that to dissect it in any portrayal will not do it justice. Better for you to read this link to all the information about this remarkable human achievement, than for me to only show you snippets of my impressions or try to describe it in words.
Oct. 4th: Buddha Park 02, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Oct. 8th: Buddha Park 03 – Vishnu as Narayana with Lakshmi and Sheshanaga, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
In the simplest of terms and with limited understanding, here’s my guess at what this group represents: Vishnu with weapon and symbolic items missing, in the form of Narayana (“He who lies in the waters”), is seen lounging beside Lakshmi, his female counterpart. He is mounted on Sheshanaga, a many-headed serpentine demi-god, said to exist before the creation of the universe and will remain after its destruction.
In the complex belief system of Hinduism, literature regards gods, demi-gods and goddesses assuming many forms, with different names and aspects that change with each incarnation. The broad concepts and multi-layered symbolism are only learned by lifelong (or many lives of) awareness, devotion and practice. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are 3 aspects of the One Supreme Being, and are principal deities who create, protect and transform the universe.
Oct 10th: Vishnu as Varaha – Buddha Park 04, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Oct 16th, Buddha Park 05: My best guess is that this is Durga, Hindu Goddess of war and strength, protective mother of the universe, eternally struggling with forces of good against evil. She is usually depicted riding a lion or tiger, with between eight and eighteen hands holding the various weapons and objects that are highly symbolic of her purpose.
18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Work still in progress, clarifying details.
Oct. 21st: Buddha Park 06, Airavata, Hindu elephant deity or also known in Thailand as Erawan with Indra. Work in progress:
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Cam’s crab shell
Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
Who sees a crab shell on the beach and thinks, “I wanna paint that thing!”? … my 12-year-old grandson. We took him to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time when he visited us during Thanksgiving last year. He also gathered a lot of shells to create a video of smashing. When I go to the beach, my imagination only ventures as far as how pretty it would be as a pastels-on-paper seascape, but true creativity knows no bounds. I love it!
Signs and Symbols
Wednesday, January 10th, 2024
Showing in Gallerium Art’s Signs and Symbols January 10 – March 10, 2024: Magic Hour (Gitxsan Totem Pole, Thunderbird Park, Victoria, BC Canada), 60H x 40W x 3D inches acrylics on canvas. Wrapped sides painted, sturdy home-built stretcher frame, navy blue narrow wood trim finishes the sides.
Sunflowers
Friday, September 8th, 2023
Sunflowers, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. White mat and white 27H x 33W” wood frame with crackle finish.
Green!
Sunday, March 12th, 2023
Green! Arrowhead, genus Saggitaria, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Winter Bones
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023
Winter Bones – lichen and moss on branches and the “bones” of the winter forest are revealed by lack of foliage at a flood zone in Hillsboro OR. A certain chaotic beauty and textures occurred during the first moments of work, so I didn’t tidy and organize the forest too much.
18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”. Details of work as it progressed:
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Shapes and Colors Exhibition
Wednesday, March 1st, 2023
Fern Song, 12H x 12W inches acrylics on canvas, now being showcased at Shapes and Colors – 2022 exhibition March 1st – March 31st, organized by Gallerium and powered by @Biafarin platform.
‘Fern Song also’ received Honorable Mention in J. Mane Gallery’s ‘In Full Bloom’ online exhibition February – March, 2020.
Microbial Diversity 02
Friday, October 14th, 2022
Microbial Diversity 02, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Fern Gestures
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
Fern Gestures, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper, framed size 27H x 33W”. Framed size 27H x 33W inches, white wood frame, crackle finish. There are more purples in the darker areas that aren’t showing up very well in the photo here.
I love feedback and constructive criticism. My artist-friend Virginia suggested adding the fiddleheads, and although I had initially planned not to add any, the design is now much more interesting. Thanks V! Left thumbnail shows the piece before adding the fiddleheads.
Chrysanthemums Abstract
Friday, November 19th, 2021
Chrysanthemums Abstract, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper, framed size 27H x 33W inches, white wood frame, crackle finish.
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