drawings
« 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 process:
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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Foo Dogs
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Foo Dogs, Zhejiang, China, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. These Chinese lion dogs or guardian lions, also known as shishi, are an integral part of Chinese art, architecture and folklore. Pairs are placed by the front doorway as symbols of harmony, protection and power, and in Feng Shui philosophy they represent yin and yang – male and female. The male holds a ball under its paw and the female holds a cub.
Temple of Horus
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024
Temple of Horus – Edfu Temple, Egypt – Falcon, Ruler of Skies and deity of the pharaohs, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
The Strawberry
Saturday, June 10th, 2023
The Strawberry, 24H x 18W inches graphite on paper.
Time
Thursday, June 1st, 2023
The Hands of Time, 27H x 33W inches graphite on paper.
Showcased in Biafarin – Exhibizone’s “Time” online exhibition June 1st – Aug. 1st, 2023.
Gone Wild 2023
Thursday, May 4th, 2023
Bearded Dragon (2021) roaming the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, Australia – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on 90 lb watercolor paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.
Showcased in Las Laguna Art Gallery’s “Gone Wild 2023” May 4th – 27th, 2023.
The Red Bag
Wednesday, April 5th, 2023
The Red Bag, Edfu, Egypt – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.
First Time in the Garden
Thursday, February 9th, 2023
First Time in the Garden, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. The images below are three phases of the work in progress. I liked the garden details but chose to blur some of them at the edges in order to keep the emphasis on the chick.
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Little Monkey
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023
Friendly Little Monkey at the Tad Sai Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W inches.
Koala
Sunday, February 5th, 2023
Koala at Cleland Wildlife Park near Adelaide, Australia, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper