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« 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
Exhibizone’s Seasons: Summer 2024
Sunday, July 7th, 2024
Damselfly at Xi Niu He, China, (Rhino’s Horn River), 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper, Framed size 27H x 33W inches white mat and white wood frame with crackle finish.
Showcased online in Exhibizone’s “Seasons: Summer” 2024, July 8th – Oct. 8th
Indian Paintbrush
Saturday, June 15th, 2024
Indian Paintbrush, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper
Driftwood and Wild Sweet Peas
Thursday, June 13th, 2024
Driftwood and Wild Sweet Peas, Campbell River, BC Canada, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper.
Butterfly Bush
Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
Showing in Exhibizone’s True Beauty June 12-Aug. 12th, 2024
Butterfly Bush – Buddleja davidii, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown New Zealand – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Beautiful invasion: Native to central China and an ornamental in North American gardens, the Butterfly Bush is viewed as invasive in many countries across the world. Originally drawn and posted April 7th, 2024.
Saguaro Cactus
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
Saguaro Cactus and surrounding scrub – January in the Sonoran Desert south of Phoenix AZ – 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. This and the surrounding Saguaros all had either burn damage from forest fires or bacterial necrosis, a disease rotting them from the ground up. Local groups are rescuing Saguaros by cutting off an arm or the top and replanting them, helping to restore the fragile Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Elk Falls Provincial Park 05
Sunday, April 14th, 2024
Elk Falls Provincial Park 05, Vancouver Island BC, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper. Framed size 27H x 33W”.
Landscapes 2024
Monday, February 26th, 2024
Canadian Prairie Summer, Canola fields by the Petrofka Bridge, North Saskatchewan River near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan Canada. 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper won Silver placement in the J. Mane Gallery Landscapes 2024 Exhibition, Feb. 26th -April 8th.
Also accepted in the show are Crater Lake, Heber River BC, California Orange Groves, all soft pastels on paper, and Lake Louise AB, acrylics on canvas.
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