Surf and Buddha - An Inner Journey

For her third solo art exhibition, this highly original acrylic series titled “Surf and Buddha -An Inner Journey”, is a fusion of ancient Eastern philosophies together with the athleticism of surf sports. A peaceful yet vibrant, energy is intelligently conveyed with messages hidden within Buddha faces or spiritual deities which can be found watching from the surf or sky. These elegant metaphors of her personal inner journey are also meant to invite the viewer to explore their own inner journeys as spiritual beings.

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» Read about Titles & Meanings

Opening Reception Friday July 3rd, 2009

At the prestigious Columbia Center for the Arts running for the month and following will be a permanent limited exhibition. Located at 215 Cascade Ave. in Downtown Hood River. Gallery hours: open daily 11am – 6pm
www.columbiaarts.org

Titles and Meanings

Transcedent of the Tao  |  22 ¼  X  28”
In both traditional China and Japan, the “heavenly” crane is held to be sacred symbolizing the spiritual ability to enter a higher state of consciousness. Legendary Taoist sages were transported between heavenly worlds on the backs of cranes and in many cultures, the crane represents long life, immortality, good fortune, happiness, and vigilance.

Rising Golden Light  |  42”  X  29”
Ganesh is worshipped as the God of wisdom, inner peace and is one of the five prime Hindu deities. All aspects of Ganesh's form are filled with symbolic meanings in fact there being about fifty seven symbols in all. Ganesha is thus the ONLY god to be associated in a "physical" sense with the primordial sacred sound AUM, a telling reminder of his supreme position in the Hindu pantheon. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesha and clears the path leading to Wisdom, Intellect, and Inner Peace.

Nataraj  |  33”  X 24”
My inspiration for this painting  comes from my interpretation of the ancient Hindu dancing form of Nataraj and my life changing experience with the teachings of the “Sacred Work”. In its original incarnation, this elegant male is considered the clearest image of the activity of God which any art or religion can boast of. In an expression of the rhythm and harmony of life, my female version of Nataraj is shown with three hands representing three of four cardinal directions.

The lower left hand gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Siva's grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation. It points down to a cobra which wraps around Nataraja's waist as kundalini shakti, the soul-impelling cosmic power resident within all. The upper right hand holds an hourglass drum or dumroo from which creation issues forth; for me symbolizing the force from which my creativity is fully expressed. The lower right hand shows the gesture of assertion in blessing, "Be without fear".

Matted locks of snakes for hair in the original version as the symbol of Ego are suggested in my painting wrapping up her torso and neck as I feel relinquishing my Ego as one of my greatest life challenges. Her hair is whirling as if floating in an ocean as she dances as the source of all movement within the cosmos. The purpose of the dance is to release men from illusion of the idea of the "self" and of the physical world.

Baraka  |  36”  X  22”
Baraka is an ancient Sufi word, which can be translated as "a blessing, “divine presence” or charisma.
or as the breath, or essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds. Buddha watches and blesses."

Sky  |  35”  X  21 1/5"
A dramatic portrait of Sky Solbach, one of the world's top kitesurfers. The Japanese character represents his name, Sky but in Japanese this character for Sky also means the heavens.

Buddha Under the Bodhi Tree  |  35”  X  21 1/5"
According to ancient Buddhist texts, Gautama Buddha attained his enlightenment meditating under a Bodhi tree in Sujata, India some 2500 years ago. In this interpretation I have added the Japanese characters for "Sacred Heart".

Charging Under The Light of the Full Moon  |  30”  X  52”
After finishing "Rising Golden Light" I felt I needed to paint another elephant. I love their wisdom, and quiet strength, of which the latter I needed, to get through the tail end of my United States Visa process.

Transformation  |  dimensions to come
This painting was derived from an image that Master Dhyan Vimal arranged to have sent to me which I believe is a photo from one of his sculptures in his home. The japanese characters on the left mean "Transformation" and the mudra is for wisdom.