These 4 Buddhas went to Ralph and Daniella in Toronto. They are similar to the set of 4 I did for the All For Humanity fundraiser, however they have one extra colour level (5 colours instead of 4).
The inspiration for this set of 4 paintings came from photos I took back in 2007 of the large bronze Buddha (cast in Tajima, Japan in 1790), that now resides in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. I have also used this same image of the Buddha for other paintings as well.
Once again, these are done on one of my new favourite mediums, 16″x20″ birch boards.
At first glance, they all look very similar, but each is slightly different in its own unique way (as we all are – not just to one another, but within our own psyche and the different sides of our personalities).
The swirls and designs in and around each Buddha head symbolize luminous wisdom. The Buddha is often depicted with an elongated topknot of hair to represent his enlightenment. Here I have depicted supreme enlightenment as colours flowing and dissolving from the Buddha’s head into the suspended air of thought, emitting radiance and compassion in every direction.
Remember not to settle for the meaning of life, rather opt for the intense experience of it. Be trail blazers on the road of original experience. Savour the eternal memories that appear out of the fleeting moments. Travel undaunted amid the wonders and sorrows that will appear in the labyrinth of your journey together. And most importantly, experience the radiance of the world and your pairing with awakened hearts.
Seek what you already are my friends – enjoy the journey.
My iPod song list for all my 2010 paintings
(and what a GREAT year for being musically inspired to have 3 of my favourite artist release albums within 4 months of each other – Peter Gabriel, The National and Jonsi):
Heroes – Peter Gabriel
Flume – Peter Gabriel
Listening Wind – Peter Gabriel
The Power of the Heart – Peter Gabriel
Duckie – Solvent
Pandora (For Cindy) – Cocteau Twins
Cico Buff – Cocteau Twins
Rise – Liquid
Moon to Earth – Jonson
Bowing Down in Grace – Parijat
The Winter – Balmorhea
Gold Star Mothers – Hammock
You Don’t Have a Clue – Royksopp
Silver Cruiser – Royksopp
Don’t Leave – Ane Brun
Swimming – Abel Korzeniowski
Tornado – Jonsi
Kolnidur – Jonsi
Hengilas – Jonsi
Grow Till Tall – Jonsi
Jackie Says – MONO
Say Hello – David Wingo
Wavin’ Flag – Young Artists for Haiti
Cold Summer – Seabear
Unbounded – Amethystium
Bloodbuzz Ohio – The National
Runaway – The National
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks – The National
The Thrilling of Claire – The National
November – Paul Cardall
Isolate (Mixhell Remix) – Moby
Bongo Bong – Manu Chao
Good For You – Dousk
Deep Inside – Sine
Forever After Days (demo) – The National
Progress – Jeff Woodall
Paper Scissors Stone – Portico Quartet
Isla – Portico Quartet
Alwasy Returning – Brian Eno