Bodhisattva

2010. Untitled 1 (Bodhisattva series). Mixed media on mylar, 10 in x 14 in. /// SOLD

2010. Untitled 1 (Bodhisattva series). Mixed media on mylar, 10 in x 14 in. /// AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

2010. Untitled 1 (Bodhisattva series). Mixed media on mylar, 10 in x 14 in. /// AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

The Bodhisattva series pays homage to the great Mahayana Buddhist cave paintings of Ajanta and to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or Padmapani,
the bodhisattva of compassion. The great writer of Indian art and philosphy, Heinrich Zimmer says this of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara:

"The great Mahayana Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is a personification of the highest ideal of the Mahayana Buddhist career. His legend recounts
that when, following a series of eminently virtuous incarnations, he was about to enter into the sucrease of nirvana, an uproar, like the sound of
a general thunder, rose in all the worlds. The great being knew that this was a wail of lament uttered by all created things--the rocks and stones
as well as the trees, insects, gods, animals, demons, and human beings of all spheres of the universe--at the prospect of his imminent departure
from the realms of birth. And so, in his compassion, he renounced for himself the boon of nirvana until all beings without excepetion should be
prepared to enter in before him--like the good shepherd who permits his flock to pass through the gate and then goes through himself, closing it
behind him." (Heinrich Zimmer, Philosophies of India, Bollingen Foundation: New York, 1951, p.534)

Using a simplified pallete and minimalist detail on the body, each pieceI create focuses on the expression of loving kindness, the signature
lotus and the elaborate detail of Bodhisattva Padmapani's crown. Carrying forth with my interest in jewellery and adornment, I take most pleasure
in creating an individual crown for each piece. While Buddhism may represent that renouncing of worldly goods and desires, the Buddhist wall
paintings of Ajanta are full of lush ornament.

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