Shared Easel Blog - Wendy Meg Siegel

My Interview: Turning Point Project

2020-05-21T13:27:00.002-07:00

This was posted today on my Shared Easel Blog which is now at Squarespace. 

Back in February (when our world was so much different than it has become), I had the joy and privilege of sharing my turning point story with the fabulous Helen Rebello on the Turning Point Project podcast. And I’m excited to share that the interview is available to listen to! In this episode, I talk about the turning points that helped shape my life journey and how these steps set a new course within me, within my art, and within my creative expression. I'd love you to listen in and let me know what personal insights it sparks in you about your own turning points.

To listen: CLICK HERE to go directly to the interview page, and then scroll down. OR find it on one of these podcast apps... APPLE ... SPOTIFY ... STITCHER. (April 20th episode, Becoming a Blank Canvas)

And check out the many other episodes on the Turning Point Project. Helen has put together a great collection of interviews. It’s easy to see how much heart, insights, and passion she puts into her podcast and into everything she does. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to meet her, to share our stories with one another, and to be able to reflect on the many turning points in my life. 

I moved the Shared Easel Blog to a new platform back in August of 2018. Check out the blog posts that have been published in the past couple of years,at: https://www.wendymegsiegel.com/blog/ 

New Shared Easel

2018-08-15T12:39:00.001-07:00

The Shared Easel Blog has found a new home. It will now be incorporated within my website and the new address is: www.WendyMegSiegel.com/blog/

A makeover was becoming more and more necessary. The old website was not mobile friendly in the least. Updates, additions, and changes were cumbersome and time consuming. So I went in search of an alternative.

Over the past couple of months, I've taken steps to build a new site and along with it, a fresh new blog and newsletter.

Read the first blog post at the new Shared Easel Blog.

For those who currently subscribe to this blog: You will be able to subscribe
to the new blog shortly. I will post information on that here, sometime soon.

Click Here to check out the new site. I'm feeling pretty good about it... and wow, is it different than the old one! It will be a continuous work in progress with new images and gallery pages added more frequently than in the past.

Please let me know you visited the website and use the Contact page to say hi.

The Buddha Series

2018-07-09T21:21:00.002-07:00

"In the Temple of the Buddha"

The Buddha Within - A Mixed Media Painting Series

With the Buddha paintings, I have created a series of mixed-media pieces that become a sacred space or shrine-like environment in which to house the Buddha. The image of the Buddha serves as a guide on the path of peace, taking us on a journey to our center - a place of wholeness. Each painting becomes a visual reminder of our ability to cultivate the peace and love that already resides within each of us.

"Sky Buddha"
Available for Purchase

Recently, I've taken a look back at the Window Frame Series and the Southwest Extensions. Today I am reflecting on the series of Buddha paintings.

"Contemplative Buddha"
Available for Purchase

I began the Southwest Extensions feeling the freedom of painting on only one canvas surface. It didn't take long for me to really miss working with layers. As I began cutting into the canvases for the Buddha series, I immediately felt as if I was back home with my process.

"Within the Buddha Garden"
Available for Purchase

Just before an open studio, I prepared a couple of canvases by cutting the openings and inserting a photo I had taken of a Buddha statue. I left the unpainted beginnings of these new pieces on the table along with the works in progress. At the time, I was considering the idea of using my multi-layered paintings as a "temple-like" environment to house the Buddha.

"Serenity Buddha"

These unpainted painting shells generated a lot of discussion. Throughout Open Studios I received quite a bit of interest in a Buddha series. So, the Buddha series was encouraged into being.

"Royal Buddha"

Over the next 12 months I photographed Buddha statues in different settings and began to place them in a variety of cut shapes within the canvases.

"Earthly Buddha"
Available for Purchase

Although I sold a few throughout the year, by the time the following Open Studios took place, I had a selection of Buddha paintings to show. The post card invitation displayed one of my favorites and it sold immediately.

"Painted Buddha"
Available for Purchase

It wasn't the first time I had the Buddha as a central figure in my artwork. In fact, the largest painting I have ever created was a giant Buddha, about 6 feet wide.

"Meditative Buddha"

Although most of the paintings in the Buddhas Series have found wonderful new homes, there are a handful still available. Contact Me for details.

"Centering in the Buddha"

Southwest Extensions

2018-06-28T17:04:00.001-07:00

"Duplex"

Southwest Extensions - A Photo Mixed Media Painting Series

The Spirit of New Mexico is tangible, extending far beyond the boundaries of the land. It is a place where earth and sky meet to create a mystical energy field. The very presence of that energy can be inhaled in the air we breathe and taken through the pores into our bloodstream. The luminous colors of the changing landscape and the soft edges of the architecture, leave a lasting impression. It is this very Spirit that remains with me. I carry it within my heart.

"Enter Here"

"The Gate"
Available for Purchase

After spending so much time working with multiple layers in the Window Frame Paintings, I wanted to keep it simple for awhile. So I decided to take a vacation from all that cutting and planning, and instead create a series using a single layer of canvas. I chose the photos I had taken in New Mexico as the focus for these paintings.

"Pueblo Top"

On my trips to New Mexico, I found myself captivated by the soft architectural lines. In each painting I extended those lines, from photo to canvas. I enjoyed the exercise of working with color and line throughout the series.

"Four Corners"

"The Apartment"

The paintings became a tribute to a place I loved... a sacred space. They transported me back to the feelings and experience of being in the light and energy of New Mexico.

"Ladder Up"
Available for Purchase

"Mission Vision"
Available for Purchase

A funny thing happened as I continued with this series. I suddenly found my way back to the multiple layers I had taken a hiatus from. I missed the more complex and multi-dimensional qualities of my prior canvases. I also returned to using papers, which had been a staple in my paintings for years.

The two paintings below, were the final pieces in the series of Southwest Extensions.

"Ancient Dwelling"
Available for Purchase

"Apartment Complex"
Available for Purchase

Of a series of about 16 paintings there are a small handful still available. Contact Me for details.

Window Frame Series of Paintings

2018-06-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

"Earthy"

Windows to the Past - The Window Frame Series of Mixed Media Paintings

Each painting is a stepping stone to the next and each series inspires the one afterwards. So, I've decided to revisit some of the artwork that has gotten me to where I am now.

"Shattered"

The Window Frames were the first full series I created as a Mom. Determined to get into Open Studios of Santa Cruz County, I needed a painting concept I could pull off with a three year old in the house. Then it dawned on me that I could use my photos as the focus for each canvas. I had been photographing old windows in dilapidated buildings for years and had many to choose from.


"Red Grating" Available for Purchase

"Grating"
Available for Purchase

I already had a history of cutting "windows" into canvases, so this seemed to be a wonderfully quirky concept... the cut window would become an opening to showcase a window.


"Seen Yet Unseen" Available for Purchase

Here's what I wrote about this mixed media series at the time:

The Window Frame Series are mixed media paintings that focus on the elegance created by the passage of time and our romance with the past. The focal point of each painting is a photograph of an old, weathered window. The window image is recessed within the canvas creating a multi-dimensional view. The outer painting acts as the framework that holds the window in place and reveals an image of the past.

"Silence"

I did achieve my goal of being part of the Open Studios that following year and for a number of years thereafter.

"Boulder"

"Gilded"
Available for Purchase

"Courtyard Entrance"
Available for Purchase

I managed to produce over thirty paintings in the Window Frame Series. Although most of them were sold early on, there are still a few available for purchase. Contact Me for details.

"Compartments"
Available for Purchase

Transcriptions #24: Prayer Book

2017-11-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Prayer Book 24" x 24"
Transcriptions #24

Prayer: Includes prayers from the
first 23 paintings in this series

Transcriptions Series

Although this is number 24 in the series, it actually was the first painting and the inspiration for what has become the Transcriptions Series. Four years ago, while I was focused on gratitude and creating and promoting The Gratitude Habit journal, I had an idea for a new series which would include books on canvas.

Originally, I painted a 24" x 24" canvas and began to play with placing a handmade book against the background. I got as far as painting the book and sewing it onto the canvas. It has been hanging in the studio ever since, waiting for me to be ready to complete it.

Transcriptions #24
Closeup

Finally, after completing 23 Transcriptions, I was able to continue developing this canvas. I started slowly by scattering the letters of the Ancient Phoenician alphabet throughout the surface, in pencil. Little by little, I placed the prayers and mantras used in all the prior paintings within the book and around the canvas.

Transcriptions #24
Closeup

I spent more time on this painting than any of the others in the series. A four year intermission between beginning the painting and completion was not ideal for promoting a flow. A lot has happened during that time frame. I am not the same and neither is my process. So, once I was ready to get back to it, I took my time to complete it. In fact, at several stages I thought it might be finished, yet, I kept going back to rework one or more areas. By the time the painting was finally completed, many of the prayers were covered with layers of paint and became much more subtle in the way they can be seen.

Transcriptions #23 - Peace Wall

2017-11-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Peace Wall 18" x 18"
Transcriptions #2

Prayer: Peace

Transcriptions Series

My goal in creating this painting was to produce something of a conceptual "closeup" of the wall in Transcriptions #9 and keep the same focus on Peace.

This time I used two pieces of canvas cloth, sewed them together, and left an opening in which to insert the rolled up pieces of painted cloth.

Transcriptions #23
In Process

#23 is the third Transcriptions painting inspired by the Western Wall. It's becoming a series within a series. I am fairly certain that this will not be the last and that I will return to Prayers of Peace again and again.

Transcriptions #23
Closeup

Transcriptions #22: Ho'oponopono

2017-11-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

Ho'oponopono 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #22

Prayer: Ho'oponopono
Transcriptions Series

My connection to the Ho'oponopono prayer has continued since completing Transcriptions #16. I have found comfort in the silent chant of "I love you, I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you." So in this painting, I return to the words that have become a part of my everyday life.

This painting began to take shape by cutting strips of canvas cloth and fraying the edges. When I placed them side by side on the back canvas, I found that the strips were longer than planned. Hmmm... what to do? I played with several ideas on how to resolve the issue of the excess length before choosing a path that worked quite well with this series. A fold would be formed within each of the strips and mini scrolls inserted.

Transcriptions #22
Closeup

The back canvas has been textured with string, sand, and paper beneath the layers of paint.

To learn more about Ho'oponopono, visit my blog post for Transcriptions #16.

Transcriptions #21: Gratitude Library

2017-11-16T13:37:00.001-08:00

Gratitude Library 12" x 24"
Transcriptions #21

Prayer: Gratitude
Transcriptions Series

For years, I have spent much of my time focusing on gratitude, with 2 published gratitude journals, The Gratitude Habit blog, and Facebook page. So, of course I wanted to create at least one painting in the Transcriptions Series with words of gratitude. Gratitude is universally embraced by cultures and religions around the world and has been since ancient times.

I searched for prayers of thanks and collected the words used to express gratitude in many languages. There are close to 30 languages incorporated within this painting.

A 12" x 24' canvas was chosen because I loved working with that particular size when creating Transcriptions #6.

Transcriptions #21
In Process with Textured Background

I was struck by the idea of cutting several slits in the canvas cloth. I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to create the strands of threads (the "tassels") within the cloth rather than just at the sides. It worked out even better than I had expected. The surprise element was in the way each strip of cloth folded up at the bottom corners, in unison.

Transcriptions #21
In Process

Transcriptions #21
Closeup

So, the decision on what to do with the open spaces, left by each of the folds, sparked a creative challenge. Tiny books became the solution and were inserted between 4 of the 5 folds. Each one displays a translation for gratitude in a different language.

Transcriptions #21
Closeup

One of the influences for the look and feel of this painting is from the papyrus plan for the Tomb of Ramesses IV, in Turin's Egyptian Museum.

To check out more of the paintings in this series,

click on the Transcriptions Series.

Transcriptions #20: So Hum Simplicity

2017-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

So Hum 18" x 18"
Transcriptions #20

Prayer: So Hum
Transcriptions Series

I love this painting! I love its simplicity. The painting was conceived while working on Transcriptions #18. I had just painted one of the three layers of the cloth book when I snatched it away and placed the cloth on a blank canvas laying nearby. I imagined a line created on the back canvas that would be continued with text on the painted cloth. I was so excited with this visual.

Transcriptions #20
In Process

I creating that line by separating the background into two colors coming together at the point I wanted. The Sanskrit text on the cloth ended up larger than what I had originally imagined and I also decided to add a thin strip of text to sit along the color line. So Hum is repeated as a reference to the silent chant of this mantra.

When used in meditation, “Sooooo…” is said by the mind when inhaling and “Hummmmm” when exhaling.


Transcriptions #20 In Process

The addition of the three little books completes the painting with a very simple touch of text... So Hum appears once in the right bottom corner of each.

The So Hum mantra symbolizes our oneness with the Universe, the constant support available to
each and every one of us, and our connection to the Infinite Source. We are all connected. In translation, it means: "I Am That."

Transcriptions #19: Lokah Samastah

2017-10-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Lokah Samastah 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #19

Prayer: Lokah Samastah
Transcriptions Series

Lokah Samastah is making its third appearance as a featured prayer within a painting in this series. It was the prayer I used in Transcriptions #1 and then again in Transcriptions #12. I am quite confident it will show up again as I continue exploring this series.

Transcriptions #19
In Process

As in most of the Transcriptions, I have loved covering the background canvas with paper for more texture before adding paint. In this painting, I cut the outer canvas cloth to create an open window revealing the handmade book.

The prayer, repeated on the cloth below the window, reads:

"May all beings be happy.
May all my thoughts, words
and actions contribute in
some way to the happiness
of all beings."

Transcriptions #18: Priestly Blessing

2017-10-03T11:52:00.001-07:00

Prayer: The Priestly Blessing
Transcriptions Series

This painting incorporates The Priestly Blessing in both Hebrew and Latin, on the attached book and within the three small scrolls nestled in the woven canvas cloth. The handwritten text on the lower part of the canvas is a translation of the prayer into ancient Phoenician. Oh, and by the way, The Priestly Blessing is from Numbers 6 (24-26).

"May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the light of GOD's face shine on you and give you grace.
May GOD turn towards you and give you peace. Amen."

"Benedicat tibi Dominus et custodiat te
Ostendat Dominus faciem suam tibi et misereatur tui
Convertat Dominus vultum suum ad te et det tibi pacem."

Transcriptions #18
In Process

The handmade book on this painting is made from canvas cloth rather than the thick mixed media papers I have used in the first 17 Transcriptions.

The vertical lines in the painted strip below the book are slits I cut in order to weave a separate piece of canvas cloth. The folds of that cloth will eventually hold the scrolls in place.

Transcriptions #18
In Process

Originally there were three sheets of cloth that formed the pages of the book. I pulled one out to play with a flash of an idea for another painting. It became the focal point of Transcriptions #20 which I began conceiving in the middle of working on this painting.

Transcriptions #18
In Process

I definitely want to find ways of weaving cloth into future canvases. It is a concept I have wanted to play with for many years. And I love the way the book takes on an entirely new quality when using cloth. I am confident I'll be creating more cloth books in other paintings.

Transcription #17: Om Shanti

2017-09-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Om Shanti 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #17

Prayer: Om Shanti
Transcriptions Series

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti is a peace mantra. Om is the primordial sound of the universe. Shanti means peace or bliss and is generally repeated three times to represent the whole being... the body, the mind, and the speech.

This is one of several "Peace Paintings" in the Transcriptions Series. We can always use more prayers of peace going out into the world.

Transcriptions #17
In Process - Background Canvas

My goal in working on this painting was to use the more vibrant colors of purple, teal, and turquoise. While shaping the canvas cloth, I played with the idea of cutting strips in the piece to let the background show through.

Transcriptions #17
In Process

Although I didn't make the cuts I had envisioned (saving that idea for a future painting), I did end up cutting a wide rectangle on top, for the Sanskrit text to show through from the back canvas.

Transcriptions #17
In Process - unattached layout

The following YouTube video is the Om Shanti chant I listened to while working on this canvas.

Transcriptions #16: Ho'oponopono

2017-09-29T13:39:00.002-07:00

Ho'oponopono 16" x 20"
Transcriptions #16

Prayer: Ho'oponopono
Transcriptions Series

The Ho'oponopono prayer is made up of four statements:

"I love you, I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank You."

While I paint, I often listen to a variety of interviews and speakers online. Over a brief period of time, I kept hearing the name Ho'oponopono in a number of the talks. So, of course, I had to find out what was this thing called Ho'oponopono. I learned about the remarkable healing work of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len at a Hawaii State Hospital for the criminally insane. Dr. Hew Len had healed the patients without even meeting with them! I became engaged and wanted to find out more.

Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian spiritual healing process. The family or community would come together in prayer, discussion, confession, repentance, and forgiveness with the intention of healing one or more of its members. Since we are all connected, healing could be achieved through the forgiveness for and from all members of the family. In Hawaiian, Ho'oponopono means to correct, to make right.

In more recent years, the process has been culled down to four simple statements which can be recited independently, as a mantra to clear oneself and all others of any wrong thoughts and actions. In doing so, the individual becomes responsible for the whole.

Transcriptions #16
Closeup

I began a daily practice of silently chanting, "I love you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you." when I awoke and before I fell asleep. It was comforting and calming. I found myself reciting these words at other times... while driving in traffic, waiting on lines, or walking the dog. I loved the idea of a practice that could not only provide healing to me but others in our world.

This focus was bound to lead to a new painting. I filled the prepared strips of rough and ragged canvas cloth with repetitions of the Ho'oponopono mantra and used the sewing machine to sew lines of thread between the columns of text. I left the untrimmed threads at both ends to dangle at the top and bottom of the cloth pieces. The background is textured with strings pulled from the canvas cloth, along with some sand, before covered by a layer of paper and then painted.

Transcriptions #16
In Process

The design for the canvas strips was influenced by an image I found online. The photo had remnants of The Gandharan Scroll, written on birch bark. The collection of these ancient Gandharan scrolls are considered the oldest Buddhist texts discovered.

For more information about the ancient Kingdom of Gandhara, click here.

Transcriptions #15: Om Namah Shivaya

2017-09-21T23:36:00.002-07:00

Om Namah Shivaya 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #15

Prayer: Om Namah Shivaya
Transcriptions Series

As I prepared to start working on this painting, I knew I wanted to use Om Namah Shivaya as the prayer, to have fun with the background color, and to include one or more of the "prayer pockets" within this canvas. (I created the first "prayer pocket" in Transcriptions #14.)

Transcriptions #15
In Process

I was interested in creating the attached book so each of the three open pages would be trimmed in three different widths. I made three cutouts in the painted canvas cloth to reveal an Om sign within and I assembled three "prayer pockets" to be displayed along the bottom of the canvas.

Transcriptions #15
In Process: before the final layers of paint
and the ties were added to the 3 prayer pockets

There was a freedom and ease to creating this painting... and a joy. I was thrilled to create another canvas with this mantra and I love the way the colors of the painted canvas show through the thin layer of paper which covers the surface. And, once again, I am jazzed about these little "prayer pockets".

In the blog post written about Transcriptions #2, I posted a video of the Om Namah Shivaya chant performed by Krishna Das. I recently found this video that sounds very much like the way I chanted my daughter to sleep, each night, when she was little.

Transcriptions #14: Om Mani Padme Hum

2017-09-20T09:07:00.001-07:00

Om Mani Padme Hum 18" x 18"
Transcriptions #14

Prayer: Om Mani Padme Hum

Transcriptions Series

This is the second painting with a focus on Om Mani Padme Hum but I'm sure it won't be the last. The first painting was a small 12" x 12" canvas. This larger 18" x 18" canvas has two cutouts for the handmade book to be inserted within the top opening and a smaller cutout, below, for an additional element.

Om Mani Padme Hum
In Process

I set out with the goal of including 108 repetitions of the mantra within the canvas surface (not counting the text in the attached book). The number 108 is considered sacred by Hindus from the time of the ancient yogis. In Transcriptions #11 I repeated the "So Hum" mantra 108 times in the flowing lines of text.

Transcription #14
In Process

What's included in the attached book? Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit and in the English transliteration, along with the following words:

"Loving kindness and compassion for self and others."
"Love and compassion are within us.
Love and compassion are within us.
Love and compassion are within us."

When trying to figure out what I wanted to insert into the small opening at the bottom of the painting, I ended up creating what I'm calling a "prayer pocket." It's a tiny 2" x 1-1/2" folded piece of canvas cloth with a prayer inside and out.

Transcription #14
Closeup of inserted "Prayer Pocket"

As I look at the finished painting, I am so very happy with the textures from the layer of paper beneath the paint and how I highlighted those textures.

For more on 108 as a sacred number, visit: https://wanderlust.com/journal/108-yogas-sacred-number

Transcriptions #13: Phoenician Shalom

2017-08-16T21:28:00.003-07:00

Phoenician Shalom 18" x 24"
Transcriptions #13

Prayer: Peace Prayers
Transcriptions Series

I loved working on the Phoenician Shalom. It was such a fun challenge. The original inspiration for the painting was an image I had seen of The Copper Scroll. The copper scroll was found as part of the collection of Dead Sea Scrolls. The corroded metal could not easily be unraveled without it being destroyed. So, instead they sliced the sides, cutting strips that could be laid out and read.

Although the original text on the scroll was written in Hebrew, I thought it would be fun to use ancient Phoenician in this painting. I took up the project of translating a couple of Hebrew peace prayers into Phoenician. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to learn the Phoenician alphabet.

Phoenician Shalom
In Process

After transcribing the prayers, I wrote them in pencil on the 5 strips of canvas cloth prepared to resemble the copper strips.

The primary prayer is from the words of Shalom Aleichem and each of the four stanzas are written on four of the cloth strips. Translated, the intro to each reads:

Peace be unto you...
May you come in peace...
Bless me with peace...
Go forth in peace...

In the center strip is the Phoenician translation of the following prayer, Oseh Shalom:

   "He who makes peace in his high places
   He shall make peace upon us
   And upon all the world
   And say Amen"

Phoenician Shalom
In Process

I really got a kick out of working with a language that is no longer used and rarely ever seen. Did you know that most of our modern alphabets have their roots in the ancient Phoenician language? The alphabet developed widespread use because of the extensive maritime trade of the times.

Transcriptions #12: Lokah Samastah

2017-07-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Lokah Samastah 12" x 12"
Transcriptions Series #12

Prayer: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Transcriptions Series

I love the sound of this mantra, the sound of the chanted words, and the meaning behind them. The first painting in the Transcriptions series focused on Lokah Samastah. Now, after completing the 11th painting, I wanted to return to this beautiful prayer.

"May all beings be happy.
May all my thoughts, words
and actions contribute in
some way to the happiness
of all beings."

Painted background with a layer of
thin textured paper on top.

Some of the text included on the attached book:

•    Lokah – The location of all universes existing now.
•    Samastah – All beings living in this location.
•    Sukhino – Centered in happiness, joy and free from all suffering.
•    Bhav – The divine state of union.
•    Antu – May it be so.

The above YouTube video is a version of Lokah Samastah performed by Jane Winthers.

Transcriptions #11: So Hum

2017-07-08T13:10:00.003-07:00

So Hum 14" x 18"
Transcriptions #11

Prayer: So Hum
Transcriptions Series

I loved working on this painting! I had loads of fun creating with the lines of text and playing with the colors. I felt a deep peace as I worked on this canvas.

The So Hum mantra symbolizes our oneness with the Universe, the constant support available to
each and every one of us, and our connection to the Infinite Source. We are all connected.

“I am one with the Universe

and all of creation.”

Canvas Cloth Layer in Process
Transcriptions #11

When translated from Sanskrit, So Hum means “I am that” (so = “I am” and hum = “that”). It is referred to as "the breath of life" and reflects the sound of the breath. “So Hum” can be used in meditation by having your mind recite the phrase:

“Sooooo…” when inhaling.
And “Hummmmm” when exhaling.

So Hum
In Process

There are two scrolls tucked into the folds of the canvas cloth. Hidden within these scrolls is much of the text found above on this post.

I had the above YouTube video playing while I painted the So Hum canvas. I felt so much peace with the sounds of the So Hum chant in the background as I experienced the creative flow. In addition, during that period, I found myself chanting this in my mind as soon as I awoke in the morning and before I fell asleep at night.

My new business cards were designed with
the image of the So Hum painting

This painting is available for purchase at my website.

Transcriptions #10: Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu

2017-07-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #10

Prayer: Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu (Peace Mantra)
Transcriptions Series

I fell in love with this Peace Mantra when I stumbled across a Youtube video of Tina Turner beautiful interpretation of it. I immediately knew I wanted to use it in one of my paintings. So, I went in search of the meaning or English translation and the Sanskrit or Hindi writing for this mantra. I found what I was looking for and the above painting is the result.

Here is the Tina Turner video of Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu I found on YouTube.

The following words are repeated on two of the hanging strips of canvas cloth (on the right and the left). They represent the mantra's meaning.

"May there be happiness in all
May there be peace in all
May there be completeness in all
May there be success in all"

And the following English transliteration can be found on the attached open book.

"Om sarveshaam swastir bhavatu
Sarveshaam shantir bhavatu
Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu
Sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah
Sarve santu niraamayaah
Sarve bhadraani pashyantu
Maakaschit duhkha bhaag bhavet"

Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu
In Process

I look forward to incorporating this prayer into a larger canvas in the future.

Transcriptions #9: Peace

2017-07-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Peace 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #9

Prayer: Peace
Transcriptions Series

I knew when I was working on Transcriptions #6 that I was going to to be revisiting the Western Wall in other paintings. With #9 I am getting to play with the concept of stuffing prayers into spaces within the canvas to represent the cracks in the wall.

As in the first painting of the wall, I textured the back canvas with sand and textured paper before painting it.

Peace
In Process

When thinking of the wall, I wanted to choose a prayer that people from all around the world would have in common... Prayers for Peace.

I cut the painted canvas cloth to create an opening in which to insert the small scroll-like papers, half in and half out. Besides gluing them in place, I sewed the opening shut to keep the "prayers of peace" secure.


Peace In Process

This is not the last of the Western Wall paintings. I feel as if I can do an entire series within the Transcriptions Series just on the concept of this awesome site that attracts so many people to come and pray.

Transcriptions #8: HaTorah

2017-06-30T16:34:00.001-07:00

HaTorah 16" x 20"
Transcriptions #8

Prayer: HaTorah
Transcriptions Series

The focus of this painting is on the blessing recited before a Torah reading (the strip of canvas cloth on the right side of the painting) and the blessing recited after the completion of a Torah reading (the canvas cloth on the left side).

These prayers are recited by the person who has the honor of being called up to stand before the Torah scroll during the reading of a portion of the Torah. This is called an Aliyah.

Transcriptions #8
In Process

The handmade book at the top of the painting displays both of these prayers in Hebrew along with the English transliteration. As a kid, and to this day, I have loved the sing-song-y nature of this pair of blessings.

Transcriptions #8: In Process
Before the final layer of color

As this series has developed, I've been using oil pastels to add a final coat of color, after all the pieces are attached. I love the addition of that extra vibrancy that the pastels bring to the paintings. Also, it brings me back to my roots of painting with oils, even if it's only for a little bit. I love spreading the color around with a brush coated with turpentine. It certainly is an enjoyable part of the process of creating these paintings.

Transcriptions #7: Om Tare Tuttare

2017-06-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #7

Prayer: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
Transcriptions Series

One of the inspirations for the Transcriptions Series was the beauty of the written alphabets of ancient languages. The Sanskrit letters for Om Tare Tuttare are exquisitely beautiful.

I covered a small canvas with mulberry bark paper that I bought many, many years ago. For a few weeks I waited to see what prayer or mantra would come forth to be part of this unpainted canvas. Once that was clear and determined, I painted over the paper, repainted the book, and added the text.

Transcriptions #7
Deciding on the layout

The following is the text that appears on the attached open book to explain the meaning of each word in the mantra:

Om – the sacred sound representing the entire universe, past, present and future.
Tare – salvation from suffering and mundane dangers.
Tuttare – protection from fears and the deliverance into the spiritual path.
Ture – fulfillment of our spiritual path. We want to develop all the positive qualities and purify all our negativities.
Soha – “So be it.”

More information can be found HERE on this mantra and its meaning.

Transcriptions #7
In Process

Below, I've included Deva Premal's interpretation of this mantra found on YouTube. If you would like to hear Om Tare Tuttare in a more chant-like fashion, Click Here.

Transcriptions #6: Shema

2017-06-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Shema 12" x 24"
Transcriptions #6

Prayer: Shema
Transcriptions Series

I often fall in love with the sixth painting of a series and this was no exception. Maybe it's because I get my feet wet with the first five and by the time I get to the sixth I feel more established with the concepts and the flow. Then I am ready to stretch my creative muscle a bit more.

In preparing for this series, I knew from the beginning that the Western Wall would inspire one or more of the paintings. How could it not? It's an ancient wall, associated with a holy temple, and receives millions of visitors a year. People travel from all over the world to pray before the wall. Many leave written prayers on scraps of paper that they stuff in the cracks and crevices between the stones.

I used pencil to draw out the shape of the stones on the strip of canvas cloth. Then I painted it with acrylics and matte medium so it would be protected from smudging. I have wanted to use pencil on canvas and first tried it out by writing on Pater Noster.

Playing with the layout of scrolls and text.

I knew immediately that I wanted to use the Shema within the scrolls and on printed strips of paper throughout the painting. The Shema is the most important prayer within the Jewish prayer service and it is traditionally the last words recited before death.

Transcriptions #6
Closeup

Before attaching all the elements onto the back canvas, something was missing. It felt incomplete. So, I extended the image of the stone wall onto the background. Ahhh... that did it!!

Transcriptions #6
Closeup

Transcriptions #5: Om Mani Padme Hum

2017-06-13T08:30:00.001-07:00

Om Mani Padme Hum 12" x 12"
Transcriptions #5

Prayer: Om Mani Padme Hum
Transcriptions Series

The window cut into the canvas cloth, with flaps folded open, is an element I have used in a number of series through the years. The Buddhist mantra I chose for this painting is a powerful one. The six syllables of Om Mani Padme Hum are believed to hold all the teachings of the Buddha. I knew when I began this series that I would be focusing on this mantra in one or more canvases.

When preparing the text for this painting, I searched for a simple translation but there was none to be found. After reading several articles that for an understanding of Om Mani Padme Hum, I culled it down to a few words: Love and Compassion. Then I added... love and compassion are within us.

Transcription #5
In Progress

The mantra is referred to as the “jewel in the lotus” and a full understanding of its true meaning can be done from a place of enlightenment. Here’s a breakdown of the meaning behind each of the words:

Om is a sacred word and represents the sound of the universe.
Mani means "jewel" or "bead",
Padme is the "lotus flower" (a sacred flower in Buddhism)
Hum represents the spirit of enlightenment.

Photo found at: Classroom.synonym.com
Image credit: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Om Mani Padme Hum is the most common mantra found on Tibetan prayer wheels. It is believed that the turning of the wheel has the same benefit as reciting the mantra out loud or silently to oneself.

Transcription #5
Closeup

Below, I have shared a YouTube video of monks chanting Om Mani Padme Hum.