Transcriptions #19: Lokah Samastah
Transcriptions #19: Lokah Samastah
12” x 12” x ¾”
Original mixed media painting on canvas
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit mantra. It acts as a reminder: to be aware of how interconnected we all are to one another and to all living beings. The message: we are all one and our actions impact the world.
The translation of the prayer is simple yet powerful:
"May all beings be happy.
May all my thoughts, words
and actions contribute in
some way to the happiness
of all beings."
The attached canvas cloth is cut to create an open window revealing the handmade book. The background canvas is textured and painted on the sides as well. The painting is signed and dated on the side.
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Related Paintings
24" x 24" x 1.5”
Original mixed media painting on canvas
Prayer Book: Although this is number 24 in the series, it actually was the first painting and the inspiration for what has become the Transcriptions Series. Several years before I began the Transcriptions, I had an idea for a new series which would include books on canvas.
I painted a first layer of color on this 24" x 24" canvas and got as far as sewing the painted book onto the painting. It hung incomplete in the studio for years, waiting for me to return to it.
Finally, after completing 23 Transcriptions, I was able to continue developing this canvas. I ended up placing pieces of each of the prayers and mantras used in all the prior paintings within the book and around the canvas. I also scattered the letters of the Ancient Phoenician alphabet throughout the surface, in pencil.
After adding many layers of paint, it was finally complete. The gallery wrapped sides are painted to match the rest of the canvas and it is signed and dated on the side.
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12" x 12" x 3/4”
Original mixed media painting on canvas
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most popular Hindu mantras. It is a dedication to Lord Shiva, considered a benevolent, auspicious, and Supreme Deity in Hinduism.
Before I began this painting, I knew I wanted to do something different with the text. I chose to cut strips of the canvas cloth, folding the pieces back so the text would be on the raised folds and the back canvas would show through the cutouts. What better mantra to use but the one with which I have a long history. My daughter was raised with this one.
I created a seam by sewing two pieces of canvas cloth together. Then I began cutting strips with every other one placed on opposite sides of the seam so the folds would lay in both directions. I had painted both sides of the cloth, so at some point the piece was truly reversible… but I liked this way best.
The sides of the canvas are textured and painted to match the rest of the background. The signature and date appear on the side.