Initially I started looking for a way to create my own lost ancient alphabet. I soon realized this concept required too much thought. My visual language requires immediacy and feeling. This led me to the idea of working with a meditative mantra. I had worn one around my neck for some years. Repeatedly writing the mantra I saw the text dancing in the realm of abstraction.
My large scale, abstract ink drawings, full of texture and history, were somewhat reminiscent of the printmaking process. So I decided to make Printmaking my main medium for this work. I found the timeless quality of prints suited the ancient texts.
I’m currently focused exclusively on my chosen mantra, the Tibetan Buddhist Prayer of Compassion OM MANI PADME HUM. I’ve appropriated the styling from the pendant around my neck, the text reading from top to bottom. The prayer is used as a meditative mantra, repeated over and over again. The mantra is so imbedded in the Tibetan culture, it is said that any child who can say the word “mother” can also recite the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum.
Image: Om Mani Padme Hum 1, Viscosity colour roll etching, 20 x 25cm
Upcoming Exhibitions
'Bunkershed Studios' 15 - 26 September 2010
Project Contemporary Artspace
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