Friday 26 March 2010

At sixes and sevens

I WONDER IF you remember that I was making a series of paintings of the seven chakras as icon-like characters painted on Ikea breadboards? Well the last of the seven was completed recently and as I go to tell you about it I realise that I never showed you the sixth. So here we are, at sixes and sevens.

The whole series was to be painted over some time so that development and change showed in my work. Each image is that particular chakra personified, astride an associated animal, set against a background of appropriate colour and holding an apt symbolic item. Each time the figure alternated between male and female, and with the progression of seven they aged. The characters all point to the appropriate chakra point on their body and the horizon line crosses behind them there too.

So here we have indigo Ajna .. the sixth chakra, a wise white haired owl-riding woman holding a crystal ball of magic mushrooms. This point on the body is the third eye, and it symbolizes far-seeing, intuition, psychic perception, imagination, dream interpretation, luminescence.
Here are snippets of the painting in progress...


And here she is as a finished piece:


There is an incredibly intricate iconography surrounding this spiritual system, involving sounds, minerals, planets, psychological states and demons, as well as animals, colours and so on...
I have based the colours of this sixth icon a little on those that can be found deep inside the feldspar minerals like labradorite (also linked with third-eye things). I was given a beautiful piece of this (right) on a necklace by my grandmother when I was younger and remember being happy to look inside it at the beautiful refracted colours for hours. Almost as if the northern lights had been bottled.



And so from indigo to violet. From watery mineral to gold. For the final piece in this series, Sahasrara, I thought about how this ultimate breadboard icon should differ from the previous six, standing, as it does, for a kind of enlightenment, wisdom and understanding. I decided this figure should be ageless, sexless, facing forward unlike the others, and crowned in gold like an iconic saint. Our seventh character also is seated this time, not on an animal, but a winged chair, and holds the very same painting of which they are part. Perhaps a sort of self-awareness, or weird ever-diminishing quantum realization?


I am particularly pleased with the golden halo, made with gold wax over layers of oil paint. The nimbus or aureole was used widely in both western and eastern religious art to denote sanctity. Here I have connected it with the crown chakra and its associated enlightenment.



And so with the seven completed, I await eagerly a photograph of them all together on Bob's wall. I have always considered the icon amongst the most beautiful of all arts, and so was delighted that to follow on from this series, Bob has commissioned me to paint an iconic triptych. The details and story of which shall have to wait some long while until I have the time to uncover them at length.

59 comments:

Alice said...

just beautiful, as always. I mostly feel a draw to Sahasrara ... maybe I am at a point of trying to be more aware of self? Anyway, gorgeous work you are creating in your lovely home :-)

Pseko said...

Beautiful work Rima .. I'd like to see them all side by side too. Religion doesn't have a monopoly on soul art.... thank you for sharing your work.

Blessings!

Daniël said...

Heel mooie kunstwerken!!!
Beautiful works end Blog !!!

grt.
Daniel gustaaf
Par-l'arte
België

Rhealicious said...

Dear Rima,
what beautiful paintings! The Icon is amazing, truly a masterpiece! Wishing you a Happy Easter,
Rhea

Joana Su said...

Your Chakras series are wonderful, but this final Sahasrara is amazing.

Thanks for sharing your art.

Joana

Christine--RHP said...

wow--gorgeous!
I love icons--and would love to see the whole set displayed on the wall.

Happy Spring!!!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Exquisite. The halo on Sahasrara looks lit from within. And I can think of no better interpretation of Ajna than this one. A perfect reminder to follow one's instincts.

Such a lovely job on these, Rima. Of course with bottled Northern lights to inspire you, ....

Acornmoon said...

the gold works very well, hope all is well with you and your new home.

Anthropomorphica said...

Hi Rima, they are STUNNING!! The best use I've ever seen of breadboards, what a resourceful soul you are!

RoSe said...

Spectacular! I am so inspired by the quality of your art, thanks for doing the close ups so you (I) can really appreciate the details.
April showers, birds singing and creative blessings. Thank you for sharing your life and work Rima.

Unknown said...

Magnificent. I have a painting of the Seven Chakras also, but it is not as lovely as yours.

Your work is stunning.

Vitor Chuva said...

Hello Rima!

Your craftsmanship is a treat to the senses, and your inspired pieces of work, such as this one, a real pleasure to look at.

All the best.
Vitor

Aleks said...

There is so much love and beauty in your work dear Rima,each time I come here is a wonderful adventure and journey never ends,oh,OK,for a short brake to make some tea and bake some bread,:O)
I love your work! Light,love,peace and smiles coming your way,
Aleksandra

A mermaid in the attic said...

Stunning as always Rima, and that gold is amazing...I love this series, it will be wonderful to see a photo of them all reunited!

Von said...

Beautiful and I too would love to see them all together,please!

renee ferguson said...

Slept in late today and knew it had done me a lot of good. So as I was checking emails before lighting up my gas kiln, I stumbled upon your blog. Wonderful, wonderful delight.
Love your mysterious style and I think your blog is now a favorite.
So good to know there's an inspiring soul out there in the northern hemisphere. Greetings and well wishes from here Down Under.

Leslie said...

I'm with Alice, very drawn to Sahasrara as well. The colours remind me of my favorite well of light, amber. The gold halo just glows, I can only imagine what it's like in the real. Thanks, Rima!

Anonymous said...

Dear Rima,
I am always eager to receive a post from you. Your imaginary is soooo inspiring. It always bring me a sens of deep love and deep silence. Thank you for sharing your work. The last piece, Sahasrara is very beautifull. I feel the light within radiating.
Monique from Quebec, Canada

Priya Sebastian said...

I would never cut bread on these. I'd just hang them on my wall and stare at them for hours...lovely!

LDahl said...

I'll be back tomorrow to check these out more fully...I feel like I've found a fairy ring and am running home for my dancing shoes.

Shelley Noble said...

Stunning works, as always.

Tonia said...

They are absolutely wonderful. I especially like Ajina: she looks as though she's the moon in female form - really extraordinary.
Well done!

Lydia said...

Truly, it is one of the most stirring and beautiful works of art I have ever seen. I was deeply moved.

Rebecca said...

Beautiful icons, Rima. Am feeling inspired to get to work on my own icon series! Thank you for sharing these...and fond thoughts as always from the Weald.
xox

Martin said...

Truly beautiful work, Rima.

Amy said...

I love the owl, Rima. Owls are my favorite! Soulful work, and healing too. Amy

Snippety Giblets said...

Gorgeous Rima - lovely to see the completed project with such a spectacular end :0)

One of my most precious possessions is a labradorite sphere. It has one point that looks lit from within like a mad eye. I love those colours. Looking forward to the triptych.

Vilt og vakkert said...

Heisann!
Just lovely, have a nice Easter!

whitey said...

I so enjoy your blog your art is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Rima, these paintings are alive, extraordinary. The luminous icon has a special magic. I loved your little labradorite photo to as it is one of my favourite crystals, with so many colours and sheens hidden within itself, you need just the right angle of vision to see them. Really looking forward to seeing all the chakra paintings together - they would make a lovely set of meditation cards too. All blessings for your work and your beautiful new home. XX

Runic Rhyme said...

I feel a real connection to this. In fact, I sat it as my desktop. Will these be for sale, or just for personal use?

Elissa - said...

Love your work and always enjoy reading your blog, it always makes me feel chilled! Hope you have a lovely Easter full of peace & chocolate! Elissa

Larisa Jacobson said...

When art is like this it makes life wortrh living...

Amy the Lion said...

Hi Rima,

Creating art on breadboards is a really neat idea, and I just love these last two of your series. I find it admirable how you can turn objects like bread boards and slices from a tree stump (your most recent clocks) into art.
My computer froze as I was scrolling down your page, and that spot on the upper left that says "that funny thing called twittering," become "twattering." It made me chuckle and I just thought I'd share.
I'm looking forward to seeing the photo of all 7 chakra pieces together :)

Amber Dusick said...

So beautiful, I hope you'll share a photo of them all together, I'd love to see it. I always get so excited when my blog reader says there is a new post up from you! Thanks for sharing with us.

Rachel Erstwhilely said...

all i can say is they're both exquisite.

Danielle Barlow said...

You HAVE been busy Rima! These are gorgeous, especially the owl woman :)

Heather said...

Both these paintings are truly beautiful Rima - who would think that a humble breadboard could become a wonderful work of art. I am looking forward to seeing them all together and the triptych when you have done it.

Owen said...

One comes away from here as from a visit to the Louvre, in a state of awe...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work Rima. I love the way the wood looks with the painting- like a natural frame. I bet they look a splended sight all together.

Jayne said...

Hello Rima. I've just found your lovely blog via Milkmoon, and... gosh, your art work is absolutely stunning. I was a fan just from the header, and will really enjoy wandering around your blog. :)

Kari of Writing Up A Storm said...

I love how the halo on your Sahasrara is lit from within, as if you had painted it with light. And your people's feet are too wonderful, so down to earth, such real people walking the earth barefooted. The breadboard, the bare feet , and the sublime ~ you put them all together so beautifully. I, too, would love to see all seven side by side, or in a row! xo Kari

Jess said...

Wonderful work Rima, lucky Bob! Each of your pictures are fused with love and care and that vital ingredient - magic!xx

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rima! I wish I could write beautiful words equal to your beautiful work but am limited to sitting here gazing with open mouth, wide eyes, and quickening heart. Thank you so much for sharing these images. I cannot tear myself away from the image of Ajna. That owl, oh that owl.....
Paula

Erica-Jane said...

Dear Rima,

I just have to say that your blog brings me so much happiness. I'm comforted to know that there are still a few people like you left in this world. Erica-Jane xxx

Amy said...

Love them Rima!! Especially the seventh...the gold and violet are breathtaking! Hope you will share a picture of all of them together.

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful images, Rima.
So sorry I have been absent from your amazing world for so long.
All best wishes

Pam Aries said...

Love your site..your art...your life! so glad I found you via my good bloggy friend Cheryl at 'The Healing Woman"...

marcia cardeal said...

I'm without words for your work! ...best wishes to you from Brazil

GardenGeek said...

I have to get another job- I would love to commission an icon.
Such wondrous beauty!

Sarah-Jayne said...

Dear Rima,

I've been following and admiring for quite some time... And as usual, your work is absolutely stunning...

Sarah-Jayne

* said...

Your artwork is mesmerizing, intriguing, lovely, spiritual. So delicious.

gih said...

A wonderful arts. I like those style of paintings.

Frumingelo said...

Dear Rima,

I've just found your blog and i think it's Wonderful! The beautiful creations are a real treat for heart and soul. Thank you!

M.M.E. said...

I love that you painted these on bread boards! All of your work is both aesthetic and functional. It's wonderful to meet another artist. This series will look gorgeous together! You are such an inspiration to me to keep at my illustrations each and every day. Thank you for that.

Suz said...

I am fascinated with your blog and your spirit. I love your artwork. You are so talented.

I would love to own one of your clocks. How can I do that?

Do you sell to the USA?

Mo Crow said...

Dear Rima,
Please make your stunning chakra series available as prints! I have never seen anything like them through all my long years on this planet, you have such a unique & magical vision thank you for the sharing!!

Michelle said...

Beautiful, Rima! I can't wait to see them sall together. I still remember stumbling upon your blog when you'd posted the first of the chakras.

I was here to leave a wish for spring and a website. I wondered if you know them - they seem your kind of souls. I wish you all that their movie "My wish for you" offers

http://www.duirwaigh.com/duirwaigh-films.html

Perrina said...

Good day, Miss. Rima! Your chakra series has enlightened me & lightened my heart. Have you received comments from Bob on the remaining pieces? Has he sent a photo of their arrangement? Will you share them with us?
>Kerrie