THE WHEEL OF DHARMA

I started this blog five years ago because I was doing this class project for a painting class called "Pintura en  Representación" (I'm a graphic design major but I slipped in a few fine arts classes in college). Anyways, my project for that class was a series called ASHTAMANGALA or The Eight Auspicious Signs. My aesthetic has changed quite a bit in the past five years, but it's always great to look back on what you've done in the past, even though it can be kind of embarrassing and make you cringe. 

So, one of the most important symbols of the Eight Auspicious signs is the Dharma Wheel or Dharmacakra , which is what I based the illustration you see above on. This symbol can also be interpreted as "The Wheel of Law" and represents the Buddha's teaching of the path to enlightenment. 

Here is a list of the Eight Auspicious Signs: 

"The Right Turning Conch"

"Endless Knot"

"Pair of Golden Fish"

"Lotus Flower"

"Parasol"

"Treasure Vase"

"Wheel of Dharma"

"Victory Banner"

I've also recently done my take on the endless knot and Lotus Flower for my mandala series, you can see here. 

*Note* I know this is nerdy but one other thing I love about the Dharma Wheel is it's association with the TV show LOST. Yes, I was a total Lostie, and I miss it oh so much!

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.

George was going through difficult time in his life, to get away from it all he visited his good friend Eric Clapton. While walking around in his garden he picked up one of Eric's acoustic guitars and wrote this lovely song. You're my hero George. 

Check out this great transition that was made for LOVE Cirque Du Soleil:

 Here Comes The Sun The Inner Light [Transition] by thebeatles 

SUMMER SOLSTICE! 

Guys! I checked into mediafire, and discovered my wallpapers have been downloaded over 800 times! This makes me so happy, I've decided to upload Indian Summer wallpapers for desktops and iphones.

Download HERE.

Fruit!

Look at these precious honeys! Meet Laia and Aleix, my niece and nephew. They're tiny enchanted pixies.
I ♥ hanging out with these kids. This is a little birthday party invitation I whipped up for them. 

SYMBOLS OF THE ALCHEMISTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICATIONS

I love this definition: 

Alchemy is an ancient tradition, the primary objective of which was the creation of the mythical "philosopher's stone," which was said to be capable of turning base metals into gold or silver, and also act as an elixir of life that would confer youth and immortality upon its user. As practiced historically, alchemy can be viewed as a protoscience, a precursor to modern chemistry, having provided procedures, equipment, and terminology that are still in use. However, alchemy also included various non-scientific mythological, religious, andspiritual concepts, theories and practices.

P.S. I painted this chart the other night, can you tell I used gold paint? It look really cool when the sunlight hits it at an angle. 

I've always had a thing for native american culture, especially their names! Here are a few of my favorites: Wandering Bear, Born on Holy Ground, Deer Jumping Downhill, Leaping Water, Possesses Magical Powers, Winter Princess.... I'll just stop there. 

I'm venturing into painting more native-american inspired illustrations, there's so much to work with, I'm starting out with feathers. You can check them out here. 

Anyways, I've been trying new things I haven't published yet, inspiration includes: tribal art and alchemy. This is the new color palette I've been working with.

 I leave you with some awesome native american proverbs:

I have been to the end of the earth. I have been to the end of the water. I have been to the end of the sky. I have been to the end of the mountains. I have found none that are not my friends.  (Navajo)

Listen to the voice of nature, For it holds treasures for you. (Huron)

Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it. (Arapaho)

It is no longer good enough to Cry peace, We must Act peace, Live peace and Live In Peace. (Shenandoah)

A few shots from Bazar Fusión this past weekend ♥

Come visit me this Friday! This will be my second time at Bazar Fusión and I've prepared many new things. Map and more info are on the side bar --->

I can't wait to see you there!

♥