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This image is a reaction to a comment made by monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He was surprised to see Americans use Asian images to embody the presence and spirit of the Buddha. He felt that each culture should create its own images. This would be a meaningful depiction,… a deepening of the experience and the spirit of Buddhism. (Carl Jung made a similar observation about traveling and dream images. He felt that the individual dreamt the archetypal images and stories of that new continent). In any event, I was delighted with the challenge of making an American image of a Bodhisattva.
The frontal image of the Mother is a French vanilla image; a faceless face, with signature hollow breasts and a swollen, spiral glazed belly. The back of the image became the power house. A concave face radiating mandala-like energy resting on a tee shaped spinal structure. The buttocks are hollowed out and the pregnant belly is seen from behind. The image transforms into an altar- piece. The belly of the image looks like a white-hot circular furnace . Perfect! The belly of the divine dedicated to holding the mystery, holding the fire of life, for transformation, for sacred passage and tender care. The furnace is a metaphor for the burning off of the ego's burdensome vanities, a tabernacle or " temenos" for the burning/yearning struggle for meaning and connection to stay alive in a vital way.
The image honors the journeying homeward, inward to discover the Self; .... to have a personal life review that sparks creative and meaningful dialogue and... activity that feeds your soul. This image strives to depict a sacred tabernacle ( your body) in such a way as to honor the unfolding mystery of life. Cultivate your own personal sacred garden... Wishing you courage, gentleness, and honesty on your journey.
Grace and Blessings Always
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