This was a commissioned piece. My patron wanted the the three words expressing the foundations of mindfulness practice central to the Buddha’s teachings below the monks on alms round. It was a pleasure for me to return to painting the Thai monks again.

One of the great Indian saints of the 20th century is depicted here surrounded by devotees. Taken from a picture that inspired me I changed the setting and put the kirtan celebration by the ocean. A metaphor for Ma’s limitless presence. Like all the great avatars of India she transformed many lives and her eternal presence lives on though her teachings, devotees and photographs.

Leaning back on my favorite tree one morning I heard a burst of commotion in the woods nearby. Two fawns lept out of nowhere and bolted in different directions. I saw one leap at least 20 feet and the other one flew by within inches of my body. I was thunderstruck and when I turned around I saw Coyote standing on the ridge nearby tongue dangling, breathing hard. Talk about inspiration!

In my class I often work extemporaneously and things arrive, so to speak. This one came not long after returning from India. A humble offering of gratitude to an ancient and beguiling culture.

Standing in nature is necessary spiritual and somatic hygiene for myself on a daily basis.  I am fascinated by the ephemeral sensations I receive when standing barefoot on the earth and how to translate that into imagery. Subtle meridians of prana flow like electrical currents into our bodies, revitalizing our systems. All healers (light workers) are conduits of subtle earth vibrations.

I’m captivated by the early morning light as it dapples the trees and their surroundings. Usually I paint this tree from memory but this time I was right there with it. Then I’m also with the birds, the breeze and the unnameable.

When I sit and connect with the ancient trees where I live a resonant presence enfolds me that alters my consciousness in ways I can’t describe, hence I make art about it. The devotee depicted here receives her transmission dressed in fine garments. It’s the sense of royalty I feel when I’m in the presence of these ancient trees. And where exactly is the source of light, from without or within? For some it’s at the feet of the goddess.

When the redwood sings us back into ourselves we take on a different guise. Our primeval fey face emerges along with memories and symbols from other times. This piece had an uncanny unfolding over along time. No accident that the point of light remained at the throat. Now is the time to listen deeply, to heal our collective hypnosis. To speak for the ones whose language is beyond words.