4×5 ft, oil on Masonite board, gifted to Sharika Sharma
This painting was made based on a moment of revelation during deep meditation.
Meditation has been a part of my life since I was in my early twenties. It has helped me through some very difficult times.I make it a point to relax my mind every day and enjoy the meditative moment, floating along and taking in the present.
Long ago l was sitting in deep meditation next to a water body with floating lotuses. I felt the water slowly surround me and became one with the lotuses in the water. My mind was in deep rest. In a flashI visualised this instant and knew,“this moment is going to become my next painting”.
In this painting you can see two people. Lotus flowers appear under their skin in openings where the lotuses peep out. The people and the lotuses are one. They are the lotus lovers!
The eyes of the two figures are barely open. This shows that they are not asleep but are aware of who they are and what is happening.I love the way the fingertips of both the figures so gently touch the water, giving it a small ripple.
I created the effect of calm water with a thin layer of white paint here and there to ensure a peaceful looking surface on the depth of the water. Leaves have fallen from the trees into the water and float like small curly boats that carry shiny droplets.
This water body still exists right now but the lotuses are gone, eaten by the geese who have made their home there.
I am extremely happy with the result of this painting until this day. I see this painting daily. Every time it is like a reminder of that magic moment.Times and moments pass and do not come back again, only in our memory can we experience these magic moments when we want.It helps if there is a beautiful painting as a reminder!
My mother, who is a tapestry weaver, really liked this painting. She made a beautiful tapestry based on it that is just the same size as the original. It is included here.