Painting the Spiritual Realm

“Beyond Notice”

For my latest project Journey of the In-Between, I am currently working on painting #4 of the series, pictured above. This series is inspired by the Buddhist teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. This painting in particular is about what Buddhism calls the “Sambhogakaya”, which is the spiritual realm of experience. This is the realm that exists with our emotions, energetics, and general transpersonal experiences beyond the five senses. In traditional Buddhist art, when you see the Buddha sitting on a lotus floating in the sky, this represents the Sambhogakaya. In Christianity, this may be equal to the angelic realm. Similarly in Kabbalistic Judaism, it is the “upper realm” known as the Sefiroth.

As I approach this painting, as I am the rest of the series, it is very important to maintain the feeling of joy, of play, and to strongly represent female power and wisdom throughout the series. I’m really enjoying this painting so far, in particular, the dynamic of the two girls looking on in wonder as the vibrant “dakinis” dance around them and within the energetic patterns that are resonating off the girls into the sky. This sense of wonder and spiritual strength together is truly embodying what I hope to create as a prevalent theme throughout the series. Learn more about the Journey of the In-Between project here!