“No Mud”

November, 2023

“No mud, no lotus.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

This piece is dedicated to the late Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh.

In Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity in all aspects of life as it floats above the murky waters of the human experience.

I like to use different materials, techniques, and levels of details to convey different ideas and to highlight various aspects of the piece.

I used solid acrylic blues and rough strokes to paint the water to ensure it remains a ‘background’ element. The same idea was applied to the lily pads, with a greater level of detail. I used pearlescent colours for the lotus itself to bring focus to the flower and to portray the pure essence it embodies. I also used strong, clear lines as a way of emphasising the detail of the flower.

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