Perfect Balance.
(10)
The fourth module of the `foundation` of all things with Susan gave us an interesting mix of title possibilities to work on. My thoughts drifted among Yin Yang, Sands of time, Eagle eye, Artemisia Gentileschi and Far from the Madding Crowd.
The process was; choose and explore the subjects of interest and then explain in the following class why you had chosen the one to work with. I decided on Yin Yang as the philosophical substance of this interested me and I thought I may be liberated, despite the colour limitation of the symbol. Symbolism has always interested me and I learned so much from further investigation. This was the point of the exercise I think - further learning. It is quite addictive.
To aid in understanding the properties belonging to each side of the symbol I show the following table:
YIN YANG
Dark Light
Matter Spirit
Earth Sky
FEMALE MALE
Passive Active
Tiger Dragon
Down Up
North South
Water Fire
Winter Summer
Shade Sunlight
Receptive Creative
This is some of my sketchbook work
It was clear I was not making progress apart from absorbing the philosophy - the balance didn`t seem to work. I decided to try some sculpture, using air dry clay (at that time the only clay available to me). This was liberating.
The formation of the symbol is not just plucked out of thin air it is a real encounter of a study. When observing the cycle of the sun the Chinese used a pole 8 feet long, posted at right angles to the ground and recorded positions of the shadows. They then found the length of a year is approx 365.25 days. They noted the seasonal changes using the constellation Dipper. The direction of sunrise, the direction of sunset etc. They were so clever eh?
According to the Chinese - Cosmic `chi` or Qi, exists inside the body of someone who is always happy. ( I think thats me).
My final piece was taking shape - lots of work but worth it.
I decided on a mosaic in the shape of a circle and divided as the symbol of Yin Yang. I loved doing this piece. Two sided of course and suspended in a frame decorated with dragons.
I still display it in my dining room.
Remember :
" Philosophy is the art which teaches us how to live"
Montaigne.
Until next time, always be chi-ful!
...............
Matter Spirit
Earth Sky
FEMALE MALE
Passive Active
Tiger Dragon
Down Up
North South
Water Fire
Winter Summer
Shade Sunlight
Receptive Creative
This is some of my sketchbook work
It was clear I was not making progress apart from absorbing the philosophy - the balance didn`t seem to work. I decided to try some sculpture, using air dry clay (at that time the only clay available to me). This was liberating.
The formation of the symbol is not just plucked out of thin air it is a real encounter of a study. When observing the cycle of the sun the Chinese used a pole 8 feet long, posted at right angles to the ground and recorded positions of the shadows. They then found the length of a year is approx 365.25 days. They noted the seasonal changes using the constellation Dipper. The direction of sunrise, the direction of sunset etc. They were so clever eh?
According to the Chinese - Cosmic `chi` or Qi, exists inside the body of someone who is always happy. ( I think thats me).
My final piece was taking shape - lots of work but worth it.
I decided on a mosaic in the shape of a circle and divided as the symbol of Yin Yang. I loved doing this piece. Two sided of course and suspended in a frame decorated with dragons.
I still display it in my dining room.
Remember :
" Philosophy is the art which teaches us how to live"
Montaigne.
Until next time, always be chi-ful!
...............
