Olive Art

artallstateteacher:

Art After All-State: Celebrating 25 years of Alumni Work

Just a preview of the amazing show we have for you!  Reception is at the Worcester Art Museum on Friday June 1st from 7pm to 9pm - all are welcome! 

Lotus is one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. It is regarded as a symbol of beauty throughout the world. This is not just because of its vibrant colors but also because of its quality to bloom beautifully in muddy water. The lotus plant originated in parts of Middle East and Asia. Lotus flower symbolization is different in every culture, however all of them are associated with the life cycle of the lotus flower.

The lotus is associated with creation, the afterlife, enlightenment, fertility and sensuality, purity, and health. Many cultures ascribe different virtues to the different colors of the blooms as well as the quantity of petals on the bloom.

The lotus is also associated with the 7 chakras,Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahai, and Egyptian mythos.

Hindu- Lotus flower has spiritual as well as religious significance in the Hindu religion. Hinduism regards lotus as the symbol of youth, beauty and life. These meanings are quite common, but did you know that one of the lotus flower meanings is non-attachment? This symbolization is based on the characteristic of the lotus flower itself. As we all know lotus flower grows in muddy water, but in spite of growing in dust and filth, the flower never has even a drop of mud on it.

Lotus also has great importance in the religious aspects of Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Brahma emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu, sitting on a lotus. Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth is always shown with a lotus flower, and that is the reason why lotus is included in the major ceremonies regarding Goddess Lakshmi. As the lotus is unaffected by its dirty surroundings, one should also grow spiritually and do only the right things, in spite of the bad forces present in the surroundings. 

Buddhism- Lotus stands for purity, spontaneity and beauty. In many paintings Lord Buddha is portrayed to be seated on the lotus. Though lotus grows in muddy water, it grows beautiful and brings a smile on anyone’s face who sees it. Just like the lotus one should try to smile in unfavorable conditions and try to make others’ life beautiful.

• White Lotus: White lotus stands for purity of mind and spiritual perfection. The white lotus is generally shown having eight petals just as the eight-fold laid by Gautama Buddha. White lotus flower is also regarded as one of the four noble truths.
• Red Lotus: Red lotus is also a symbol of purity, but purity of the heart. It is regarded as a symbol of passion, love and compassion, which are the obviously the qualities of the heart.
• Blue Lotus: Blue lotus is a symbol of victory, victory over the senses. It signifies knowledge and wisdom.
• Pink Lotus: Pink lotus stands for Lord Buddha itself and as it stands for Lord Buddha, it automatically stands for Lord Buddha’s teachings also.

Tattoo- In modern times the meaning of a lotus flower tattoo ties into it’s religious symbolism and meaning. Most tattoo enthusiast feel that the a lotus tattoo represent life in general. As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great beauty people also grow and change into something more beautiful (hopefully!). So the symbol represent the struggle of life at its most basic form.

Indian culture- the Lotus flower represents enlightenment, wealth, knowledge, and connection to the divine. It is associated with the goddess of wealth, Maha Lakshmi, who represents purity, prosperity and generosity. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus flower.

Egypt- the Lotus flower is called Sesen. In Egyptian mythology, the lotus flower is a symbol of the sun, creation and rebirth.

I had the pleasure of creating this beautiful lotus flower book for a good friend!  Hope she experiences great pleasure, health, prosperity, and growth in this new year! :)

Graduating this year!!???? 

Catherine is!!  This album was created for Catherine as she prepares to graduate from Temple University!  :)  We are very proud of all that she has accomplished and hope she will fill this album with all the wonderful memories she has of her time at Temple! :)

NICK SULLIVAN came to talk to my AP and Portfolio class yesterday!
An MHS alum, Nick has recently graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration!

He had words of wisdom for my students, spoke about what it is like to be in college studying art, and what he is working on currently.

He is an amazing artist!  Check out his work at www.n-sullivan.com