Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Kali Time for Change

My latest embellished ebru project is focused on the Hindu Devi Kali Ma. This was a great winter project.

Kali screens
Hand painted Kali Ma screens.

I planned out a four color silkscreen print made with only two screens. Then made a vibrant red battal ebru to embellish with the new screen print art.

Work In Progress
Work in progress - fresh Kali screen print drying on original battal ebru.

Most know her as the Great Mother, Kali Ma, the Goddess of time and change. Often perceived as a destroyer, Kali is the redeemer of the universe. She is a champion Devi that destroys only to create, and what Kali Ma fights is ignorance and well... demons. Peoples inner demons mostly, but there are stories of her on the battlefield kicking demon butt.

Kali Ma Ebru
Finished handmade original acrylic ebru (turkish paper marbling) battal mono-print embellished with a four color Goddess Kali Ma screen print on kozo paper. 19" x 24"

Exited by her victory Kali Ma is known to dance on her fallen foes. Kali's trident represents the female energy of the triple Goddess - virgin, mother, and crone. While the sword gives protection from fear. She also caries with her a bowl of blood. Blood being a symbol of both life and death.

Kali close-up
This red battal ebru resembles blood.

Kali is always seen with a string of skulls wrapped around her neck, showing a mastery over fear and death. While her crown shows great wisdom and truth.

Always naked and revealing the truth of who she is. There are no clothes that can mask her, for she is pure and without illusion. With wild hair, untamed like uncultivated nature.

Kali Ma Ebru
original handmade acrylic ebru (turkish paper marbling) mono-print embellished with a four color Kali Ma screen print on cotton paper. 19" x 24"

The cosmic sal ebru in this second piece was done on a methylcellulose size. It was a bit different from the carrageenan size I normally work with. I was expecting precise control over the movement of the paint, but instead I found I was more of the conductor of chaos as the paint spiraled out of my design and created something of its own. I think the ethereal mono-print that came from such chaos should be viewed as an abstract portrait of the Kali Ma energy.

Devi Kali Ma Ebru
The wise woman with the third eye.

Om Krim Kali Namah!

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Peace & Love,
-Danny