Text in artwork

About the texts i have used in my artwork over the years.

The main element in my artwork is always figure and drawing but i have every now & then used text as a side element, even in my earliest etchings.

I never emphasise the text too much and I always use text that has a meaning.

Sometimes i just need something to fill a space and i search for a text that suits the subject, or use the one thats been on my mind lately.

I have also made artwork from a poem or from a text, like an illustration. So in different ways texts are many times part of the process. Sometimes visibly sometimes just as a backround theme.

I have often used sanskrit because its decorative.

And more importantly because it’s from a proper book i have.

A copy of Upanishads that has sanskrit writing as well as the translation (I can’t understand sanskrit).

Upanishads are ancient texts and a part of Vedas.

Goody. Profound stuff.

Now. I didn’t visit India or spend years as a cave hermit to come across this sacred knowledge. I just came across David Lynchs’ book ‘Catching the big fish’ way back when in the library, and in it, there were quotes from Upanishads. Had to see what they were about.

When a book recommends a book its always a good thing.

I felt drawn to this one.

Star Dream Girl

Is a painting that had a space that needed filling and i put parts of the Chandogya Upanishad there. And one of the great sayings of Upanishads, one of the Mahavakyas:

Tat Tvam Asi

It means: That Thou Art. (That you are)

Isn’t it nice that the old word art (are) has this other related meaning.

Like: That which you art (= create). You are what you create?

Im very pleased with this thought and myself for thinking it. (Only works in english)

What i like about these sayings is they convey so much with so very few words.

The story that has Tat Tvam Asi in it, is about a conversation between guy named Uddalaka and his son Svetaketu. And the father tells the son to get a seed of a banyan tree and its the whole how a giant tree is in the seed -thing. How the whole universe has come from the subtle and invisible essence that is also in the smallest of seeds. It’s the spirit of the universe. It is also what you are. That is the reality, Truth and that is you.

The Doorway

Is an etching that has a text arch above the figure. It’s quite dark because i didn’t want to emphasize it too much. Like these truths, it’s in the backround if you know how to look.

It’s from Katha Upanishad. And says basically that it’s not the sun, or moon, or stars that shines. It’s Brahman. By his light is all lighted.

I understand this to be a very pretty verse about oneness. That is the ultimate truth for me. Everything is the same Being. Of the same. From the spirit and the essence.

Everything is of the light. It is in everything. Everything is it.

We are.

The idea

I guess the overall text -using idea originates from book loving. Being a bookworm, even though my reading is quite moderate these days. Libraries have been my favourite places from when i was small.

Books are great for two reasons. For escape. And for knowledge. No, three. Also for understanding. Is knowledge and understanding the same? Hold your breath for that essee.

The other aspect of the idea is the spiritual. I create spiritually minded art and while doing it i ponder stuff. What is currently simmering on the backround.

And what a better way to meditate & contemplate than to add some literature into your arting process. It goes on the side. Hours and hours you get to mull it over.

Anyway it makes sense that both of the main interests in my life combine in such a way .

Spirituality and art.

That is life. Getting to know what it’s about and creating.

It’s about creating.