Triptych
3 panel mixed media on canvas
Acrylic,pastel,charcoal,oilpastel,feathers
On exhibition from Wednesday 12th May at the Tap Gallery in Darlinghurst Sydney
SOLD

This print is also now available in three seperate panels which is better for canvas prints. There is also a version with a black border.

One of my strongest influences at the moment would have to be Hiroshi Nonami a Japanese photographer born in 1954 in Matsue City in the Shimane Prefecture of Japan.

CURIOUSLY CONSUMED BY THE “DRAGON WITHIN”
Japanese Culture

In Japanese culture the dragon is said to be a symbol of supernatural powers. With incredible strength and a hidden wisdom. It was said the only way to journey past a dragon was to answer its riddles. Dragons in the Orient are associated with wisdom and longevity. They usually possess some form of magic or supernatural power. Asian dragons are usually associated with water in some way. Japanese dragons, in particular, are often depicted as huge water serpents

Celtic mythology

Perhaps the most powerful animal of all in Celtic mythology, the dragon symbolised the whole of creation, in the might of the earth and in the bending of the rivers. It also represented a guardian or an obstacle against physical or spiritual gain. The Dragon is the national emblem of Wales

Chinese Dragon

Chinese Dragon, this mythological symbol dates back to 3000 BC and stands for happiness, immortality, procreation, fertility and activity. Chinese Dragons were believed to ward off evil spirits.
In ancient days the dragon was regarded as a most sacred animal, and used to be the imperial emblem of Chinese emperors. Unlike the evil dragon the West, the Chinese Dragon is a beneficent and gracious creature and is worshipped as the divine ruler of Lakes, Rivers and Seas. It is powerful yet gentle and brings rain to the earth, speeds the crops and cools the farmer. It is a popular of Chinese art motif, being sculptured on stone pillars of Chinese temples and embroidered on beautiful gold and silk tapestries.

The Chinese Dragon is also the symbol of the Chinese race. Chinese proclaim themselves “Long De Chuan Ren” (Descendents of the Dragon).
The influence of a dragon painting is the successful overcoming of difficulties and the painting itself a reminder that we can win through difficult situations if we accept them as challenges instead of obstacles. The most auspicious placing for a dragon painting is facing water, ideally an ocean, sea, river or stream – moving water

Martial Arts

The dragon is also known as the “voice of inner judgement”, sabotaging positive change and putting you down. The dragon wears many costumes, in particular internal self-judgment and judgment from others. When you slay the inner dragon, you start to question the dragon and get the power to be in charge of your thoughts and actions and confront, question and redirect the dragon’s voice of inner-judgment. The voice of inner judgment often diminishes creativity, curiosity, joy and discovery while fostering self-doubt, fear and staying stuck in familiar patterns. Once you let go (i.e. slay the dragon), you have the power to be in charge of your thoughts and actions and you begin listening to your inner knowing.

New Age Philosophies

The Dragon Power Symbol is a symbol of ‘empowerment’ in Transference Healing. It revitalises the power centre to enable the body to energetically re-nourish and heal. It also protects us against direct psychic attack and counteracts negative feelings or projections against us. It supports us to overcome the limitations of the ego and connect to ‘Divine Will’. It is the lost symbol or key to the Elemental Kingdoms of the Dragon.

Conclusion

I’m sure that we all have our own ideas and theories on “The Dragon Within”, and whether we are curiously consumed by it, or if it indeed, curiously consumes us. I hope you enjoy my art and have fun with your own interpretations.