Mixed Media: Tsas of Mongolia (2004-2018)
Mixed media on 8" x 10" stretched canvas (left): Tsas' silhouette in the circle of eternity, the wheel of Dharma, or Tumen Nasen in Tibetan Buddhism, symbol for the cycle of life. The colors bridging the five small circles at the top represent the popular notion "the rainbow bridge" which people refer to when their pets cross over. The 5 small circles, however, also represent the Dharma wheels, or 5 pure lights--space, air, water, fire, earth. In Tibetan Buddhism earthly existence is but delusion and those who transcend it are said to be in the rainbow body. (This is my simple interpretation.)
Mixed media on 11" x 11" paper (upper right): Tsas lying on the sofa. The last months of her life she had seemed to grow old so quickly. The text reads: "Tuckered from life's tango--But, oh, how well she tangoed!"
The third drawing in the lower right corner is my attempt at creating a votive piece for Tsas' protection as she lived out what seemed to be turning into the final days of her life. There again is the rainbow bridge overarching the steep climb up the vast slope to where the smiling therapy dog Happy, popular on You Tube at the time and who had just passed away, awaits with St. Francis of Assissi. On the right is the kitten Max, who preceded Tsas in death, at the right of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. The three flowers represent Easter as Tsas died April 3, 2018. The text reads: "Friends and protectors of companion animals Hold open the gates of peace and contentment Thank you for the life of Tsas."
(not for sale)