“Namaste” literally means, “I bow to you. It is a word that creates an opportunity to respect, acknowledge and honor the light we hold within. It also allows us to respect the balance that is created using discipline in our lives. Saying the simple word, “Namaste” honors the place you and those you greet hold in the universe.
Each of us has our own approach and method of finding balance in our life. For me, that has been art. My guided art practice provides a window into a practice dedicated to support self-care and the study of artistic meditative practice to promote mental healing. Since 2018, this series was a dedicated ritual of meditative healing. Using mandala art therapy as a way to cope through hardship and challenge, each piece was intentionally created to process, reflect and accept letting go to create something beautiful.
“It’s beauty lies not in the enunciation or composition, but in the core meaning of the word itself.”
With no initial intention for design, each piece is directly painted on canvas. These works are intended to project color emotion, mindful wandering, while openly showcasing mistakes and alterations to appreciate the journey it takes to find balance through challenge. As you view the collective works, it is of great hope one can see the intention of healing, respect for cultural study while creating beauty through therapeutic transformative color and pattern.
The Namaste series has helped me refocus and regenerate my passion. Through “Namaste”, I “bow” to the power of artistic expression because the discipline required to create these pieces has helped me find inner peace, hope and personal healing.
While Namaste is usually a greeting , I’ve also learned that it means, “…May our minds meet.” I hope that your appreciation and understanding of the artistic balance inspired by the beauty of color, repetitive patterns and strengths reflects the strength I’ve found within myself once again.
Namaste,
Jessica Ann-Elizabeth Jones