Tribute to my favorite novel Siddhartha

1/26/2014

When my friend saw my last blog with the laughing nun, she suggested it belong to a new category called "Healing Art." This piece will certainly be classified into the category as well.

How can we deliberately walk out of the influence of affluenza (a portmanteau of affluence and influenza used by critics of consumerism per Wikipedia)? I do not believe that affluenza epidemics are caused only by our excessive wealth seeking behaviors. I know a few, who seek prestige regardless their financial gains, also suffer from heavy unfulfilling feelings. I am in the same shoes. As I try to launch a new career as an artist, I hunger for recognitions rather than being satisfied with the fact that I am living the life I have dreamed of however humble it might be. I tell myself to not burden my conscience with too much ambitions.

This sculpture is a tribute to my favorite novel Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. As Siddhartha soothed the agony of my youth, may this piece foster an oasis of serenity in those who have been seeking it. May this piece help you untwine yourself from human greed and find your own peace deep within you.

2 Comments

About "Art in Process"

This page is an window for you to see my creative process. I would like to encourage you to leave your comments here. I hunger for a conversation with you about my art. What kind of emotions or thoughts did my art provoke you? What did you like/dislike? What viewpoint do you agree/disagree to? Your honest feedback will feed my art going forward. Thank you.

Ann H. Stanton

1/26/2014 01:02:22 pm

The first thing I thought of was Siddhartha! I didn't know you'd read it too. When I go to Thailand, very soon, I will think of your art as I visit the many Buddhas along the way. The more of this piece you bring into view, the more beautiful it becomes. Here the Buddha is out of his formal pose, but he is one with nature. His face still reflects the serenity he finds with enlightenment.

Yoko

1/26/2014 01:31:43 pm

I devoared Hermann Hesse's books in my 20's. I could relate to many of the characters, even to Steppenwolf, as they search for the meaning of their lives. Siddhartha was certainly an enlightening one.