20/04/2020
I'm going to decipher an illustration to you for the FIRST TIME in 5 years of this profession. It's taking courage, I'll share what I can. It's a little to read but PROMISE it has value in how you'll further critique my works.
Today is the birth date of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This piece is based on their life • We start with the 'X' top right, near the title 'King Without A Crown'. I titled this piece as such because I didn't think a Crown (man made) and a Dastar (given by the Gurus) should be seen in the same light. With respect, both define royalty, but I wanted to represent this specific piece without that comparison • Top right '10' represents the Gurus line • The tally '5' represents the beloved five baptised (Panj Pyare) • 'Rai' was the Gurus given name, Gobind Rai • Moving on, a depiction of the Gurus father, the Ninth Guru is seen on top, with a '9' • Four crowns represent the Gurus four sons, whom he lost • The double faces represent the Guru in battle. The sword was so quick that the Guru knew what was around at all times • The collar shows 9 dominant ink spills, representing the existence of the other Gurus' embracement • The Gurus hawk is shown top left and horse depicted bottom right • A broken bow represents the Guru having drawn a bow and their stitches re-opening • An arrow is shown as the Gurus arrow was embedded in gold so those that were struck by them would be able to exchange the gold for money to see off to wounds and treatment • Smaller circles around the piece add up to battles • The Orange Rose represents the colour of the army and the blissful love for humanity in the nature of the Gurus character • And lastly, no matter what hardships the Guru went through, their vision was always clear, (which is represented by a clear straight line through the eye of the Guru).
Welcome to my world. One day I'll do this with all 600+ illustrations I've done. Next time you see pretty curls and swirls in my works, know they're their for a reason. It's stemmed from my name. To keep you 'Inkquisitive'. Thanks for reading, it took a lot to share.
Because thats what I do. I make a story from a story. I make something from nothing. Sometimes even nothing from something. I admired courage enough to embrace it. I clash colours on a daily basis. It makes me smile. I stand by what I believe. I create what I feel. I adventure into the unknown and map my route blindly. So I can stumble upon a challenge all over again. Challenges are great. I decided that the strengths I know about needed to become visible. I did just that.
King Without A Crown (Guru Gobind Singh Ji)
2015
