Enlightenment is a piece of digital artwork by Cristina McAllister which was uploaded on August 17th, 2012.
Enlightenment
The Lotus begins life at the dark, muddy bottom of a pond, growing up toward the surface to eventually break into the light and blossom into a... more
Title
Enlightenment
Artist
Cristina McAllister
Medium
Digital Art - Original Digital Art
Description
The Lotus begins life at the dark, muddy bottom of a pond, growing up toward the surface to eventually break into the light and blossom into a beautiful flower. This process reflects the soul's journey from the darkness of ignorance and materialism, through experience and learning, into the uplifting serenity of Enlightenment. The thorny brambles tangled at the bottom represent confusion and the struggles of mundane life. The winged heart represents the ability to rise above such tribulations and free oneself from suffering. The sun is emblazoned with a swastika (from the Sanskrit svastika, meaning �auspicious sign�) � a symbol of the sun, radiant life energy and blessing. This very ancient symbol has been held sacred by cultures across the globe since the very beginning of human art. Beams of sunlight with hands on the ends radiate from the sun, a depiction of the ancient Egyptian sun god Aten. The hands offer ankh symbols, which represent the Life Force. Stars dot the heavens, images of light in the darkness. The butterfly begins life as a lowly caterpillar, wraps itself in a jewel-like chrysalis and eventually emerges as a colorful, soaring adult. Thus it has come to represent transformation, spiritual growth and rebirth among many cultures around the world.
Uploaded
August 17th, 2012
