Egyptian inspiration. Having just returned from Egypt, I’ve been thinking a lot about the rich symbolism I encountered there. One symbol in particular is that of the scarab, which is the god of luck for ancient Egyptians, but also a symbol of immortality, resurrection and transformation. I thought about that quite a lot while I was over there and since; not resurrection of the body, per se, but of a tired spirit. After my parents’ death and prolonged period of grief and suffering that tested my powers of endurance and faith in the goodness of life, I can feel the way the light inside of me is stirring and ready to shine again, dispelling the darkness. The scarab also makes me think of the way beetles aerate the earth, making the soil fertile for new growth. That is why I have paired this painting with the Chinese character for “resurrection.” Have you ever lost faith in Life, felt yourself at the base of Mount Everest and no way to climb up and out? Scarab can help bring you “back to Life,” back to yourself, and to embrace your transformation as a cherished part of your life path.

Is “resurrection” not the right character for you? CUSTOMIZE IT WITH YOUR OWN CHARACTER or phrase from my Calligraphy Shop. Choose “original art +customization” in the drop down menu below and send me a message to get things started.

This piece is painted to order in original ink. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ORIGINAL INK PAINTINGS ARE ONE OF A KIND. The composition will be the same, but details will differ, and that is part of the beauty of having an original piece.

Also available as a fine art print on the ultra luxe velvet Moab paper in 5 x 7 (matted for an 8 x 10 frame) and 8 x 10 (matted for an 11 x 14 frame). Please note that, if ordered as a print, the gold ink used in this piece may not turn out as shiny metallic as shown here.

Painted on “antique sparkle shuen” paper, an elegant cream color with subtle sheen, original artworks will come silicone-backed and matted in a black-core white matte, ready for framing in any standard 11 x 14 inch frame you choose. Basic black is always a nice choice, but so is antique gold, Chinese red, bamboo, etc.