I knew someone who was Sufi who would spin in circles effortlessly in a form of religious ecstasy. This is known as sufi whirling and is part of a formal ceremony known as the Sema. They are known as whirling dervishes, the poet Rumi was one. I have taken part in trance dance activities in spiritual retreats where whirling in circles and letting go of the mind could put you in a trance like state. I wanted to capture that feeling in a painting and so produced an acrylic painting with great swirls to show the movement and energy of the dancer. I wanted to get across the energy of dance. I have taken this original painting and enhanced it using digital software to place more emphasis on the swirls within the image and enhance the colours, particuarly emphasising violet/purple as a higher spiritual colour.
Born in the South of England I now live half way up a mountain in Umbria, Italy. I work from my art studio looking out over fabulous views of the Italian countryside. I am so happy to share my artwork with you.
An artist and writer, I specialize..
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