The pathway between conscious life and the subconscious world leads over a bridge. Its name is Nicky Kumar.
She is a Prince George artist harnessing the shades of darkness and light that propel our minds into meditative states, if we look upon the lines and curves of consciousness. There are many paths to enlightenment, but she has focused on seven: the primary chakras of ancient eastern spirituality.
These chakras are energy centres within the body. They each have their own realm of influence on the physical and mental state we are in, and they each have their own symbol like a letter or numeral. Kumar is treated to meditation as she works through the elaborate detail of each chakra symbol, and she is treated to meditation as she looks upon each completed symbol. It is a circle of health and wellness.
These seven exquisite works of art will go on public display this week at the Community Arts Council feature gallery where the general public can share in these portals to the mind, body and soul.
"The Community Arts Council has been excited for a long time about Nicky's work," said Lisa Redpath, manager of events and projects. "I know I'm a huge fan. It's so beautiful, exacting, and really holds your attention. It has a unique power. She's a really gifted artist and we are lucky to have her in Prince George."
The chakra symbols are a departure of sorts from Kumar's usual work. She is a seasoned professional at a related form of drawing: mandalas. These patterns are also ancient spiritual symbols that are often breathtakingly detailed but also rooted in free-form expression.
"Mandalas are circular drawings with origins in Buddhism and Hinduism," Kumar said. "Creating them is spiritual. There is a belief that in the creation of a mandala is the expression of what is going on inside you. It is a pure representation of the universe through you, so it's a way of communicating between your own personal self's power and the higher power of the infinite universe. Monks will often do mandalas, sometimes drawn in sand and when they are finished they will sweep it away and start again, to symbolize the constant motion of existence. Even just looking at mandalas brings a sense of calm. There is something about the circular shapes and repetitive patterns that can centre the mind and help clear the mental clutter."
After years of internationally acclaimed mandala art, she felt moved to try other forms of drawing that were related but down new paths of creative thought.
The chakra symbols emerged from that newfound confidence and exploration.
"My agent knew me well, knew I'd be open to the chakra symbols, so when we were discussing my art, that was suggested," said Kumar who works as a contract creator for American company Art Licensing International.
"When my agent asked me to make Zen art I was ecstatic. Because it gave me an excuse to take a break from commissions and work on something that I was very passionate about and wanting to learn more about."
She has fallen somewhat behind in her busy schedule of filling commissioned artwork orders.
The seven chakras were consuming endeavours, but she can now return to that stream of creative consciousness.
The exhibition opens on Thursday with a 7 p.m. reception open to all at 2880 15th Avenue. The exhibition will be on display until April 3 and also incorporates the smells of incense, sounds of soft eastern spiritual music, Himalayan salt rock lamps courtesy of Three Sisters Rock'n Gem Store.
