We're All Ears February Challenge

http://metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/75414
NOTE: This artwork is to be used for educational purposes only.

                  This is a gilded copper alloy statue dating to the 18th century of a standing Buddha.

We're All Ears February Challenge for February is to create a pair of earrings inspired by this ancient Standing Buddha statue. The Metropolitan Museum of Art features this piece online. They have a function there called Artwork of the Day. A random piece of art is showcased to enjoy every day. This was the artwork on Wednesday, February 3rd.

According to the MET: "This work represents the Kandyan-period style of Buddha imagery at its best. The Buddha's physique is robust and the full face does not display the softness of features seen in lesser works of the period. The auspicious marks (lakshana) seen so prominently on the gilded seated Buddha displayed nearby appear here as well, and the left arm is now lowered, a convention that persisted throughout the later Kandyan period."

http://metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/75414
NOTE: This artwork is to be used for educational purposes only.

Since I have been practicing yoga for a number of years and even have a yoga jewelry section of jewelry in my BayMoonDesign online store this statue really spoke to me. I noticed the tiny turquoise pops of color on the top and bottom of the statue as well as in the folds of the robe. I also identified the lotus flower on the top of the Buddha's head. The lotus has spiritual symbolism amongst many cultures. It is one of the most delicate and beautiful flowers. Although lotus grows in muddy water, it grows beautifully and brings a smile on anyone's face who sees it. The Lotus has long been associated with purity, rebirth and beauty.  I knew I wanted to use the lotus in my earrings.  Buddha is the subject of the statue.  My knowledge of Buddha is primarily from my practice of yoga.  Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni, or simply the Buddha, was a sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded.  Yoga and Buddhism are sister traditions which evolved in the same spiritual culture of ancient India. They use many of the same terms and follow many of the same principles and practices. For this reason, folks in the West are apt to regard Yoga and Buddhism as more or less the same.  Those who study Buddhism may find so much similarity in Yoga that they will see a strong Buddhist influence on Yoga. Those who study Yoga may find so much similarity in Buddhism that they will see a strong yogic influence on Buddhism. 

Seated Buddha on Lotus Earrings by Bay Moon Design

Combining Buddha with the lotus seemed a no brainer to me.  I selected a bronze seated Buddha that I have used in my jewelry before.  For the lotus a decided to make a petal from a sheet of copper.   After making a pattern for the leaf, I traced 2 of them on a sheet of copper.  I then cut them out, filed the rough spots out, and tumbled them.  I used Tiffany Green Swellegant patina and applied Renaissance wax.  The final step was polishing.  Putting the pieces together was a bit of a challenge.  I had to figure out how to get Buddha to lay flat. I used a tiny turquoise bead to add to the pop of color in the earrings.

 I am thrilled with how they turned out. They are available for purchase HERE.  I hope a yogi gives these earrings a good home!  They are definitely a one of a kind pair of earrings.