The Art of Yoga

Many years ago, I had a dream of creating a collection of art pieces that featured the female form in dance. I wanted this work to be dramatic and awe-inspiring, but also tender and kind. I liked the idea of someone we consider to be beautiful, showing us her inner strength and freedom of expression.

The first in the series were these ballet pieces. I guess I chose ballet because it is something I have adored, as I practised for many years. But, recently, I've been longing to extend this series and create some art featuring yoga poses. I've practised yoga for a number of years now – mostly at home, sometimes in class, sometimes with beautiful teachers.

I didn't want this work to be abstract, or fluid (to which the subject might lend itself), but more to be a capturing of balance, calm and quiet intent. I want the viewer to feel the beauty of the pose and bask in the yoga glow and feel the calm meditative state.

I love monochrome, and these pieces have lent well to that graphical quality. They are both traditional in drawing technique and modern in tone – I like bridging that gap!

There are 3 "drawings" in total, but I am going to call them paintings because to me they are. They are executed using charcoal that has been ground to dust and then mostly applied with a brush. Some detail and colour depth is achieved with a charcoal stick, but the softness comes from a brush. I love that you can build up layers and layers of depth and form and capture the slightest change in expression with a simple touch of a brush.

I hope you enjoy them.

With love.

Jennifer