Female Buddhas — Dakinis

Dakini loosely translates as "sky-dancer" or "walker in space". The dakini represents complete freedom. As a female Buddha she symbolises enlightened energy.

The sketchbook study of Vajravahari follows traditional iconography. The elements of the image are a code and each element carries a specific meaning. On first impression, this symbolism may appear quite alien to a Westerner and may even carry unintended meanings. Researching the traditional meaning will unpack the code.

Another approach is to contemplate the image and notice any emotional or intuitive responses to the forms and colours, and any associations with the ideas of freedom and sky-dancing.

Here are some explorations of dakini energy in non traditional forms.

The working sketch above was made rapidly using materials at hand in the studio. A collagraph plate was constructed using the imagery of this mixed media sketch. A series of monotypes were pulled from this plate. One of these is shown below. The printing process reversed the image. The intention of the picture is to capture and communicate the skybound energy of the dakini breaking free.

The golden colour of this unique print is a reference to alchemical symbolism. A golden figure explodes out of the molten red hot heart of the earth. Imagine, beyond the edges of the picture that starry light streams from pointing fingers and toes towards four directions of infinite space.