Hayagriva (2013)
Based on a stunning, intricately-detailed Tibetan statue, this portrait illustrates the Buddhist deity Hayagriva, as opposed to the horse-headed avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, which shares the same name.
In Tibetan and Japanese Buddhism, Hayagriva is identified as a Wisdom King, and oft depicted as a wrathful deity, with three maniacal eyes, a scowling mouth and a bulging belly ready to burst with concealed energy.
His horrific presence is thought to express the fierce determination not of rage, but rather compassion, which seeks to help mankind overcome egotism.
In this way (and numerous others), both Buddhism and Hinduism are vastly different from western and Judaic religions, where images of supposed compassion and peace are depicted without wrathful or diabolic imagery.
Mediums: Watercolour, Sakura Pigma Micron Pen, Sakura Gelly Roll
Dimensions: US Letter (8.5x11 in)