AYURVEDA SERIES
This work is part of my capstone project, completed after finishing an Ayurvedic Life Coaching program in 2025. They explore the principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a traditional holistic medical system from India that translates to "knowledge of life." Developed over 3,000 years ago, it aims to promote health and prevent disease by maintaining a delicate balance between the mind, body, spirit, and the environment. Throughout the capstone I use symbolic objects to reflect the Ayurvedic philosophy of health, balance, and healing.
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Dhanvantari. 24" x 18". Acrylic. Dhanvantari
is the Hindu god of Ayurvedic Medicine and physician of the gods. He is depicted holding a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality), a conch, a book and medicinal herbs in each of his 4 hands. Pictured are the items he holds rather than the god himself. |
The Six Tastes. 24" x 18". Acrylic. This still life explores the six tastes of Ayurveda, sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent, which form the foundation of balanced nutrition. Each taste communicates differently with the body, and together they promote nourishment, satisfaction, and well-being. By uniting these elements in a single composition, the work reflects the Ayurvedic belief that balance begins with mindful eating and that a complete meal nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.
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The Three Doshas. There are three fundamental biological energies in Ayurveda. They govern physical, mental, and emotional health. They are derived from the five elements, (air, ether, fire, water, earth), and they determine an individual's unique constitution what regulates body functions. Health is maintained by balancing these energies, as imbalances often lead to disease.
Vata Dosha. Air, Ether/Space. 24" x 18". Watercolor + Ink.
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Pitta Dosha. Fire, a Drop of Water.
24" x 18". Watercolor + Ink. |
Kapha Dosha. Water, Earth. 24" x 18". Watercolor + Ink.
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The 7 Dhatus. 4" Diameter. Embroidery. The Sanskrit word Dhatu translates to "that which supports or sustains." The seven dhatus, or bodily tissue layers, are built sequentially through digestion and metabolism. Each dhatu is formed from the nourishment of the previous one. The quality of your digestion directly impacts the quality of your tissues. If nourishment is complete early on, later tissues receive less support.
1. Rasa Dhatu. Blood and Lymph
2. Rakta Dhatu. Blood
3. Mamsa Dhatu. Muscle Tissue
4. Meda Dhatu. Fat and Lubrication
5. Ashti Dhatu. Bone and Teeth
6. Majja Dhatu. Nervous Tissue
7. Shukra Dhatu.
Shukra Dhatu is the final and most refined tissue. It includes reproductive fluids, hormones, immunity, and creative life force. When shukra is depleted, exhaustion, low immunity, hormonal imbalance, or lack of vitality may appear. Balanced shukra supports fertility, libido, immunity, radiance, and joy. Together the seven dhatus represent the journey of nourishment from fluid balance to vitality, reproduction and creative essence.
Shukra Dhatu is the final and most refined tissue. It includes reproductive fluids, hormones, immunity, and creative life force. When shukra is depleted, exhaustion, low immunity, hormonal imbalance, or lack of vitality may appear. Balanced shukra supports fertility, libido, immunity, radiance, and joy. Together the seven dhatus represent the journey of nourishment from fluid balance to vitality, reproduction and creative essence.
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The 5 Elements. 7" x 5". Acrylic. The 5 elements in Hindu and Ayurvedic Philosophy are seen as the basic building blocks of all matter. Here the elements are painted on Tibetan prayer flags which come in a set of five distinct colors. From left to right: blue (Sky/Space), white (Air/Wind), red (Fire), green (Water), and yellow (Earth). The wind carries the flags' blessings across the world.