OM SHANTIH : ORIGINAL INSPIRATIONAL ART

Om Shantih is excited to be sharing her inspirational artwork for the first time since 1996. This new collection of original Hindu and Indian paintings embodies art that is closest to her heart as an expression of love. The creative process is becoming more and more a sadhana (spiritual discipline) for her which continues to grow. Meeting and receiving darshan from Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi) has intensified Om's spiritual/art process, especially when making paintings of Amma. "Mother (Amma) sets fire on my heart to pour my love into each painting."

For 3-4 years Om had to disengage from showing and selling her art and got absorbed into wood sculpture, making life size deities for the ashram she attends. "This was like a spiritual retreat, where the lengthy, tedious, and physically demanding process was also helping to re-sculpt my mental concepts. I can say I wasn't the same person after finishing the last piece, which was Shiva."

Om started selling her paintings after graduating from Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida (1981). She ventured into making quilted paintings that were collected all over the country as well as abroad. Many paintings were commissioned for restaurants, banks, hotels, condominiums, and private residents in Florida. The art also traveled to different galleries, ashrams, and spiritual centers between 1981 and 1996.

In 1985 Om Shantih's first big life and art transition upon meeting Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati, or Guruji, when she moved up to Ananda Ashram in New York. Guruji ignited her love of Hindu deities when he told her to paint the Ras Lila (Dance of Enlightenment) really large, and that it would go around the world. Upon completion Om met the head of the UN Archives and was quickly invited to show her art in Geneva with a special commemorative exhibit. After a year of work, the final "Rasa Lila" wall hanging traveled for 3 years in Europe with this UN exhibit honoring women who worked for world peace. The quilted paintings shown at this site are the last in the collection since Om Shantih has transitioned away from painting on fabric to traditional painting.

Om lokah samastah sukhino bhavatu

May all beings be peaceful, happy and free

“This art I dedicate to my spiritual Mother and teacher, Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), who guides my heart and brush. These paintings express Divine Love through Hindu deities and nature. I know when the painting is complete at the moment I fall in love with it. No other changes are made at that point. Each painting I dive into presents a mirroring for me. Layers of my mind are reflected back so I can see what stands in the way of seeing God. The Hindu ‘pantheon’ of Gods appear often as they represent the many faces and aspects of God. Descriptions with each piece show how they relate in everyday life to everyday people as the deities have a life and magic of their own, being rooted in ancient practices of yoga, meditation, and bhakti (devotion).

I hope that others can be uplifted by this art.”

Part of the profits from art sales are donated to Amma's charities for helping to feed and house the homeless. For more information on Amma and her humanitarian organizations go to http://www.ammachi.org.

PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.devotionalarts.net

We currently have three inspirational CD's filled with the music of devotion. You can sample them by clicking on "Listen to Audio." They are solo instrumental renditions of Hindu hymns to God (bhajans); two on piano and one on string synthesizer. Each is filled with at least 55 minutes of beautiful soothing music. Although there are some dramatic moments, there is a pervading sense of serenity throughout the recordings. The selections recorded are divinely inspired spontaneous arrangements of spiritual songs composed by Amma, traditional sources, or by the performer. The music has a universally calming effect, and is perfect for yoga, meditation, massage, traffic jams, or just relaxing. Each CD comes in a full sized case with cover art and labels by Om Shantih. They make excellent companions to her paintings. We hope you will enjoy these CD's yourself, or give them as gifts, while supporting a worthy charity.

Art for upliftment; funds for charity.