The Asian Welder

2009 bronze and stainless steel 4′ X 12′ X 4′

originally this sculpture was ALL about “suffering” and the Buddhist beliefs based on their four truths. knowing “true suffering” which is the physical/mental pains we incur in this life. abandoning “true origins” which is the self-grasping ignorance, attachments in/of this life, hatred, jealousy, self-cherishing…all which are the creations of our own sufferings. knowing “true cessation” which is the cause to end our suffering by way of enlightenment, and following “true paths” which is not an exterior path but an inner path one is devoted to enlightenment for the sake of all living beings. this is/was the original concept for this piece however after the dismantling and reworking of its structural integrity and my contentment with the new patina i came upon this picture of a tibetan symbol which propelled me into rethinking this original work! the symbol is based on a tantric practice from an old lineage of teachings and is very rare and precious if one has the capacity and direct teachings to train under. upon viewing this tantric symbol it suddenly dawned upon me that the exact shapes were within my “Four Noble Truths”!  i had always felt there was something missing in this piece but i could never put my finger on it…until i saw the symbol again. the Dharmas of sutra and tantra were being integrated within this sculpture! how incredibly profound and what a revelation! one i cannot begin to understand, but it validates that creations of minds come from places out of our control.

http://www.theasianwelder.com/category/the-four-noble-truths/ link to the beginning of stories…