The Wheel of Life

This bit of art is as much a discussion as it is artwork. If I were to properly explain all of this, it'd probably run on for many many pages. So I'll make this description the "short" version! If you are interested in the meanings of a "proper" wheel of life, I highly reccomend you check out this site [link] which will explain the wheel in a pretty easy to digest way - all Buddha approved!

I may come back and edit things as needed. I feel that some panels are stronger than others, but after a time you just have to say "it's done" or else it'll never be finished.

This was made for my portfolio (I am hoping to go on an art course soon, and I am trying to build my work up enough to get in). A full on mega-explanation of everything can be found here [link]

What the Wheel of Life is

The Wheel of life is something of an educational tool to help those on the path to enlightenment see the truths of the universe. It is a representation of Samsara, which is the cycle of life death and rebirth. The Wheel shows the realms that are located within the state of Samsara and the many factors that can both bind and liberate people from it. I like to think of the wheel as being akin to a map - it is one of those things that can show you the way, but it's up to you how you walk the path, or if you walk the path at all!

This wheel is different to Buddhist wheels. It's not directly about the teachings of the Buddha, which is why he is not on here. While that may seem strange at first, I think it is possible to see beauty and amazing things in all kinds of places. Not everyone has faith. I'm faithless myself - I don't truly believe in anything, or anyone. I do believe however that the things others believe in are possibly true, in one way or another. This works for me and in the end, if I have been good to people and creatures, then I feel I will have lived a good life.

This piece is dedicated to everyone I've ever known over the years, who have lent me their faith when I've needed it most. Thank you for being beautiful, and for believing for me

The process of making this

I used quite a lot of referances to draw things in this - I had to draw a lot of things I'd never tried to draw before! I'll list them here.

The city: Referenced from a photo of Shanghai.

The Temple: Referenced from a photo from Photodisc.

The headdress: Referenced from many Wheels of Life (I didn't know if the headdress had to be a certain way, and as it turned out they all follow the same design for a reason so I was right to research that one)

The Ghost Realm: Inspired by the tower in Lord of The Rings and a great many concept artists who have drawn towers and skyscrapers.

The Lotus Flower: Referenced from a photo of a Lotus Flower

The face of the man the robes: Reference / study of a sculpture of Apollo

The Mask in the Hell realm: Referenced from a photo of a venetian mask

I'd also like to say a special thank you to for her amazing critiques that helped me make this uploadable!