Cryptik Returns With Mantra Mandala 1

1xRUN Thru Interview
Mantra Mandala by Cryptik

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1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece. Was it part of a recent show or body of work you had?
Cryptik: This is based on a painting I did recently for a show in Palm Springs. It’s the first of 3 Mantra Mandala paintings I’ve done so far, as part of a larger body of work, exploring the concept of art as meditation.

1xRUN: What materials were both the original and these prints made with?
Cryptik: The original piece was made using acrylic on canvas. For the prints we have used some HEAVY METALLIC INKS!!

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1xRUN: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Cryptik: This piece was created in 2013 and took about a week. The idea was inspired by Tibetan Buddhist Mandalas, where the art serves as a tool for meditation. I wanted to create something that could also serve this function and become more than just a piece of art.

1xRUN: What is unique about this piece?
Cryptik: What I like most about this piece is that it represents a mandala, which is a spiritual tool to help focus one’s attention and aid meditation. Not to say that it has to be used for meditation, but that was really the intention behind the piece. Also, this will be my first “Fine-Art” Print, so I’m excited to be able to share that with the people.

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1xRUN: Why should people buy this print?
Cryptik: IT SPEAKS TO THEIR SOUL!

1xRUN: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Cryptik: MAGNETIC.

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1xRUN: You’ve put together a very large following, tell us about the “Cryptik Movement”, how it began and what it has come to stand for?
Cryptik: It all began as a way for me to share my own spiritual journey with the public without having it ever being about me. My goal has always been to create something bigger than myself, that anyone could be a part of, hence the CRYPTIK MOVEMENT. I just thought this could be my way of doing something positive through my art, hoping there would be people out there that got it…thankfully there were. It has really become a Movement for anyone, regardless of ethnicity, language, or beliefs, but who all share a common goal to create a more peaceful world through compassion and understanding.

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1xRUN: Personally, each interaction that we have had with you has radiated positivity, which tends to be a tough thing for a lot of people to do. Tell us a bit about how you stay positive and if that has always been the case for your work or it’s a recent groove you’ve gotten into?
Cryptik: I appreciate that. It’s really not hard when you’re dealing with cool folks like yourselves. I think you get back what you give out, the “Golden Rule” in other words. From my experience, this applies not only to how you treat others, but also what you bring into your life. I don’t think positive things can manifest if you yourself are not in a positive state of mind, so I always try to stay conscious of that.

1xRUN: You have a few themes that reoccur in your work, tell us about some of those and what their importance is to you and to the Cryptik Movement.
Cryptik: The first series is based on Eastern Philosophy, so a lot of my inspiration comes from Buddhist and Hindu teachings. I was drawn to Buddhism in particular because it didn’t seem so religious. It’s essentially a study of the mind and explains the nature of reality/consciousness in a way that made the most sense to me. I appreciate Hindu philosophy in their general view that everything is GOD, from plants, animals, rivers, mountains, stars, etc… and should be considered sacred. I believe there is truth and beauty to be found in all teachings if you look with an open mind and that’s really what the Movement is all about.

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1xRUN: You seem to always be staying busy. What have you been up to since your last RUN with us?
Cryptik: I’ve been painting constantly, whether in-door or out, from murals to canvases. I’ve also been involved in a few group shows and recently had a little Pop-Up Show at The Hutch in Los Angeles. It’s been a busy year so far and it only seems to be getting busier, so I’m just trying to stay on top of things at this point.

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1xRUN: Any new artists that have been engaging you lately?
Cryptik: Not new artists, but I recently watched Ai Wei Wei’s documentary and found it pretty inspiring. I also enjoyed “Wasteland,” by the artist Vik Muniz, who I’m a huge fan of.

1xRUN: Any new music you personally have been digging lately?
Cryptik: CONTACT FIELD ORCHESTRA.

1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Cryptik: WebsiteFacebookTwitter + Instagram @cryptk

-1xRUN