1xRUN Thru Interview
The Jewel In The Lotus by Cryptik
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about these prints…
Cryptik: This print was inspired by a painting that I did last year as part of the ongoing ‘Mantra Mandala’ series I have been exploring where art can become a tool for meditation. I recreated it using hand-painted color separations created specifically for this release.
1xRUN: What materials were used for these prints?
Cryptik: These are printed on 100% cotton rag, using hand-painted color separations done in acrylic.
1xRun: Anything you would like us to highlight?
Cryptik: These were all hand-printed by Serio Press, who put a lot of love and energy into creating these just for 1xRun. Additionally, this is the largest print that I’ve released to date, so I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with them.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Cryptik: This is something I’ve been seeing in my mind, but I’ve always imagined the rings rotating like a Tibetan prayer wheel where each rotation is equivalent to reciting the mantra out loud. Hence, I decided to use the same mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM (The Jewel In The Lotus). Basically, this print is just a freeze frame of that vision.
1xRun: When and how long did the piece take to create?
Cryptik: It was created in 2014 and it took 2 weeks to complete.
1xRun: What is unique about these prints?
Cryptik: For me, the most important thing about this piece is that it serves the same function as a mandala, which is a tool for meditation, introspection or trance induction. As Carl Jung says, “The mandala is an archetypal image whose occurrence is attested throughout the ages. It signifies the wholeness of the Self. This circular image represents the wholeness of the psychic ground or, to put it in mythic terms, the divinity of man.” My hope is that it the piece resonates with them.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one word.
Cryptik: INFINITE…
1xRun: The mandala is one of a few repeating symbols in your work, when did you first start experimenting with them?
Cryptik: I started experimenting with circular mantras back in 2008, which started out as a single ring. More recently, I’ve been adding multiple rings and playing with other embellishments as well.
1xRun: What are some of the things that appeal to you about creating these mandala pieces?
Cryptik: I’ve always been drawn to mandala patterns because they are found in almost every culture/religion on the planet, from the Buddhists, Hindus, to Native Americans. Perhaps it’s something that exists in all of us, like a map to the soul. It’s difficult to express in words, but can be felt intuitively.
1xRun: Any big shows, murals, or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Cryptik: A friend of mine is opening up a gallery in Santa Ana, California called, Marcas Contemporary, so I’ll be showing a piece there for their inaugural show, “Corrective Course,” opening July 5th. I just wrapped up a mural at the El Segundo Museum of Art (ESMoA) with some of my heroes – Defer, Prime, Sleeps, Gaijin Fujita, Patrick Martinez and Saber for a show featuring artists from the Getty Black Book (LA Libor Amicorum). Also, I’ll be showing in several group shows with Thinkspace Gallery later this year.
1xRun: Where can we find you?
Cryptik: Website – Facebook @CryptikMovement – Instagram + Twitter @cryptk