Frost - Phobjika

This Earth Painting is an ode to the native and original Bon religion of Bhutan - which is built on the core belief and conviction that all natural elements, expressing themselves through specific mountains, trees, flowers, rivers, lakes and animals, are sacred. Everything, everyone and every part of the environment – each animal, plant, mountain, river, lake, tree and so on is therefore seen as a vital and highly important part of the collective. This Earth Painting symbolises the light that connects each and every part of this web of life and reminds us of that shared origin.

For this Earth Painting, our pre-existing Lift design has been reshaped and resized. Besides the specific inspiration mentioned above, the design draws inspiration from the roofs of Bhutan’s Monasteries and Goembas, as well as the bases of many of the country’s Stupas and its plateaued geography.

These lifts offer an invisible offset from the wall, creating the impression that these Earth Paintings float in front of the wall; a visual paradox of observing both strength and lightness at once, inviting the viewer to contemplate the inherent balance that exists between these seemingly polar opposites. 

The deeper symbolic inspiration draws from the uniting of Earth and Sky - in which the soil and plateaus shaping the foundation on which Bhutan is built (frame) support the literal and figurative point at which manmade structures reach highest into the sky (canvas) - connecting humanity with the sky through their captivating roof structures, particularly in places of ritual and worship. The absence of a containing border or frame around the canvas offers space and freedom, accentuating abundant space and connection with the infinite.


Specifications

• Approximate dimensions: 44.5 x 88 x 7cm
• Surface: recycled denim canvas on reclaimed wood, lift frame in frake noir
• Medium: variety of ochres, granite, quartz and local rocks & minerals
• Origin pigments: Phobjika Valley, Bhutan & Ochres from Buddhist Art Gallery, Thimpu

As always, this Earth Painting was produced via an all-natural process with personally locally sourced pigments, with great respect for nature itself. To learn more about our sourcing process, click here.

Displaying your Earth Painting
When deciding where to display your Earth Painting: seek the light. The natural pigments respond beautifully to shifting light conditions. Morning light offers a crisp, soft glow; evening light brings out the warmth and depth of the pigments. You may therefore notice that the Earth Painting appears in a different 'colour'. Take your time to find a place where you can observe the interplay of light and shadow on the Earth Painting - a place where its textures and colours don’t fall flat. 

Shipping policy - please read

This Earth Painting may be larger and heavier than standard shipping allows, after being packed properly and safely for transportation. Due to fluctuating international shipping and carrier costs, the correct shipping cost may not be automatically calculated at checkout. 

Please check out as normal. We will contact you personally after completing the purchase to discuss the safest and most suitable shipping option of your preference. Depending on final cost, we will either refund you the difference if you've overpaid, or arrange payment of the additional costs with you. 

Once everything is settled to the satisfaction of both parties, your Earth Painting will be dispatched to you. Find further information and our full shipping policy here



Questions and contact
If you’re uncertain about your intended purchase or if you have any questions, please reach out to us via elise@elisecrutzen.com