Clockwise: 1. Seed of a Life 2. Maker’s Truth 3. Kundalini Rising 4. Lotus Petal

22 inches diameter and 11 inches tall, Steel formed into Handpan with Patina Finish

These pieces were created in collaboration with Hamsa Handpans at the beginning of November 2020. This handpan provided an opportunity for me to dive into a meticulous process of makers meditation. Although these pieces were a commission, the timing with which they and the symbols presented themselves was serendipitous and rejuvenating. As an educator working in multiple spaces both in person and digitally, I have been experiencing a great deal of energetic fatigue while becoming increasingly disenchanted by my inability to see (in real time) the advancement and progress of my work with the students. Metatron's cube is an ancient symbol that represents the channel of energy and enlightenment that flows from source to humanity. In order to draw the cube, one must first begin with drawing the seed of life which expresses the harmonic energy patterns nature creates and designs. Everything begins with a single circle that is then intentionally mapped and patterned outward. Creating this symbol, that until this point I had never drawn, was a careful and time consuming process that drew me inward. My comrade Evan with Dare to Discern graciously walked me through the first drawing practice of this symbol. The lotus, who I know well, represents the hibernation of death that is balanced by the seasonal rebirth of a blooming expansion and has an eight-fold petal repetition that represents the Buddhist dharma path toward wisdom. While physically zooming into a repetition of pattern, I was able to mentally zoom out of my overwhelmed Teacher process to witness the same growth and development rippling outward in my life practice. I was able to settle into a rhythm and acknowledgement that growth is not always immediate, and every drop in the ocean of time contributes to the currents that run through us all.

Ciana Anita Kalokomaika'imaikalanimai Lee is based out of Long Beach CA, where she connects to her power as an Artist, Educator, and Organizer. She is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to express through movement and creativity, while doing the same. Lately, she is finding solace in repetition of pattern, colour theory and diverse mixed media practices.

@pineappletamale