As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of ancient spiritualism and the raw energy of modern abstraction. My painting "Ganesha" is a piece that holds a very special place in my portfolio, similar in spirit to the works I’ve produced for collectors like Coldplay and Hit & Run Music. It is my attempt to bridge the gap between traditional iconography and a more spontaneous, visceral style.

The initial spark for this piece actually came from an abstracted black-and-white drawing of Ganesha that I happened upon online. Although I never discovered the identity of the original artist who created that sketch, I found the minimalist, fluid lines incredibly compelling. I felt those specific forms were an "appropriate inclusion" for the much larger and more complex canvas I had in mind.

I wanted to bring my own signature "controlled accidents" to the piece, using high energy and a palette knife to build up the surface. To give the deity the presence it deserves, I focused on two specific elements:

• Rich Gold Accents: I applied rich gold paint for emphasis and depth. I wanted that metallic shimmer to provide a luminous quality that reflects the divine nature of Ganesha.

• Secret Coding: If you look closely at the texture, you will find "secret code" hidden within the layers. This is a personal touch I often include to add a narrative of mystery and intrigue, inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface.

Spiritual Significance

In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the god of beginnings, the patron of intellectuals, and — most famously — the Remover of Obstacles. When I chose this subject, I wanted to tap into that universal theme of resilience. For me, the painting is a visual meditation on:

• New Beginnings: Capturing the energy of Ganesha as the deity invoked at the start of any new venture.

• Wisdom and Good Luck: Bringing those traditional attributes into a contemporary space.

My Artistic Execution

My process is often about finding balance within chaos. In "Ganesha," I worked to create a sharp contrast between the defined silhouette of the deity and the vibrant, chaotic background. By using the abstracted lines from my original reference, I was able to maintain the recognisable form of Ganesha while surrounding it with a high-octane texture of acrylics that suggests a sense of cosmic flow and movement.

Having lived and worked in Australia, the UK, and across the globe, I’ve always been drawn to icons that transcend borders. By reinterpreting an Eastern icon through my own lens of Western abstract art, I hope I’ve created something that feels both ancient and entirely modern — a piece that carries spiritual weight while sitting comfortably in a contemporary collection.