Note: You can view an enlarged image of Gentle Glory in the West, by clicking on the thumbnail below this article.

Gentle Glory in the West

Gentle Glory in the West is a Westerner's interpretation of Tibetan iconography, inspired by traditional thangka paintings.

Originally, Gentle Glory in the West was created as a watercolor painting, by Judy McMillan.

In this April 2007 San Francisco Dalai Lama Teachings commemorative artwork, Judy explores divisions of the square and the symbolism of the circle.

It features deeply-inspiring iconography symbolically highlighting the rich, colorful elements of the nature and vegetation prevalent within the Tibetan culture.

Judy indicated that it was 5 weeks in total research and preparation, approaching a cumulative 100 hours.

Tibetan Buddhism and iconography had been in Judy's field of awareness for many years, and she was very excited to have been chosen.

Actually seeing the Dalai Lama live had been on her life-list for decades.

Thangka painting is commonly called "flat painting" (than - flat; ka - painting), due to the fact that the painting can be stowed like a scroll when not being enjoyed.

The thangka painting style typically requires six-year degree to become proficient.

Judy has decided to release 100 out of a limited edition of 250 signed and numbered Dalai Lama commemorative giclee prints.

Deep Relaxation and Meditation Effects

Several individuals have reported distinct deep relaxation and meditative calming effects.

These meditation and calming effects are invoked upon close inspection and contemplation of the several dozen highly-detailed "Gentle Glory in the West" iconographic symbols and shapes (each one of which has a unique root or role in Tibet's culture, ecosystem, and history).

One gentleman went so far as to obtain a piece of glass for his coffee table (to lay over the artwork).

After coming home from long day of work, he found that he could quickly release that day's anxieties simply by sitting in his favorite chair and lovingly pondering Judy's unique iconography.

What is a Giclee Print?

Giclee prints are high resolution digital scans printed with archival quality inks (onto a wide variety of archival-quality mediums including photo-base paper, fine art, and canvas), and are:

* Unique, in that they are considered "museum quality",

* More color-accurate than any other means of reproduction (rivaling even traditional printing process like gelatin, and silver halide).

The fine art term, itself, was derived from the French feminine noun "giclee"- loosely translated as "a spurt of spray".

Giclee water colors reproduce with accurate texture and technique.

The paper used is a archival fine-art paper, acid free, neutral pH

According to those people that discuss such matters as to how long this combination of inks and paper will last, the debate is between 100 or 200 years. A long time, for sure

Art with Heart

Every bit as profound as her passionate interest in the Dalai Lama's teachings, is her love of philanthropy.

Judy is generously donating 50% of all proceeds generated from 100 of her 250 limited edition (signed) giclee commemorative prints to the American Himalayan Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting the ecology and residents of the Himalaya.

They get back to the basics by funding hospitals, taking care of the elderly and children, building schools, planting trees, and restoring local sacred Himalayan sites.

Judy's limited edition April 2007 San Francisco Dalai Lama commemorative giclee meditation print is exclusively featured right here, on this lens.

It is available only on on eBay, in association with eBay Giving Works and MissionFish.org (below).

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