[[Fethiye]], Turkey ![[Ardhanarishvara - UNION - HAKAN HISIM.jpg]] ## Narrative: The greatest sin is to think of yourself as weak - **Swami Vivekananda** Of the numerous forms of Shiva, Ardhanarishvara is one that has always intrigued me immensely. Being a Libra I have always found the concept of balance intriguing, integral, and at times infuriating, a state that must be maintained and not achieved. Also being prone to vices with an addictive personality I have spent a large portion of my life seeking exoteric, or exogenous satisfaction and fulfillment in many ways, including romantic love. My personal experiences with the self-internal discovery of the most ancient techniques of self-realization (which I soon after realized was already immortalized in the epic Vigyan Bhairav Tantra; a mindblowing set of techniques explained in a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati) triggered ecstatic states and the experience of Samadhi. It was then I found True Love, even though I had long since found my eternal counterpart on this planet. It was that true self-love and eternal love and gratitude to all beings that catalyzed a deeper kind of love for my graceful goddess Elgin. Shiva and Shakti, united, in union within the eternal self: This was it. Ultimate ecstasy and transcendent bliss. It was something to be realized and experienced within. And only when it is realized within does that tantric true union create a fusion of two lovers into one, and then into none. This is an experiment I decided to try. Sometimes my workflow of creation is to render out a plain model in 3D software and then work from that base in several different pieces of software to obtain a unique synthesis that becomes a kind of digital, personal expression. This time I decided to use the base "model" or image from an AI-generated image via Mid journey, effectively using it as a tool substituted for 3D software. It was a very interesting experience as the AI generator creates a "complete" image in itself, especially in relation to lighting, values and depth. I also found difficulties in this specific workflow to "transcend" the AI-generated style and feel. I especially had the need to recreate the eyes, mouth and certain facial features. All in all it was a fun experience. I am very interested in your thoughts, ideas and feedback on the process and result. Feel free to comment, and I appreciate your time and support. ## Connections: [[Internal Awareness]] [[Divine Moment of Truth]] ## Collections: [[Rubicon]] ## Created with: **Composition:** [[Adobe Photoshop]] **3D:** [[Cinema 4D]], [[Zbrush]] **Other Software**: [[Midjourney AI]] **Editing:** Adobe Photoshop ## Created on: ‎‎January 13, ‎2023 # Details: |  |  |  | | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | |  |  |  | |  |  | |