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The Wheel of life spins round for man,
You must adapt the best you can.
— Author Unknown –
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a circular journey:
Études
CirculaireS
In the Études Circulaires print series, Thoth delves into spiritual, philosophical, and Zen-related questions, using the circle as a central symbol. This journey begins with Con-Zen-Trate, much like many meditative practices, and follows 21 steps, culminating in Nucleus, where the circle is completed.
All artworks in this series were created during the first lockdown of 2020, a period that prompted deep introspection and exploration. Thoth primarily employed digital techniques, including vector drawings and Photoshop collage, incorporating painted fragments of previously created ink drawings.
Images below link directly to the related product page.
Con-Zen-Trate
The Zane Eye
Center Yourself
Pause
Meditation (on Circles) : This series began as a meditative and intuitive process, with Thoth remaining open to where this circular journey would lead. Like many meditation practices, the process started with concentration and centering techniques, akin to Zazen in Zen Buddhism or Anapanasati in Hindu-Buddhist traditions. These practices emphasize the pause between breaths — a silent moment where, in stillness, a wider space of understanding may open.
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic Fields : In this piece, Thoth explores the concept of duality as a unified entity, where a positive pole inevitably creates a negative one. Both are interdependent, each needing the other for its very existence and completion.
Inner Landscape
Inner Landscape : Here, Thoth represents the horizon line of our inner world, separating consciousness from the unconscious. It is a realm where the known and unknown aspects of our personality appear and disappear.
Openings
Openings : As this philosophical journey progresses, it inevitably raises questions about truth and reality. Thoth ponders whether these are universal truths or merely interpretations of his own worldview. Sometimes, it feels like glimpsing through openings in the blurred, illusory image we call reality — a notion reminiscent of the Hindu-Buddhist concept of Maya. At other times, it leaves him full of questions.
Liquid Silence
Liquid Silence : Thoth interprets silence as liquid — peaceful, calm, and precious. In this serene state, one can feel the flow of time, energy, and existence, much like the Tao in Eastern philosophy.
Sometimes It Snows In April
Weigh In
Weigh On : The wheel of life continues to turn … whether one feels they fit in or not, everyone is part of a greater entity … and one must adapt as best as possible.
Trace Through Time
Trace Through Time : Time is perceived as linear, but Thoth suggests it may be more fluid, with everything occurring simultaneously in a single, everlasting moment — Now.
Re-Flection
Re-Flections (on Circles) : Drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe’s words, “All that we see or seem — is but a dream within a dream,” Thoth reflects on the idea of chasing illusions. Sometimes, breaking free from circular thought patterns is the only way to gain a new perspective.
Chasing Rainbows
Suddenly I changed My Mind
Side Note : Thoth has written an article about symbols based on circles and his perspective on this topic. If you’re interested in the magic of circles, give it a read!
Vanish Into Thin Air
Vanish Into Thin Air : This piece explores the transient and impermanent nature of existence, reminding us that everything, eventually, will vanish into thin air.
Overlapping Realities
Overlapping Realities : Thoth questions whether reality is random and chaotic or organized and purposeful. Is it subjective, shaped by the observer’s perspective, or does it depend on the level of understanding?
The Sun's Origin (Nippon)
Running Round In Circles
Cosmic Views (on Circles) : Thoth draws a parallel between cosmic and cellular structures, pondering the Hermetic principle, “As above, so below.” He envisions existence as a series of interconnected circles, orbiting and spinning like a cosmic web, each part linked to the whole.
I Am Nobody – Are You Nobody Too?
The Flower Is In The Seed
Nucleus : The final piece in this series, Nucleus, symbolizes the ever-turning wheel of life, revolving around a central point — the ultimate destination of all journeys. In this sense, the series concludes where it began, only to start anew in this perpetual circular game.
Nucleus