Blocking 2

Gada

Building the heavenly 10-sided Gada.

Blocking 1

Beginning the basic figure shapes. Concentrating on proportion, anatomy and a strong silhouette.

Armature

First stage of armature production.

Visage 2

A second attempt at the face. The expression should be playful as well as devoted, Hanuman is soft in his strength. Click for a larger view.

Armature Sketch

A rough sketch to help plan the armature structure.

Concept Sketches - Round 1

Click on the images for a larger view.

The figure will stand about 9 inches tall (including base). It will be finished in a protective coating and shall be suitable for indoor display and regular light dusting.

The kneeling pose reflects humility and devotion to Rama. The sacred "Om' symbol on the palm indicates Hanuman's spiritual purity and Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence.

Hanuman's visage (face) is traditionally represented with an almost doglike muzzle. I tried to reflect a more natural blending of human and primate, specifically the Hanuman Langur, an Old Wold monkey (with tail) native to India. With large, kind expressive eyes and eyebrows suggesting quiet wonderment.

The jewellery and adornments incorporate a lotus blossom motif, representing detachment from personal desire,

"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is untouched by water."

—Bhagavad Gita 5.10:

The jewellery will be adorned with semiprecious stones representative of devotion to Rama. Perhaps Lapis Lazuli?

The bed of clouds on which Hanuman kneels both represents his power displayed in the Ramayan and is an homage to Vayu, Lord of the Winds.

The Gada (scepter) is placed on the ground (clouds) with the tip in front of the instep signifying order and contentment. The Gada itself is divided into 10 sides indicating mastery over each of the 5 senses and 5 vices. This is still being designed and needs more detail.