Llewellyn Books has been the introduction to esotericism for many an aspirant. Their books are usually colorfully presented and easy to read, with pretty interior illustrations as well. I got a commission to do a cover for this book on Yoga by an Indian yoga expert named Swami Rajarshi Muni, who is still alive and involved with Yoga teaching. I was given a design to work from, of a girl in the lotus position showing the esoteric energy conduits which went up the torso and spine, directed from what looks like a prostate gland (?) in her groin just above her ankle. I added the colorful "chakra" symbols in a stained-glass style.
I didn't read the book, which was published more than a year after I did the artwork. When I finally did get my copy of the book after publication, I found it unusually technical, full of elaborate Hindu doctrine and philosophy, and not at all simple for a beginner yogi to follow.
"Awakening the Life Force" cover is watercolor on illustration board, 14" x 20", January 1993. Writing, title type, etc. was added by the Llewellyn designers. Click on the picture for a larger view.
1 comment:
Real book covers....would be nice!
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