Enlightenment and faithfulness

[edstreet]

Perhaps symbolism is the nature of the post, with recent announced and unannounced changes underway I felt this was a very fitting project to work on and share.

The lotus has a special meaning for many, i.e. in buddhism

The first and most literal meaning is from the lotus ability to rise and bloom above the muddy to achieve enlightenment.

The second meaning, which is related to the first is purification. It resembles the purifying of the spirit which is born into murkiness.

The third meaning refers to faithfulness. Those who are working to rise above the muddy waters will need to be faithful followers.

The golden lotus that is mentioned in Buddhist sutras has two meanings, one is the symbol for the achievement of enlightenment and the other points towards a real flower which is beyond our normal perception.

Once I was able to ascertain the meaning of the lotus things quickly became clear what I should do. The 22kt gold plating symbolizes reaching enlightenment or even botanical fully flowering. Watching the lotus flower bloom above the mud and be pristine is a very amazing sight to see. This is why I chose vintage red/orange ebonite as the base, to symbolize the mud, the suffering, the agony and other feats to overcome and in doing so makes us stronger. Orange is also a good contrast against the 22kt gold plating. Orange is also the new black.

Pared with the #6 Jowo nib in 2-tone further yields symbolism.

Lastly taken next to my vintage Parker Duofold Jr lucky curve circa 1929 to show color spread.

Pen kit courtesy Gary Pye Woodturning Supplies.

 

[edstreet]

Cross posted. Enlightenment and faithfulness

 

[wyone]

I REALLY like that... such a simple look.. but that makes it so refined and the perfection of both the fit and the finish is incredible.. awesome!

 

[Wood Butcher]

Good photography.
WB

 

[Tom T]

Yes sir, totally incredable work. Amazing for sure. Thank you for sharing what is possible in this pen turning world.

 

[ladycop322]

My best friend is going through a rough time and the kit with the lotus emblem is perfect for her due to the symbolism. I think I will order one and make her a special pen

thanks ed

 

[Sandsini]

I love the philosophy, the photography the humor and, of course, the pen.

Wonderful presentation. I have a stick of Persian Blue Ebonite that I have set aside for exactly the same use. My presentation of it won't touch yours though...

Cheers,

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

There are times Ed hits it right on the head, this is one of them. Great presentation.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I laughed at the bonus comment 'plus orange is the new black'.

Thanks for explaining the meaning of choosing the material. Tells the story well.

I've been thinking for some time that this is the components (lotus) I want to use when I finally make myself a pen.

 

[southernclay]

Awesome all around Ed....I hoard...I mean collect swarf from almost any new material I use the same way you are here while drilling.

 

[wob50]

Great job your attention to detail is awesome.

 

[Ironwood]

Great pen. The presentation is perfect.

 

[edstreet]

Awesome all around Ed....I hoard...I mean collect swarf from almost any new material I use the same way you are here while drilling.

Even the no-chuck drill setup in the tailstock?

 

[oneleggimp]

Beautiful.

 

[southernclay]

Even the no-chuck drill setup in the tailstock?

No I use a Jacobs chuck. Is that a MT2 drill?

I do have have a magnet strip behind the large though : )

 

[edstreet]

No I use a Jacobs chuck. Is that a MT2 drill?

I do have have a magnet strip behind the large though : )

Yes it is. MT2 drill bit.

 

[mmayo]

Ed,

Your pens are something for me to strive to achieve. Great in every aspect.