Shaolin Chi Kung - Which Cover?

[Marcus]

Hello everyone,

I have a delicious "problem" on my hands. The incredibly talented Parveen Kaur has been working on images for the cover of my book "Shaolin Chi Kung". I've picked two that I really like and would be grateful if you could vote on which one you prefer.

I'd love to see which one is most popular by testing them out on this forums members and visitors. I've made mock up covers to give you an idea of what the finished product may look like. Later I'll ask which sub heading you prefer. But for now please focus on which image you think works best for the cover of a book covering the Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards

Marcus
Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha

[Babnik]

Hello Sifu

Nice "problem"! It would be fun if the problems in our lives were like this.

Eventhough I do not like the red colours so much in the specific style if I had to choose I would prefer the second one.
I find it more "balanced".

[Tarkus]

Hi Sipak,

I think the first looks better; the positioning of the figure in the second makes it seem unfinished, and the white space in the middle interrupts the flow of the cover. It could be nice to extend the background of the image to the edges of the cover.

Many thanks,
Alasdair.

[barrys]

Marcus,

I prefer the first image.

Barry

[Darryl]

The first one brought to mind standing in a field at sunset. The rows look like the ground has recently been ploughed and the text is beautifully simple.

The second picture seems incomplete and top heavy. Combined with the lengthy title, it suggested a more intellect-based content.

So I voted for the first one

[Fleur]

No. 1 for me

Fleur

[Andrew R]

While the artwork is quite nice, the color scheme gives me an uneasy feeling. The dark reds, oranges and black are all very powerful. They just give me more of a dark feeling, rather than the peace I feel with chi kung. Then again, the yellow and red are the school colors.

[8nsteen8]

-

Between the two i like number one best. I really like the image but not as a cover for Shaolin Cosmos Chi Kung. Personally the image doesnt represent Chi Kung the way i experience it.

/Niklas

[Andrea]

Dear Sipak

It reminds me of Van Gogh's pictures - maybe because the "lines" from both the background and the foreground are ending in the energy bubble. This single-point focus is something the late Van Gogh pictures have.

To me the picture strongly talks about energy beeing gathered, very powerful energy. But the man is in blue - clearly different from the environment and the energy, and his face is dark. He seems to hold (control) the energy but is not really touched by it. Based on my personal Chi Kung experience I would rather see him with a happy face, radiating himself filled with chi, vitality, joy . This is why I voted for option 3. But ofc this is just a personal opinion.

I am looking very much forward to the publication of this fantastic book .

Best regards

Andrea

[Kingmonkey]

Hello Marcus Sipak

the first one is the one i prefer at once, the second one to me seems too much dividing then connecting...

over all i totally agree with AndrewR, it reminds me at Edward Munchs Picture " the Scream"- to me it seems very heavy and Qi kung gives me a very light feeeling. On the other hand we are getting more "stabel" throug "light" Qi Kung and so it might be appropriate. Also I think its a bit of this "tipical esoteric" Picture wich often disgust me because of what stands behind...
I must say that I wouldn't get caught by it, but may be its still my heart wich is still just seeing what it wants to see.

Based on my personal Chi Kung experience I would rather see him with a happy face, radiating himself filled with chi, vitality, joy

I agree with you too Andrea

So !do it! take the first one...

[Martin Do]

Dear Sifu,

This is an incredible image. I really like the first one. Its more complete and balanced to me. What a piece of art. I am not just saying this but I genuinely feel that if I was scrolling through a chi kung / health book section, the power of this image and its wonderful colors would certainly draw me to pick it up and have a quick browse through the book.

Kindest regards

Your toudai - Martin

[Darryl]

It's all good

Individual artistic interpretation - fantastic

I agree that the picture can be taken either as an oppressive, negative image or as a gentle flowing reminder.

In the 'Oppressive' interpretation, I saw a lot of Christian symbology. The shape behind the figures head could be that of a beast/lion, the figure is dark/a shadow and the ground suggests flames and smoke. You might conclude that the picture suggests an offering from Satan.

My interpretation of the picture is one of fertility, growth and gentle movement. The 'Flowing reminder' suggests sunset, a time of blossoming energy. The ground around the figure appears to have been plowed, suggesting hard work and future preparation. To the sides, it looks like a crop, maybe barley, with the associated image of it gently swaying in a soft summer breeze.

Since we can choose how to interpret reality, I strolled away with the second interpretation. Taken from this excellent thread,

Chuang Tzu was enjoying some fresh air with his young student, the prince. His exceptionally carefree and peaceful nature began to irritate the prince, who then decided he was going to try and ruffle his teachers' feathers.

"You're a moron" he told his teacher.
"You really think so?" asked Chuang Tzu.
"Yes I do", said the prince.
"That's funny, because I think you are exceptionally brilliant" said Chuang Tzu.
"Really?" asked the student.
"Yes" said the Sage.

The student began to swell with pride at being so complimented and prompted the great teacher to continue:

"But Master, why do you say I'm brilliant?"

"Don't you know the old saying: 'The pig sees only the pig, the Buddha sees only the Buddha?"'

At which point the prince became quite angry.

[Martin Do]

Thank you Sifu Darryl for such a wonderful story. I am still laughing so much as I type. Thank you.

Kindest regards

Martin - Sijat

[Fleur]

I agree, Martin.

You might conclude that the picture suggests an offering from Satan.

I've certainly missed your 'unique voice' on the forum Siheng. Glad to see you back


Fleur

[Fleur]

Btw, congratulations to Parveen for her excellent skills, and for provoking strong reactions each way - always the sign of an authentic work of art


Fleur