By Yonka Yancheva
As an internationally renowned mural artist, Kardami Kapila beautifies urban streetscapes around the world. Incorporating and layering symbols from scenes of the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita, his artistic genius lies in the way he sees and expresses the phenomena of this world and the spiritual realm.
Kardami’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout Canada, England, and Bulgaria. His art opens a window to a world of spirituality, puzzling audiences with his original ideas and images. Thus, it was with great anticipation that we asked Kardami to share with us his thoughts on art and devotional life. In addition to his interview below, please view Kardami’s artwork in our online gallery HERE.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your art background.
I was born in 1979 in a small town in Bulgaria. When I was little, I loved playing and dreaming in the forest. As a kid I used to draw, and at school my classmates always asked me to help them with their drawings. While growing up, I lost interest in art and almost forgot about it. Until one day, it was around 1995, I went out with a friend and we did some graffiti- nothing impressive, just some names of music bands. At that moment something happened inside of me, and I felt this need for self-expression. I wanted to be different, which was, of course, my false ego. Regardless, art has helped me learn a lot about life.
What inspires you to make art?
Inspiration is everywhere, just like Krishna is everywhere. The question is how to connect with Him and get access to the unlimited source of this inspiration.
What does devotional art mean to you and how does it differ from other types of art?
Art is very different when you make it for Krishna. Mainly, you feel this taste that cannot be described in words. It is, as Prabhupada would say, when you try to understand the taste of the ice cream just from a description. One has to try it in order to understand. And most importantly, when you make art for the source of all art (Krishna), you get liberated from the entanglement of material existence.
What is the importance of art in devotional life?
If art is a big part of your life then it must also become an important part of your devotional life. Everything should be connected to God in order to have some value. Art, cooking, sports- everything we can think of would be incomplete if it is not done for God.
Please describe one of your most powerful spiritual experiences with art.
Once I had to do a painting for an ISKCON center in Bulgaria. It was a picture of Radha and Krishna appearing from both sides of the altar. I decided to start with Krishna. When the time came to start painting the portrait of Srimati Radharani, I was in this mood that I could do anything very easily, without making an effort. I thought I would paint her in a day. Haha- big mistake.
The first time I painted her, it didn’t work. I painted her again, and it didn’t work either. I tried once more, completely disheartened, and again it didn’t work. I felt useless, as if I had never painted anything before in my entire life. The day rolled away, and I gave up.
The next morning I started with more concentrated chanting and deepened prayers to Srimati Radharani. When I began painting, I couldn’t believe it- this time it was like my hand was moving by itself! By the end of the day, I completed her portrait.
It is amazing how Krishna and His energies work. He doesn’t like when we are arrogant or overly confident. It was a good lesson for me. I remember it every time I feel proud of the talent He has given me.
Source: http://krishnawest.com/news/10-art/40-on-the-street-with-kardami-kapila
Not bad.
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हर हर राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हर