Mecca

My newest mixed media artwork presents a captivating aerial perspective of Mecca, a city that holds profound significance in the Islamic world, situated in a vast desert valley in western Saudi Arabia. This iconic city is not only a religious hub but also a historical and cultural landmark, drawing millions of pilgrims each year for the Hajj. At the heart of this piece is the prominent clock tower, known as The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, which stands as a striking symbol of modern architecture intertwined with tradition. This towering structure, adorned with intricate designs and illuminated at night, serves as a beacon for travelers and worshippers alike, marking the skyline of Mecca with its impressive presence.

In creating this artwork, I began with a foundation of colored ink and watercolor to establish the base colors, capturing the warm hues of the desert landscape and the intricate details of the city layout. This initial layer set the tone for the overall composition, allowing the subsequent elements to build upon this vibrant groundwork. Following the watercolor, I applied an acrylic binder to enhance the texture and depth of the piece, preparing it for the more complex application of oil paint glazes. Over the course of my creative process, I meticulously layered more than 12 glazes of oil paint, each adding a unique dimension and luminosity to the artwork, allowing light to interact with the colors in a dynamic way that evokes the warmth of the desert sun.

To frame the artwork, I chose to paint the border with a green-tinted silver acrylic paint, which not only complements the central imagery but also symbolizes the lushness of faith amidst the arid landscape of the desert. This choice of color serves to enhance the visual impact of the piece, inviting viewers to appreciate the contrast between the vibrant life of the city and the surrounding natural environment. The dimensions of this piece are 21 - 1/2" x 26 - 1/2", making it a substantial work that commands attention and invites contemplation. Through this mixed media approach, I aim to convey not only the physical beauty of Mecca but also the spiritual essence that resonates within its sacred spaces.

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The Pilgrimage of a Lifetime

By Eric Buechel

In a small, dusty village, there lived a poor man named Ahmed. He spent his days working as a laborer, earning just enough to survive. Despite his meager existence, Ahmed held a dream close to his heart—a dream of traveling to Mecca for the Hajj, the pilgrimage that every Muslim aspires to undertake at least once in their lifetime.

For years, Ahmed saved every coin he could find. He sold trinkets he crafted from scrap metal, took on extra work, and even skipped meals to save a few more coins. His friends often laughed at his obsession, but Ahmed remained steadfast. He believed that this pilgrimage would not only fulfill a religious obligation but also bring him peace and purpose.

After a decade of hard work and sacrifice, Ahmed finally saved enough money for the journey. With a heart full of hope and a small bag of possessions, he set off to Mecca. The journey was long and arduous, filled with challenges that tested his resolve. He traveled by bus, train, and foot, meeting fellow pilgrims along the way who shared their stories and dreams.

When Ahmed finally arrived in Mecca, he was overwhelmed by the sight of the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of the Grand Mosque. Tears streamed down his face as he approached it, feeling a profound sense of connection to his faith and to the millions who had come before him. He spent his days in prayer, reflection, and community with other pilgrims. Each moment felt sacred, and the struggles of the journey faded away in the warmth of shared devotion.

One evening, as Ahmed sat in a corner of the mosque, he noticed a group of pilgrims who seemed to be struggling. They were hungry and tired, having run out of money. Remembering his own hardships, Ahmed approached them and offered his last few coins, ensuring they could have a meal. The gratitude in their eyes filled Ahmed’s heart with joy. In that moment, he realized that the true essence of the pilgrimage was not just about the destination, but about the connections made and the kindness shared.

When the time came to return to his village, Ahmed felt a profound transformation within himself. He had embarked on a journey that was meant to fulfill a personal dream, but it had become so much more. He returned home not just as a pilgrim, but as a man enriched by the experiences and the people he had met along the way. Though he returned to his humble life, Ahmed carried with him a newfound sense of purpose. He became a beacon of hope in his village, sharing stories of his journey and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. In the end, Ahmed learned that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by the love and generosity we share with others.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578

(931) 881-7806

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