Week 8 Chela

I have many fond memories of the circus but none half as crazy as going to see a circus in Bohdgaya, India. I was completely speechless as motorcyclists climbed the "wall of death" (or the more friendly sounding "circle of death"), snatching rupees from the hands of spectators as they passed by. Here is a Youtube clip I found that goes some way to describing the sheer awesomeness of these performers, minus 2 year olds and vehicle swapping halfway round the track.

If you are interested in Indian circus here is a magnificent photo by Mary Ellen Mark from her series on Indian circus'. I cant wait to get my hands on the book, it is such a beautiful glimpse into the life of these performers.

For this piece I was inspired by so many things Indian circus, Sita Sings the Blues, linocuts and yes im still on a Russian tattoo bent! I feel like there is so much inspiring material to work with here. This first image doesn't even begin to express the possibilities but I like where its heading. click on the image to make BIG.

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