Harmony, in Ebony and Ivory

This drawing was for a Musician who is donating his time to charity. It has a few things going on, but the main theme is that it is possible to create a complete "bigger picture", if colors work in harmony. The Ebony in this drawing, creates shapes - which would be impossible without the Ivory, whose contrast provides context to the shapes.

Another idea I was expressing in this drawing is that music, like a feather, floats gently. It's lilting ups and downs mesmerize and soothe; it's fluttering 'touch' is a soft caress on one's spirit. Excuse me for getting prosaic - I've always SO loved the idea of being a writer ;-)

One other idea this drawing captures, is the Octave (Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do) - and the Saptak (7 notes, per Indian music: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni). The only difference, if you can call it that, is that Western pedagogy counts 'Do' twice whereas the Indian school counts 'Sa' once. Otherwise, they are basically the same.... neat, huh? Back to the drawing... The 'comma' shapes represent these notes, with the near comma cocooned at the top of the paisley shape, representing the last 'Do' of the Octave. I've always been fascinated that the Saptak and Octave should have matching frequencies for the notes that comprise them - tho they were created on opposite sides of the world. If we look - I mean really look - we're all the same beneath our skins. So while the East is East and the West is West, we are just different notes of the same Saptak/ Octave. Let's give that idea of living in harmony as Ebony and Ivory, shall we?

I'd be glad to hear any other interpretations of this drawing :-)

Credits:
1. Ebony and Ivory": The 1982 number-one single by Paul McCartney, performed with Stevie Wonder
2. "Oh the East is East and the West is West...: " Ballad of East and West, by Rudyard Kipling - if you have not read this, you simply must! Here's where you can find a copy.