The Valley of Love


many birds fly over a valley with lava which forms the shape of hearts

The Valley of Love is associated with abandoning the intellect in order to pursue the difficult journey to the divine. As a result, its palette is amorous, with deep, warm pinks characterizing the jagged rocks of the mountains and active lava glowing in bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Sparks in those same colors make the air seem to crackle with the intensity of the heat below. Even the birds flying above are illuminated, their colors lost and instead reflecting the danger, mystery, and allure of the valley. I designed the valley to coincide with the text chosen for it. Smoke rises from the rocks, depicting how unclear the way is. The powerful landscape demonstrates the risk described in the poetry. Love here is more powerful than logical comprehension, and so even the lava takes its shape.

This art was digitally painted using the application Clip Studio Paint.

Background music: Original composition for Santur
by Danial Shariat 
 A note on the music: 
“As love in Sufi poetry often means love of [G-d], I used a common Daf rhythm called ‘Hay Allah’, which is a rhythm often used during sama (meditative chanting accompanied by music). I felt using it helps connect the piece of music to the concept of the valley of love.” — DS

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