POETRY IN POSTURES LIFT LIVES
Beauty is not usually the main motivation for yoga practice, although many people experience more beautiful minds, bodies, and spirit as part of the package. But yoga can be beautiful to behold. Photographer, Robert Sturman, sees yoga postures as works of art.
“I believe that if Michelangelo had known yoga, the streets of Rome would be filled with marble sculptures celebrating the poetry of the postures," says Sturman, " — a poetry that longs to touch the divine and say ‘thank you for this life.’”
Photo: Robert Sturman
Having just returned from his stint as Artist in Residence for the Africa Yoga Project, Sturman shares a bounty of gorgeous images, showing the extraordinary beauty of yoga as it is transforming the lives of thousands of people living with the stresses of poverty and violence in Kenya and Yemen.
The photographs celebrate the sculptural forms and colors as they flex and bend, positioning their bodies and their minds to gain strength, peace, and joy. Sturman considers his role as a photographer to be a sacred one, connecting his subjects to the sacred energy of the world, to the community of viewers. You can feel the spirit of his subjects rise up out of their images and into your own soul.
Sturman is a practitioner as well, which is one reason why his photographs are more than just pretty pictures, more than an observer capturing something lovely in his viewfinder. They exude a deep personal understanding and communion. They get the yoga gestalt: “As an artist, yoga is a poetic human expression celebrating our sincere desire to be better human beings.” Although Sturman’s work focuses on the beauty of the postures, it really has more to do with humanity striving to reach its full potential. “The asanas (yoga postures) are a magnificent way for me to express this,” he explains.
Sturman’s "Poetry of the Gods" series is a comprehensive study of the beautiful practice of Yoga. It has received international acclaim. Experience it in his book and iPhone app, entitled “Yoga Visions.”
Photo: Robert Sturman
Sturman works with yogis all over the world. Another important project, “Yoga Behind Bars,” documents yoga as practiced in the United States Prison system.
Beyond his yoga-centric series, Sturman was designated as official visual artist for the 47th Grammy awards, official portrait photographer for Olympics champions, among many other remarkable achievements.
Photo: Robert Sturman
Watch for our upcoming story on the Africa Yoga Project and their forthcoming programs this summer in Kenya. And, if you haven’t yet seen it, check out our story about yoga surfers.
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." — Michelangelo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3GEJx1h7Gg
http://www.africayogaproject.org/
Blogs:
http://www.rebellesociety.com/author/robert-sturman-studio/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/robert-sturman
