Written by Bhadrena Rose | 12 June 2009

Sacred geometry is the architecture of the universe. The molecules of our DNA, the snow flake, pinecones, flower petals, diamond crystals, the branching of trees, the nautilus shell, the star we spin around, the air we breath, and all life forms as we know them emerge out of timeless geometric codes imbedded in sacred geometry. The ancients believed that the experience of sacred geometry was essential to the education of the soul, knowing these patterns and codes were symbolic of our own inner realm and the subtle structure of all existence.

Well known historical figures like Kepler, Pythagoras and Leonardo da Vinci were educated in sacred geometries, but it was the work of another Leonardo, Leonardo Pisano, an Italian mathematician also known as Fibonacci some 300 years earlier, who really set the stage defining the underlying sequence of numbers that underscores pretty well everything—now known as the famous Fibonacci Sequence, or ‘Golden Ratio’.

The Golden Ratio was often used in the design of Greek and Roman architecture: the outline of the Parthenon at the Acropolis near Athens, in Greece, is enclosed by a Golden Rectangle. As scholars and artists of eras gone by discovered (such as Leonardo da Vinci, Plato, & Pythagoras), the intentional use of these natural proportions in art of various forms expands our sense of beauty, balance & harmony to optimal effect.

Leonardo da Vinci used the Golden Ratio in his painting of The Last Supper in both the overall composition (three vertical Golden Rectangles, and a decagon (which contains the golden ratio) for alignment of the central figure of Jesus.

A contemporary usage of the term describes a supposed re-discovered mathematical order to the intrinsic nature of the Universe that is represented in crop circles and in ancient architecture such as the great Pyramid and Stonehenge.

ZAKAY GLASS CREATION GALLERY REFLECTING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT OF BYRON

Who is Asaf Zakay?

Asaf Zakay is a glass artist, designer, and creator of Sacred Geometric symbols as stunning three-dimensional art forms using the medium of bevelled glass for the purpose of healing and deepening spiritual awareness. For as long as he can remember Asaf has been making the sacred symbol of the merkaba, the star tetrahedron, from a variety of materials including wood, metal, bamboo and shell.

Asaf now meticulously handcrafts each piece using the stained glass technique, a process that he studied whilst he living in Israel. His background as a glass fitter and natural gift as an artist led him to explore the art of stained glass, a medium with which he now immerses himself in.

Shortly after his arrival to Australia Asaf was introduced to the Flower of Life, the well-respected teachings of the merkaba and sacred geometry. The combination of these teachings and meditation created a doorway for Asaf to open his eyes, expand his expression and tap into the unlimited potential of the human spirit. Asaf said, “Just the contemplation of these sacred shapes and the fact they exist in everything expands and brings to the world the knowledge that already and always exists inside me, all of us.”

Where will you find a Sacred Glass Creation?

Come between 10am and 5pm any day of the week and visit the Zakay Gallery and studio space in the Arts & Industry Estate, 6/102 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay. Log on to:  www.zakayglasscreations.com to see more of our beautiful designs, and you can find us at the community markets around the Byron Shire, and remember to come and say hello during your cultural experience on the Byron Artist Trail.

What is the Byron Artist Trail?

The Byron Artist Trail is a wonderful initiative in Byron Bay’s Arts & Industry Park that allows people to spend time wandering between galleries and studio spaces, connecting with local artists—be infused by this cultural experience. It is a unique opportunity to personally meet artists and purchase one-off pieces directly from the source.

Many gifted and acclaimed artists, from all around the globe, have chosen to settle here in the Byron region, and this makes our area one of the densest concentrations of creativity in Australia. On the Artist Trail you will be provided with a map that guides you around the trail. Currently 13 galleries and studios are involved, welcoming trails blazers seven days a week… and each Opening Night is wonderful extravaganza with wine and cheese plates, live music and overflowing community spirit to ‘injoy’.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be in Byron Bay, grab a map and find your way exploring the Artist’s Trail, it really is an art warming experience to visit all the galleries and studios, experience the creative force here and meet the artist’s in the Byron Arts & Industry Park, set behind Ozigo, BP service station in Byron Bay.