The Marginalian · People & society

Ocean of Stars: A Painted Poem

Azita Ardakani's "Ocean of Stars" is a philosophical children's book presented as a painted poem, blending scientific and poetic truths. It explores themes of existence, connection, and love.

The book was conceived by Ardakani while trying to conceive her first child, reflecting on the wonder of life growing within. It combines her background in Sufism and biological sciences to create a modern cosmogony.

The story originated spontaneously during a moment of connection with nature, leading Ardakani to transcribe it. Artist Rebecca Rebouché created illustrations on a large master canvas, divided using the golden ratio for the book's spreads.

The narrative begins with darkness contemplating its existence, leading to the creation of stars. This act of reflection signifies the beginning of sentience and the formation of our "Pale Blue Dot."

The story progresses to "star beings" emerging from cosmic dust and interacting with the ocean, emphasizing a sense of interbeing and reciprocity. This connection is presented as essential for existence.

The book suggests that life, formed from clay and stardust, is a "homecoming" and a "remembering" of our elemental nature, rather than a new creation myth.

Ardakani's afterword highlights a modern "deep forgetting" where the living world is seen as separate and managed. This disconnect leads to loneliness and a loss of wonder.

The book serves as a reminder that our purpose is to mirror and magnify light, and that this "ricochet wonder" is our cosmic inheritance and a form of love.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.