Wednesday, December 21, 2011

So Flows the Current

As the year comes to an end it's natural to take time to reflect on all that has happened in the past 12 months. In 2011, I made a conscious effort to set goals, create daily intentions and dream big. Among those aspirations was to travel, create art, teach others, and find an essential balance.

Pursuing my passion has evolved from a self-fulfilling dream to a means of communicating and connecting with a larger, global community. As I develop my work I become a vehicle for exploring the imagination, finding joy and inspiring others. Art is a universal language, my way of expressing a vision that sometimes cannot be put into words. Discovering your style as an artist is one of the most difficult things to do, and in this past year I have found my voice on paper. A recognizable mark, set of glowing colors, and other-worldy imagery. Gardens of plant-like forms have grown into life-like worlds of tentacles, spider-legs and feathery wings. As a friend of mine kindly wrote "Looking at the work can be a meditation in itself."

Staying positive can be the most difficult challenge as we face rejections, disappointments and change. Just as I am ready to perhaps give up on all this hard work, I am reminded to keep going, to persevere. One morning in the fall, I was commuting on the train, sketching a new idea for a print. As I reached my stop I folded up my little black sketchbook, until next time. As I walked to the stairs an older business man caught up with me and tapped me on the shoulder. I thought that I had dropped a pencil or my metro card. He simply said "Your work is really beautiful." I was taken aback by the sincere, unexpected compliment. It made me realize how many times people have approached me to share their thoughts or comment on my work. My sketches have allowed me to make connections with people from all walks of life, single moms with their infants, homeless men with a hat full of change, or a young high school student. Everyone seems to see something different in my imagery… a garden of mystery, seemingly harmless, with a dangerous twist of vines and thorns.

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be next to impossible when we aren't reaping the rewards of our labor. But putting something positive into this world is an accomplishment in itself. There is more to life than going through the day to day motions of earning a paycheck and finding stability. It is this pursuit of passion that must be valued and nurtured. As we come closer to achieving a purpose in life we have more to give others, more to contribute to the world. We must learn to accept change and the inevitable ups and downs… so flows the current.

The song "So Flows the Current" by Patrick Ohearn was the inspiration for this post: http://www.patrickohearn.com/CDpop_up_soflows.htm

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Thanks for following the blog and continuing to support my work.
~ Rochelle

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Creating a Silk Scarf

I begin by sketching out my ideas with a mechanical pencil (mostly commuting on the train between yoga and the studio).

I completely redraw the sketch onto Bristol Board. I use tiny .005 micron pens to trace over the drawing (if you live in Brooklyn and your art store is sold out of .005 microns, I probably bought the last one.) I tend to leave a trail of them wherever I go...





I scan in the pen and ink drawing and print the design onto vellum. The transparency becomes a color separation (stencil) for screen printing. I screen print the image onto the blank white silk scarves with a black, water-based resist called gutta.


After the gutta dries, I stretch the scarf onto plastic stretcher bars using tiny pins. I hand paint the background with special silk dyes. I have to work very quickly and carefully to avoid getting watermarks or bleeding through the lines.


I paint the design using the silk dyes in a similar technique to watercolor painting, using the white of the scarf for highlighted areas. The painting process can take up to 7 hours for intricate designs.

Once the scarves are dry they need to be steam set. I roll them up in newsprint and aluminum foil and then steam them in a pot for 4 hours.

Voila! We have a silk scarf. Ready to wear or hang as a beautiful piece of artwork. If you order them from my Etsy shop they will be packaged in screen printed wrapping paper. Perfect for the holidays!
www.etsy.com/shop/rochellefox

Monday, November 21, 2011

Deity of Grace

Deity of Grace tells the story of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of spiritual and material wealth and prosperity. She embodies the elements of light, wisdom, fortune, beauty and grace. She is believed to bring good luck and protect her devotees from misery and sorrow. Lakshmi is associated with the lotus as she is the personification of nature, the center of all. The circular composition of this piece emulates the infinite connectedness of all things in nature. The heart-shaped Bodhi tree leaves symbolize the abundance of prosperity. Graceful branches of feathers and hanging pearls represent the ornate adornments of the deity.

This print began as a pencil sketch that was refined and transformed into a pen and ink drawing. This was the first piece that I finished drawing on Bristol board and then cut apart to rearrange the elements. This organic process developed as I began to explore the movement and flow of each composition. Certain forms come forward while others are pushed into the distance, inviting the viewer to look closer and discover something new each time.




Deity of Grace Hand-Painted Silk Scarves Now Available On My Etsy Shop!
My Etsy Shop

Friday, September 30, 2011

Sneak Peek at My Next Print






This is a pen and ink drawing that will soon come to life with color! Stay tuned for more photos of the screen printing process.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

3rd Ward Open Call

Hi Everyone,

I've submitted my portfolio to the 3rd Ward Open Call. Awards include a NYC Residency. a Solo gallery show and a $5,000 Cash Grant! There's a People's Choice Award for a $1000 cash grant. The winners will be announced in December. Thanks so much for all your support.

~ Rochelle

Click the link below to vote for me:
Vote for Me!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Pioneer of Passion: Alexander McQueen

Last Saturday I visited the wonderfully imaginative Alexander McQueen Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and it was worth every minute of the three hour long wait. The classically timeless collection of works by the revolutionary designer was absolutely fascinating. His mysteriously genius creations expressed such a vast vocabulary of creative expression, welcoming you into his world of fantasy, dreams, horror and beauty. The designer's disturbingly dark yet brilliantly beautiful garments honor centuries of victims, vixens and queens. McQueen's obsession with exposing the ugliest elements of humanity are brought to light on elegantly feminine forms. The romantically tragic poetry of Edgar Allen Poe narrates the surreal world of dream-like visions. The winding gallery spaces were completely transformed into a capsule of McQueen's mind, enticing visitors with the welcoming words, "I am going to take you on journeys you've never dreamed were possible." 

Traveling through the galleries of magical imagination was an incredible experience. I explored an intimate maze of rooms with rusted mirrors, reflecting fabric masterpieces from every angle and beyond. I was particularly drawn to the 2008 collection "The Girl Who Lived in the Tree." McQueen found inspiration for these sculptural, organically embellished garments on his trip to India as well as an ancient elm tree in his garden. The collection features feathery flowing skirts with peacock embroideries made of Jem Palace Jewels, painstakingly sewn beadwork, and layers of leathers, feathers and lace. McQueen tells the tale of a girl who lives in a tree but emerges from its leafy oppression to discover the warmth of love and sunshine . Her newfound freedom manifests the mood of the designer, who embraces the light after an extended dark period in his life.

In 2010, I created a series of Tree House drawings, featuring a young girl suspended in voluntary solitude from the world. She is seemingly lonely and melancholy from the outside, but finding only stillness and peace within. She lives high above the world in a tree house perched on pointed wooden legs entwined in ropes and vines. Surrounded by empty bird cages, blank canvases and silence she experiences an evolution of emotional growth. The moment she feels whole again she would reenter the world, leaving her meditative healing state behind. I have been incorporating this theme back into my work with birdcages, tree houses and botanical, living organisms. My work continues to evolve and grow as I embark on this journey of visual discovery.




Photo of runway show found on: http://www.fawngehweiler.com/blog

Friday, August 5, 2011

Under The Bodhi Tree




“Under the Bodhi Tree” is a limited edition of 10 screen prints. The Bodhi tree is the sacred tree under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. It takes 100 to 3,000 years for the tree to fully grow. The blossoming lotus flower has many layers of symbolism, appearing in creation stories, enlightenment stories, and in association with the chakras. The ultimate meaning is that it represents awakening to the spiritual reality of life. The pink lotus is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity, the Great Buddha.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Drawn By Music

Etching/watercolor. © Rochelle Fox 2002

After staying up all hours of the night drinking countless forms of canned caffeine, I stepped back from my etching and braced myself for a critique. I was barely awake and hoping my work would speak for itself.  My fellow classmates and I stood around the table waiting for the first person to be questioned, scorned, appraised or embarrassed… it was always an unpredictable and scary experience with Robert Rivers, the boot camp professor of printmaking. He's an extremely intense, dedicated, obsessive artist and he doesn't have the patience for anything but hard work. 

Rivers, with a pensive look on his face, had a serious question for us,… "What is your favorite music, band, or song?" Naturally, I was confused by the relevance of the question, blanking completely and struggling to think of the right answer. It had been months since I played a song over and over again, feeling that same strong emotional connection to the lyrics and melody. As Rivers went around the room listening to people reluctantly answer the question he seemed disappointed. We had been so focused on the artwork and perfection that we forgot about the passion that goes behind it. It's what fuels the creativity and gives it substance. The creative process is a multifaceted one. The more we develop and nurture all aspects of our lives, the richer our  work will be. 

If you find yourself in a paper-crumpling, seemingly dead-end rut, perhaps other things are being neglected. As artists we often find ourselves delving into a secret world of imagery, theories and grandiose ideas. It is equally as important to connect with other forms of creative expression and passions. Travel, eat delicious foods, listen to your favorite band and let it take you back to a sweet moment in your life. Keep a journal of all things inspiring; a collection of thoughts, colors, sketches, dreams and music lyrics.

Sign up to join the 2012 Sketchbook Project. Each participant receives a blank sketchbook that will be exhibited on the 2012 tour and cataloged permanently in the Brooklyn Art Library.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

La Dolce Vita



I recently broke my 5-years-without-a-vacation period and went on an amazing trip to Italy! I decided not to do too much research (which I left to my boyfriend) and simply discover something new each day. It was the most incredibly inspiring 9 days I’ve had in a very long time. Walking the streets of Rome, eating delicious hazelnut gelato, pizza by the pound and perfectly cooked pasta... I took in every sight, smell and sound from the city. The energy is simultaneously, unbelievably alive and relaxed. A perfect balance of passion, joy, beauty, determination and attention to every delicate detail. A stroll through the park in the morning, a glass of Merlot in the afternoon, and all the random things that happen in between... Enough to feed the soul and rejuvenate the creative juices. After walking through the surreal, polished marble-covered walls of the Borghese Museum we walked down a winding path of the greenest park. We found a cool, shady spot under the trees and spent hours watching people walk by. A perfectly sunny, yet breezy Spring day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A small piece of heaven.

I continued working on a pen and ink drawing that I had started before we left for our trip. Simply creating a beautiful shape that becomes a flower that spirals into a leaf and blossoms into a branch. By allowing this organic process to develop I have discovered the balance of obsession and playfulness in my work and life... La Dolce Vita (the Sweet Life)!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Follow Your Botanical Bliss!

My nature-inspired designs and yoga wear have an element of restorative, healing energy and vitality. From sunny daffodils of Spring to enchanting lotus flowers in bloom, my work is intended to bring a little bit of harmony and balance into your everyday life!

Decorations and inspirations for your wardrobe and home! My black and white, pen and ink drawings (all drawn with a tiny .005 micron pen) come to life on each item in this whimsical shop. From shirts to scarves, blossoming botanicals and dreamy daffodils are transformed into wearable works of art. Some of the designs wrap around the body as if adorned with a delicately detailed tattoo. These organic, dreamy patterns and prints transcend the paper and find a new home to incorporate into your life. I create a vivid rainbow of hybrid flowers, taking you on a journey through a world of swirly, feathered petals and my signature striped clouds.

Lady Lotus, the goddess of beauty, fortune and wisdom brings good luck and celebrates the bounty of nature in my work. I often features the glowing Buddha, surrounded by the delicate balance of nature. Each color corresponds to feng shui elements, attracting all good things into your life! Whether it’s love, prosperity, balance or healing there’s something for everyone.

I am inspired by carved marble walls of Indian temples, Indigo Isnic tiles of Turkey, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Rainbow cookies from New York bakeries, camping adventures, getting lost on long walks in the city, yogi tea fortunes and all things creative. In the words of Bill Cunningham, “Those who seek beauty WILL find it”

Silk Scarf on Etsy

What are you inspired by? What's your favorite 80's love song, children's book, and ice cream flavor?

Monday, May 2, 2011

Go "Green" for Mother's Day

 Check out my latest print on the Etsy shop. Add a little splash of Spring to your home or office with this vibrant, floral screen print! This beautiful bouquet of daffodil and hibiscus flowers blossom on intertwining vines of foliage, reaching up through Rochelle's signature striped clouds. The ethereal green sky is symbolic of growth and healing. Green is the feng shui color of renewal, fresh energy and new beginnings. Give the gift of Green this Mother's Day!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73354928/spring-floral-screen-print

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Carpe Diem

Lily Pond at The Botanical Gardens
Over the past few months I’ve taken the time to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the pursuit of discovering my creative process and the “bigger picture.” As an artist it is so important to set measurable goals, celebrating breakthroughs and milestones along the way. I have made a daily commitment to putting an intention on the day, which has had a profound effect on my life. If we intend to be a generous, loving and giving person naturally our actions will follow. Each morning I boldly declare “Today Who I Am Is The Possibility of Being... Productive, Ambitious, A Creator of Miracles, etc."  

I am continually discovering new ways to develop my creative process and support a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledging inspirational people and personal mentors has been an invaluable part of this discovery. I truly believe that the universe is aligning itself to bring all the right elements together to create a fabulous future, with dreams realized beyond our imaginations. We just need to keep adding to our magical, mystical cauldrons of ingredients till we get the perfect recipe!

Tip of the week: What is your goal for the next 50 days? Try to set a goal that has measurable progress. For example, If you’re working on a series of paintings, how many would you like to create? Break it down and see how many you’d need to finish each week. Go forth and conquer my friends! Carpe Diem! 

Books I've Been Reading:
 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Lotus Snowflake Scarf Design


"[I]f you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, 
return to yourself, to who you are, here and now.  

And when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus 
flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong. (141)"

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Botanical Snowflake Scarf Design


This pen and ink drawing is based on my creative experiment with cutting out 
paper to form Om symbols, lotus flowers, hearts and other botanical elements. 
I use a .005 micron pen (and a lot of patience) to create these images.
Soon to be printed on silk scarves! 

Here's a photo to show just how tiny these pens are:

Monday, April 18, 2011

Pioneer of Passion: Bill Cunningham

I had never heard the name Bill Cunningham until I looked up a list of current movies this past weekend, and I am sure to never forget it.  After watching just a short clip of the trailer I knew I had to go see this documentary. I smiled during the entire Zeitgeist film as I learned about this amazingly inspirational seeker of beauty & truth. He is a passionate, artistic genius of a human being, taking in every moment of life and photographing the story of NYC street fashion. Bill takes the audience on a journey of his memorable collection of images. Every day (even in a blizzard) the 82-year old marvel gets on his 29th bicycle, camera around his neck and rides alongside fast-moving taxi cabs, determined pedestrians and dainty dogs. He is able to snap a millisecond of time that exists forever on his roll of traditional film negatives. He is constantly working to find the connections between patterns, colors, styles and gestures. His vast knowledge of the fashion world is apparent in his ability to see which trends have been revived from decades or even centuries before. 

Bill discovers pure joy in capturing individual personalities, the more eccentric the better. My favorite “character” in Bill’s life is the 98-year-old, stylish Editta Sherman, a self-proclaimed legend of the photographic world. Editta was a resident of the famed Carnegie Hall for over 60 years, where she captured the dynamic portraits of artists, movie stars and icons of the mid 20th century. Bill surrounds himself with the most interesting and genuine people who feel lucky to be in his presence. When humbly receiving an award in Paris Bill expressed his deep gratitude to his audience and proclaimed, “Those who seek beauty WILL find it.” 


Tip of the Week: Seeing the beauty in this world is a choice, a bold decision to find the things that make life a journey worth traveling. Think of one thing that you are grateful for every morning and it will have a profound effect on your life!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Über Cool Tulip Doodle
















You must give up the life you planned in order to have 
the life that is waiting for you." ~ Joseph Campbell

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Creative Process: The Interconnectedness of Life



Discovering your creative process is an extremely powerful thing. Once you understand how you work you can focus on the creation and not the process. Your flow of energy will happen naturally. And you will be able to realize your potential beyond anything you ever imagined. For years I had a creative block, which was ironic since I was living in a mecca of inspiration, New York City. When someone would ask whether I was an artist I would say “Well, I’m trying to be one” or “I used to be... That’s what I went to school for.” Then, about a year and a half ago, a close friend of mine told me to declare “I AM an artist!” and to say it with conviction. Since that day I started to own that title, but more than that to make it a lifestyle. A part of my everyday routine, existence and outflow of energy. It is almost impossible for me to go a day without thinking about the next creation. My sketchbook has become the one thing I can’t leave the house without. Another friend, when asked why he enjoyed my art so much, said “You are your art, your art is you.” There is no distinction between the two ideas. The more genuine you are with your creations, the more connections you will make in life. And those connections, those moments of pure joy, happiness and gratitude, are the most valuable things in life.

Tip of the week: My friend Guenevere gave me this piece of advice and it’s worked wonders! Start making new connections today. Use a small black book with lines (I love my Moleskin) to create your “guest list.” Every time you meet someone that would be interested in your work or may be a great person to work with, have them write down there info. This way it’s all in one place and it looks extremely professional. It’s so much better than collecting 500 business cards or writing it on a bunch of post-its.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Flowers to Brighten Your Day

The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done,
we can see it, understand it, learn from it and change.
So that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger,
but in wisdom, understanding and love.
Jennifer Edwards

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Lotus Scarf Design

Check out my latest scarf design.
Stay tuned for the hand-painted scarves (14"x60") on Etsy.


"The one who wanders independent in the world, free from opinions and viewpoints, does not grasp them and enter into disputations and arguments. As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and the water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world."

Buddha Saying
Source: The Sutta Nipata

Friday, April 8, 2011

Spring Sale Item on Etsy

Tote around your essentials in style! These elegant totes are great for everyday use. Whether you’re carrying books, groceries or yoga wear these bags are a great way to save some trees. Mix and Match the totes with Rochelle’s tees, tanks and accessories for great gift ideas made easy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69013858/brown-tote-with-lotus-flower

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Floral Scarf Design








I combined elements from 3 different drawings to create this pattern for my silk scarves.

"Every moment is a moment of creation, and each moment of creation contains infinite possibilities. Every moment presents a new opportunity and a new decision." - Shakti Gawain

Sunday, April 3, 2011

My New Spring Items on Etsy

Hand-Painted Silk Scarf on Etsy


ETSY COUPON CODE: type in SPRINGSALE11 when you check out and receive 10% off your next purchase!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of Passion

I finally had the chance to watch the Amelia Earhart movie and found it to be truly inspiring. She was an extremely passionate, determined and beautiful person. She was the catalyst of change in her own life.

I've been thinking a lot about the importance of being our own muse. We must find ways to be inspired and excited by something on a daily basis. When I was in college one of my drawing professors (who was quite the boot camp instructor) taught me to make creating art a lifestyle. One day he had us gather around a table for a demonstration. He went around the class and asked us what our favorite song was. At first I was confused and nervous because I didn't really have a favorite band at the time.  The point was that we have to live a passionate life, taking in all the creativity and beauty around us. Creating art is about experiencing the world, every song we hear, delicious foods we savor or friends we connect with over a glass of wine.

Tip of the Day: If you're having a creative block try creating a board for inspiration. Everyday find at least one thing (quote, magazine picture, fortune cookie fortune) to post on the board. It will definitely get the creative juices flowing!


"The stars seemed near enough to touch and never before have I seen so many. I always believed the lure of flying is the lure of beauty, but I was sure of it that night."

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward." 

Image from BrooklynMuseum.org

Friday, March 11, 2011

Potential for Greatness!

I read this inspiring quote the other day:
"Business can feel like one jagged, lurching ride at times. When you replace doubt with purpose, ambition with love, dread with wonder, and fear with courage something incredibly graceful can emerge.

It reminds me to keep surging forward toward my dreams!
This is a screen print I created last year called "Ethereal Escape."

Friday, January 21, 2011

Uplift Others & Uplift Yourself

Everyday we have the power to make decisions that will alter the shape of our lives and those around us. We must continue putting one foot in front of the other, overcoming obstacles along the way. Surging forward toward our golas; discovering passions, triumphs, friendships and strength.

This past week the world lost an amazingly passionate, inspirational and fearless woman. Xina Lu shared her infinate source of laughter, generosity, love and infectious smile with the world.

Always remember to Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much my friends!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Om Symbol




The Om symbol is incorporated into much of my work.The t-shirts will be available on the store soon. = )

Om is is the one eternal syllable of which all exists, including the past, present and future. Om is the root of the universe and everything that exists together. It signifies creation and the oneness of all creation. It mystically embodies the essence of the entire universe. Just as there are 3 parts to the Om symbol there are 3 worlds: earth, atmosphere and heaven. Om in every form symbolizes that all material objects, phenomena, and thoughts are states of energy vibration.

By chanting the sound Om we move from a state of extroversion and stimulation to a more introspective, harmonious state, centering ourselves. Continuously chanting Om creates inner clarity, which may bring about insights and deeper meaning to our lives. From this practice of using Om awareness turns inward and all obstacles are overcome.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Parrot Tulip Painting

A Gift for my Cousin's Baby Girl. Pink Tulips symbolize happiness = ) Tulips also mean eternal life and are heralds of spring. Along with crocuses and daffodils, tulips are the first flowers to blossom each year, sometimes while there is still snow on the ground nearby.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Buddha's Enlightenment

After realizing that meditative jhana was the right path to awakening, Buddha discovered what Buddhists call the Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
Buddha was famously seated under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, when he vowed never to arise until he had found the truth. He is seated on an open pink lotus flower to symbolize his enlightenment.





Soul Purpose of the Day: Continue to build the community of amazingly talented, determined and divine people in my life. They are the foundation of my success, strength, courage and motivation to follow my dreams into the next year and beyond.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Soul Purpose of the Day

Try not to focus on how the world effects you, but rather how you effect the world. We all have a significant part in this life, and we shouldn't forget about the bigger picture. It's easy to get caught up in every day issues, but there is a greater purpose to everything that we do... the choices that we make on a daily basis can have an amazing impact on those around us. By uplifting those around you, you will inevitably uplift yourself.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Joseph Campbell "Follow Your Bliss"


"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

"If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be."

- Joseph Campbell

Valentine's Day Spectacular Poster

I designed this poster for an upcoming charity fundraiser event that I'm hosting. It was inspired by vintage burlesque and Victorian style posters. The theme is Queen of Hearts. The female figure was influenced by Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Fortune, Wealth and Abundance (aka Lady Lotus).



Friday, January 7, 2011

Creative Visualization

I just started reading this book and it's been a great tool in setting both personal and career goals.

"When we create something, we always create it first in a thought form. If we are basically positive in attitude, expecting and envisioning pleasure, satisfaction and happiness, we will attract and create people, situations, and events which conform to our positive expectations."
~ Shakti Gawain


http://www.shaktigawain.com/products/books/creative-visualization

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Ganesh: Remover of All Obstacles

Ganesha is a Hindu Elephant-Deity widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings. He is also a patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom.

"On the three points of his tiny crown, budding lotuses have been fixed. Gaṇeśa holds in his two right hands the rosary and a cup filled with three modakas (sweets). In his two left hands, Gaṇeśa holds a large lotus above and an axe below, with its handle leaning against his shoulder. In order to kill the demon of egotism (Mamāsura) who had attacked him, Gaṇeśa throws his lotus at him. Unable to bear the fragrance of the divine flower, the demon surrenders to Gaṇeśa."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ganesha_Basohli_miniature_circa_1730_Dubost_p73.jpg