Soch + Alaya, soch means thought, alaya means abode….so an abode of thoughts. At the same time Sochalaya also stands for toilet, another place where ideas and thoughts are born.

As an observer one can choose to cut off from the external surrounding and move into a space within oneself. There the reality has abstract limits . Or they can choose to cut off from themselves and move into the external reality where there are psychological boundaries. Between the two realities exists a space where there are no limits or boundaries, one can enter this knowingly or unknowingly . I call this sentient space as sochalaya. One always has the choice of witnessing, questioning and channelling, all we need to do is to take the step.Does not matter who you are, “ wise or otherwise.”

As we grew up we all have experienced this space, where we are physically sitting with our eyes open and staring at something or someone, but mentally we are somewhere else in some other reality/ world/ universe. That is what i call sochalaya, our very own abode of thoughts that we have always been visiting since the day we opened our eyes. As a baby, as an adolescent, as an adult we have been and will forever be with our alive and spirited space sochalaya, that which is not.

AOU is a method of using art as a medium to unwind and then to rejuvenate the creative mind and being actively mindful. It is a method of using art free draw, dance, sing, write etc for introspection and self exploration.

The process focuses on bringing balance to the two halves of the brain. Each half of the brain has control over our masculine and feminine side. One focusing on the reasoning and the other the free dreaming. To be able to come up with design which also has a heart and brain one needs to have both the halves participating in unison during the process of manifestation.

Asemic writing, ambidextrous sketching, eccentric perspective and projection, optical illusions are few techniques used as a part of the methodology.

For further understanding and course details

Mukund Iyer

Artist I Bio architect I Illustrator I Concept Artist

Location: India, Goa

Travelling has been his passion for ever, it took him to the doorsteps of many known and unknown wise beings. He sketches in the presence of these beings as they talk, dance, sleep, eat, cook and so on. Sochalaya represents a space where both his personal and environment’s energy are translated into art.

He always starts with a circle, a circle which symbolises completeness and stability. There onwards he lets the energy flow through him as it wishes, a stroke of freedom which comes out in the form of black and white lines. Sometimes a touch of colour, sometimes the touch of words and sometimes ….

He believes that his awareness is taking him on a spiritual path and the connection between the spiritual and the real world are his sketches. Expression is all about freedom, he chooses to achieve inner peace through sketching and his sub conscious mind is his tool.

Asking questions about existence and life, but mostly expressing the freedom and love that his inner child wants to receive and give back to this universe. He believes art of unconditioning help in grounding people into the moment and rekindling their inner child.