ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

This song is based on the meaning of his daughter's name Aya. The meaning is "I am that which I create myself to be". It is also a reference to “I Am That” of Nisargadatta Maharaj's Advaita Vedanta, the divine voice within all, that which is pure and eternal through all transformations. And the song is about transformation and fluidity, the life-death cycle, nature, the cosmos, creatures and the Creation. The “I AM” is the vast infinite ocean and it is the littlest voice inside, a mere particle of light, Zahir and Batin. As such it is free, and it survives all transformation, forever innocent. This song is really a poem, so the words are very clear and the music is simple and minimalist. It is meant to be joyous and comforting for children and adults alike.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Arif’s artistic journey began with songwriting in 1995, as a 19-year-old freshly experiencing the freedom and challenges of independence. He continued self-teaching on guitar as well as learning Indian Classical sitar, writing poetry and songwriting. He recovered from hospitalizations with bipolar and worked in street health work alongside pursuing an academic career. After 15 years, he launched a professional art career at age 36, completing his first album. In 2011, he started painting and acting as well.