Artist's Notes

Inland

I spend lots of time with my newest paintings, and often insights and perspectives arise. So it is with "Inland."

The painting initially seems very restless, and the eye cannot find any resting place, let alone a central focus. But it is meant to be a mirroring of the energies and forces at work in today's world. There is no way to completely grasp events and opportunities, let alone the speed at which they are occuring, so daily life can be quite overwhelming, and even chaotic. This is reflected in the scale and complexity of the piece.

I find it best, at first, to concentrate on a small area. There is so much going on that it might help to approach it in microcosmic fashion rather than attempting to comprehend it all at once. Perhaps this is useful for the world situation as well.

Then slowly the force and impact of the complete painting emerges. The apparent chaos begins to take shape and form, and one can experience the inner and universal forces presently available to expand awareness and offer new perspectives.

Ontology

Although somewhat of a surprise to realize this painting had reached a stopping point, I had a very powerful and emotional response when viewing it this morning.

It speaks to me of the current planetary situation. Tremendous energies available for creative growth, transformation, and service, which can easily be distorted and misused for personal ends.

Creative Chaos II

This painting definitely mirrors these often maddening times, when massive ignorance, fear, racism, and stupidity may seem to reign supreme. Yet it also speaks of the tremendous opportunities available, using the energies in the spirit of love, healing, harmony, and for creative expression.

Diving In

Another magical moment when adding a color brings vibrancy and life into the painting. It expresses the experience I've been having lately of diving deep into the unconscious and being surprised by what emerges.

New Horizons

One of those magical occasions that whilst applying the last color I knew this would complete the painting. It speaks to me of the need to craft new channels for creative expression and consciousness, in order to more fully manifest the forces for positive growth and change available at this critical time.

Swimming

A full-on exploration of, and immersion in, uncharted waters. So much to discover! This one is quite different from any of the current series. I went into the studio, planning to add more to the painting, and was greatly surprised to realize it was complete!

Isness

I walked into the studio with the intention of adding more colors to the painting. But to my great surprise, it was obviously already complete!

The painting is reminiscent of those in the Zen Series, in that it began with a textured background, and I added the two colors without any additions or changes. It evokes the mystery of existence, where things are simply what they are — no explanations needed for the contemplative mind.

Emerging

This painting clearly reflects the need to keep the faith whilst things are in process of emerging, but yet unseen. It is also important to hold the vision, and allow the unfolding to occur in its own time and manner.

Swirlings

This painting reflects the very beginning of things, before any manifestation occurs. The energy is swirling, moving in many different directions, before coalescing into a new reality.

Ride the Wind

This painting is evocative of the powerful forces presently available, and the need to channel them creatively, with insight, vision, perspective, and compassion.

The completion process was one of magic, awe, and wonder. It required moving a 100-pound carton of large canvases to a different location in the studio, opening up needed space for me to work.

I had expected to add some dioxazine violet, a very dark color, to the piece. But when I entered the studio, titanate green caught my eye. So I splashed some onto the canvas, and thought to let it dry before continuing.

About a half hour later, I asked Diana to have a look. Much to my surprise, whilst gazing at the painting it was clearly complete! At that moment, the title came into my mind. The unexpected universe at work, and a powerful inspiration and reminder to allow things to emerge and unfold in their own time and space, getting out of the way with my thoughts, worry, and anxiety. Just paint!

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