The conceptual basis of this four-part piece is one vision of a never finished life journey. The colors of each point are reflective of several cultural ideas of the directions we all travel while on this earth. I have chosen white for East, black for West, blue for North, and red for South, which will serve to illustrate my own mythology. However, each viewer is free (and invited) to determine his or her own directional meaning.

Between these points the map of one’s life is drawn, reflecting individual traits, experiences, preferences, and choices. No two will be the same and none will be fixed for each journey is a perpetual movement through time and space. As the stories’ beginnings vary so will endings and the cartography will reflect their beautiful diversity.

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is 19.5 x 19.5 x 2.75 inches. Overall size will depend on installation decisions.

Nighttime can be a place of refuge or of terror. It can spawn delight or remorse, intense longing or gratitude. Whatever it may be, it is not calm but very active, at times rambunctious and mischievous and at others languid and sensual. The night is a place for transformation, for the morphing of lust to love (or vice versa), for indulging in the acrobatics of one’s deepest and darkest desires, and for acknowledging the power of the heart to lead and protect the soul in the search for eternity. Admission to the Night Circus demands a determination for reconciliation between hope and fear and to create not nightmares but sweetest dreams.

Flight of Fantasy is a female aspect holding an emotional and spiritual space between reality and desire.  A masculine facet is explored in Dance of Desire as the more overt signs of lust and love are acknowledged. What is revealed and becomes undeniable is the robust and intimate interaction of these two powerful elements within each of us. The circus portrayed is always one of idiosyncratic detail and yet is constant and universal in its rendering and relevance to us all. 

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is approximately 17.5 X 17.5 x 2.75 inches

Three-dimensional works

These pieces reflect a life-long fascination with closed containers, especially those whose decorative doors, or lids, hid the contents of enclosed interior spaces. The questions evoked by the intriguing outside were: What secrets are in there? What can I learn if I look within? What will I discover?

These constructions reveal even before opening, remnants and scars of struggle but open to a glimmering, complex, and organic beauty that only becomes evident as one is invited to gently unlock the clasp and dare to step inside. 

Interior Cosmology is an initial step in a personal evolutionary journey. It’s structure and form takes precedence over matters of less tangible properties and meanings.

Inner Machinations reflects a bit of social, cultural, and political development with emphasis on the byzantine workings of polite, and not so, society. It is a beautiful tangle but care must be taken not become mired and lost.

The Alchemist’s Garden takes a larger, more expansive view of the intricacies of human communication and interaction. It is an acknowledgement of the multilayered and complex mythology each person builds in self-referential defense.

The Edge of the End is the culmination of this exploration. Amidst the detritus of lost dreams, broken hopes, steps stopped in midstride, there is a flame that refuses to die. At times it is very faint yet is eternal. That essence cannot be destroyed despite great efforts to stymie that being from its rightful emergence.

INTERIOR COSMOLOGY

Mixed media diptych on wood

Open dimensions: 9.25 (H) x 2.5 (depth) x 18 to 20 inches(width and depth will vary). Closed dimensions: approximately 9.25 x 9.25 x 5 inches.

INNER MACHINATIONS

Mixed media diptych on wood

Open dimensions: 18 (H) x 2.5  (depth) x 18 inches (width and depth will vary). Closed dimensions: approximately 9 x 18 x 5 inches.

THE ALCHEMIST’S GARDEN

Mixed media triptych on wood

Open dimensions: 18 (H) x 2.5 (depth) x 36 inches (width and depth will vary). Closed dimensions: approximately 18 x 18 x 5 inches.

THE EDGE OF THE END

Mixed media diptych on wood

Open dimensions: 13 (H) x 2.5 (depth) x 26 inches (width and depth will vary). Closed dimensions: approximately 13 x 13 x 5 inches.

Opposites are an intriguing element of our lives and as one considers the polarities that emerge it seems that we are always in a state of flux attempting to establish a sense of balance and clarity. The differences, some of which immediately come to mind; day/night, male/female, hot/cold, weak/strong, truth/lies, fear/courage, love/indifference, kindness/cruelty, new (young)/old, cause one to recognize sources of discontent, and at the same time motivations for change and growth.  We interact in a sensually beautiful dance of attraction and repulsion, in which no one knows all the steps. Yet we manage to realize our own actions and desires within a context of knowing and defining another, thereby discovering the reality of our own being.

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is approximately 17.5 X 17.5 x 2.75 inches

These three pieces are somewhat of a figurative departure from my current work as well as an autobiographical comment. They are reflection and remembrance of a past style, technique, and sensibility, within the frame of my own evolutionary context and progress.  It proves, to me at least, that one cannot go back and recapture an essence that has already run its course. But one can find elemental threads that remain an integral part of the continuing tapestry of life and being.

My Own Heart’s Blood presents a statement of the seemingly eternal struggle to find oneself amidst the clutter, constraint, and noise of cultural, familial, and personal expectations: to find a way to live honestly is a challenge that demands not only courage and fortitude, but soul-wrenching honesty and humility.

The notion of a complex spiritual evolutionary process within which, we all must travel is explored in Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. The persons/personas of our recent and distant past are integral aspects of our present self and guides to the next leg of the trans-dimensional journey.

Third Eye Open is about the awakening of spiritual reflection, insight, and activation of the invisible power and abilities present in each person, but heretofore has been ignored due to lack of empirical data.  By opening awareness and not ignoring the invisible we engage with inner realms of wisdom and consciousness, thus enabling growth and healing. (Third Eye Open was awarded First Place by juror Ken Goldman in the 6th Annual Fallbrook Art Center Artist's Guild Exhibition in Fallbrook, California.)

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is approximately 17.5 x 17.5 x 2.75 inches

The term Dead Reckoning is a navigational term that connotes celestial guidance. Considering the tumult and angst currently in the forefront of public and private experience, it seems there is need of extraterrestrial and/or metaphysical insight and intervention. But perhaps the answers are within—if only we can get out of own way.

Dead Reckoning: Where Are We Now?  One might also ask, How did we get here? The sudden realization that complacency is not a very useful solution to threat leaves a sense of doom and despair that can only be overcome through action.

Dead Reckoning: Panic  The aftershock of realization can be a fearful and frightening place. Being unable to think clearly or to analyze a situation results in a downward spiral of ineffectual worry and distress.

Dead Reckoning: Back to Earth  There comes a point when all thought and turmoil seems to stop. Though that may seem as an end to distress, it marks the beginning of understanding, enabling plans to be made, and strategies to be implemented.

Dead Reckoning: Square Pegs… Round Holes  There is a great deal of trial and error as the process of solution-making takes on momentum.  

Dead Reckoning: No Way Out  Not a statement of  defeat, but acknowledgement that answers lie within our body/mind/soul and are not, indeed cannot be, defined by external events: Not a way out, but a pathway in.

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is approximately 14.5 x 14.5 x 2.75 inches

The word “grace” as used here is about authenticity and living honestly. These qualities seem elusive in both the world at large and in personal interior spaces of mind and heart. The cultural clutter which surrounds us, infiltrates psyche and soul and makes self-identity difficult, if not impossible, to define and attain. Raven represents one’s self: a curious, easily distracted, and always dissatisfied seeker, soaring through the glitter of unattainable goals, mindless glamour, and the insatiable desires of modern life searching for a place to safely roost, settle, and ultimately find grace. 

18.25 x 18.25 x 2.75 inches

Primary Lessons are often taught through experience with their opposite manifestations (emptiness, faithlessness, cowardice, dishonesty, nonsense, denial), which reinforces the notion that sometimes the worst examples are the best teachers. It also explains why so much focus is on pathology rather than well being.

At times the instructor is our own action or thought, at others by ones whom we believe are powerful, caring, and/or influential. It is through the experience of destructive energies that we learn to realize and utilize these life-enhancing, empowering forces. Healing comes from within and hope is always present.

Base of each piece is approximately 15.5 x 15.5 x 2.75 inches 

This group came about through an unfinished painting started during a period of intense emotional stress and turmoil. I could not finish it nor could I throw it away. It remained a constant reminder of undone work and abandoned ideas, yet it still beckoned to be completed. So I took it off the stretcher, cut it into four pieces, and re-started. I had to face my own demons—not only in my work but also in my life. Though it is a task that is never completely done, there comes a satisfaction from taking action and moving on.

Each person has their own private hoard of evil energy, often in the form of regret, anger, embarrassment, fear, and nightmares. And most try very hard, sometimes desperately to hide from, deny, repress, and ignore those wicked forces. However, there is no silver bullet, or magic pill, for relief: The only way to deal with a bully is to face it. And even though the confrontation may be terrifying, humiliating and painful, leaving bruises, altered expectations, and broken dreams, ultimately it is the path to freedom. The demon is not dead but agrees to a détente and takes up residence in the dungeon of one’s consciousness. The scars (badges of courage) remain a part of one’s being, and are integrated into a richer and fuller tapestry of experience, wisdom, and being.

Each base is approximately 12 x 12 x 2.75 inches

A dreamscape—haunting, confusing, and yet welcoming: Darker areas below the surface of dream consciousness offer bits of insight mixed with apprehension, which may lead to a new dawn or perhaps a serene nightfall.

Mixed media on canvas over board

Approximately 19 x 19 x 2.75 inches

These three pieces speak of loss, overcoming adversity, and living in a new reality after misfortune.

Quiet Storm speaks of grim determination to regain the life one once had with knowledge that though all seems bleak, the sun will rise once again.

The reality of terrible loss is reflected in Requiem, but also offers a sense of emotional release.

Of Sorrow Sparkling comments on the aftermath of devastation, whether emotional or physical.

Mixed media on canvas over board

The base of each piece is 13 x 13 x 2.75 inches

So many of life’s travails are self-induced. We are slaves to our own thoughts, beliefs, and emotions and become trapped on a spinning wheel of anger, frustration, and disappointment, when all we have to do is step off…

Mixed media on canvas over board

Approximately 18 x 18 x 1.75 inches

To be deceived, let down, or lied to by a loved and trusted person is a cruel event and leads to dark feelings of anger, mistrust, and revenge. These emotions are explored here and resolution is gained.

Mixed media on canvas over board

Approximately 18 x 18 x 1.75 inches

Each of us has experienced the feeling being stuck in an unpleasant situation. The sentiments engendered by that circumstance could be unsettling and disturbing or a motivational force to transform and recreate.

Well, It’s not Complicated: I can just accept this or…

No Hope…: There comes a time when all optimism fades

Another Time Same Place: Nothing has changed

Omen: A forewarning of the future for either good or bad

So Much for Sacrifice: Self-denial and depreciation don’t remedy anything

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is 15 x 15 x 2.75 inches

Growing up can be painful, embarrassing, and wrought with confusion. The images one sees in this piece are a female figure named Luna, a male figure named Little Running Man, and Raven. These images represent aspects of a self in the turmoil of reaching maturity and struggling for integration.

mixed media

Base is 16 x 16 x 1.75 inches

The loss of love is a heart breaking time. These four pieces explore one road through the process.

Soular Eclipse: The realization that things are not the same

Ambiguity: Should I stay or should I go?

Love’s Pyre: The final dissolution

Muse Quietus: This love is dead, but life goes on—and love will bloom once more

Mixed media on canvas over board

Each base is 11 x 11 x 2.75 inches