Typically I hesitate to give a complete, blow-by-blow interpretation of my work. I hesitate talking about the process because much of the value of art relies on the viewer’s state of mind, development, wellness, openness, perceptions, and mood.
Despite hesitation, I’m going to do it because dear people are making such a request. I’ll talk about “Understanding and Enlightenment” (see above) and welcome comments.
“Understanding and Enlightenment” began life as an idea: a realization that no matter how well I may understand something, unless an element of enlightenment struck, my understanding remained limited. Another aspect is that, among the hundreds of areas of thought or knowledge, I understand some more readily than others.
I believe the experience of enlightenment varies in intensity and focus, yet is recognizable as a surprising new idea, a feeling of broader connection, an enlightening: To lighten up, broadcasting a new light and lightness of being.
This piece is 4’ x 5’ and done on canvas with acrylic paint. Note: I am 5’2” in height. As soon as this canvas came into my studio I developed an atypical relationship to this work. There was an element of intimidation. So I insisted on remaining a bit taller, working the piece horizontally: Rather than facing a five foot tall blank, I would only face a four foot tall blank. I also was required to be more physically involved—bending, stretching, crouching, reaching, moving paint across the surface to implant feelings and thoughts in color, form and texture.
The background blue is in stripes; as usual, stripes become a tool for suggesting time and time passing. The forms stationed within—the square, triangle, rounded rectangle, hexagon, etc.—represent bodies of knowledge while the large open circle form represents a state of enlightenment.
Each form contains a dominant color theme plus segment colors of the other forms and a bit of background blue. This represents that knowledge in one area is specific; that understanding is part of its time; that all is shared with other knowledge whether drawing from history, economics, cooking, social skills, soccer, science or whatever.
Yet each form remains distinct. Each form or shape can be assigned a knowledge frame by viewers, subject to change depending on involvement or whim. Each form is also isolated in space and time.
The large open circle also displays silver extracted from a silver stripe from the background area. This is to suggest that enlightenment has been incorporated. The silver stripes and segments throughout the canvas suggest the presence of possible enlightenment through time.
As with much of my titled work, “Understanding and Enlightenment” presents a starting point to meditate upon, to enjoy musing about the similarities and distinctions of understanding, of knowledge, of enlightenment. Or just enjoy the distinctions of shapes and colors.