INTRODUCTION
The nature of reality as the expression of spirit is bigger than the capacity of human imagining. However, we are able to conceptualize individual pieces of this boundless topic. A. H. Almaas lays the groundwork for seeing reality objectively in his book "Facets of Unity" which examines nine Holy Ideas or perspectives of the Divine. As an artist I am exploring visual expressions of each concept of unity as a map of consciousness.
Painting is a tangible expression of life wisdom in terms of feeling (energy and color), concept (symbol), and story (image).
Working with energy when painting shows up in the way the paint is applied (smooth glazes, agitated strokes of color, bursts of light). Feelings are explored through the use of color and contrast (light and dark).
Concepts are expressed in symbols that act as keys unlocking layers of meaning. For example, lightning signals the presence of a force in nature that also represents illumination and, at a deeper level, conveys the power of awakening.
Stories are expressed with images. The Yosemite Valley landscape creates a context for showing the story of change with night and day, sun and rain, as well as the seasons of winter, spring and fall. Beyond the painting itself is the response of each viewer who adds to the process of awareness. You can see that the painting has many facets to its unity as well. |
