Abstract reasoning and our ability to process abstract information must be learned and has its limits. Some speculate our brains have effectively reached their limit — operating near optimal capacity. Interestingly, IQ scores (the best measure of abstract reasoning) have stopped rising worldwide and have even begun to drop in advanced countries such as Norway, Denmark, Germany, France and Britain. Some speculate it is due in part to smart phones, computers and other devices used to off-load a great deal of the abstract calculations and computations required to navigate modern society. These devices undoubtably have become extensions of our minds and integral to our thinking processes. At a time when navigating the world is requiring more imagination and innovation, we should not continually expect more and more from our brains but rather learn to extend them by using the things, spaces and people around us.
I contend that art, compositions and the spaces we curate can reinforce, record and document important ideas and information. The things we make and the things we surround ourselves with are more than mere niceties. They impact the way our brain functions and have the potential of extending our mental capabilities. Art can also be used as a tool for reflection, insight, and discovery — exercise equipment for the brain — increasing our perception and imagination. This is one of the reasons I almost always paint non-objective abstract compositions, which are open ended and ambiguous. I also display my work in sets or within a “field.” This offers the observer an immediate means to compare, contrast and probe the meaning embodied in each compositional variation — an everlasting visual gobstopper. Selecting a work of art is more than finding something that matches your couch or fills a void on your wall. It should be about selecting a companion that is challenging, one that enhances your growth and extends your mental prospects.
there is a lot to see in your work shown on the blog today David….I really like it! I’m thinking that the two works are separate entities, but on the blog they come across as one piece, but I auppose if you displayed them together(facing each other) the same point would come across…after the Mondrian piece last week I can see the comparison of how he used black lines, but you use blank space to create a similar perception only they are skewed and not perfectly straight….creating a sort of tension and weight….and then the the lines shooting out forced by the weight of the solid color bearing down (like a weapon)….when the two works face each other one can imagine the harsh political climate of the world we live in today! and then the relief offered by the perfectly straight and almost imperceptible line that offers a sense of GOD in my mind allowing all of the chaos to evolve toward balance eventually….The God of tough love who I see as part of the gift to humanity….although some may not see it as a Gift! Anyway….I have grown to see your artiatic skills as being similar to the highly trained elite athlete….you have honed your skills and techniques to such a level that when it come time for game day you can just let loose and something powerful can be expressed….you are definitely special!! My unvarnished thoughts!!!