At a fairly early age I chose the “red” pill. I have always been a bit obsessed with reality, authenticity and the truth. I am quite sure that is why I prefer reading non-fiction books, listen to Bob Dylan and gravitate toward non-objective abstract art. I have been keeping a visual journal for more than 20 years. I paint three small paintings a day and consider the journal one continuously expanding work that is vast and fragmented.
Some pieces sold, and others are never to be publicly shown, but the work can never be fully understood. Most of the entries in the journal are non-objective abstract compositions that were made through an intuitive process.
For those who may be confused, I don’t believe that our feelings and intuition stand in opposition to reason and logic. I believe they are a vital, under-appreciated intellectual capacity that requires training to be useful and reliable. Yes, you can have misguided feelings and urges in the same way someone can engage in misguided reasoning or pseudo-science. The works in the journal are a visual experience. They are what they are, no more or less. Color, form, texture, a composition on a piece of paper. They, therefore, contain and embody a type of reality and truth that anyone who is earnest can access and experience. Those who follow my daily blog posts may have noticed something that I have been aware of for some time.
Namely, that my entries oscillate between simple, perhaps minimalist markings and complex, almost frenetic compositions. At various moments I have tried to “focus” my attention on one or the other or merge these two tendencies — fearing my work would be seen as undisciplined. However, my inability to break free of this pattern makes me think that there is something more significant here.
My sense is the oscillating pattern reveals an internal struggle to contend with the modern assault on truth and reality. Whether it is post-modern relativism, sophisticated propaganda techniques designed to confuse and exhaust, a marketing machine driven to make a sale, or enticing computer environments that capture us in ways reality cannot, the individual searching for the truth is under constant assault. The simple compositions are perhaps an attempt to fashion a calm, centering reprieve; on the other hand, the complex compositions are an attempt to contend with the ever-shifting battlefield.
I am thankful for one particular work of yours which you did as you “processed” life and thoughts.It has served as centerpiece in my living room as, many times, I process my own journey.