Tree of Light

2019 — Tree of Light, 4"x7" oil on a photographic print

Made with oil paints, paste wax medium, expired credit cards, palette knives, and gloved fingers.

I’m finding that I go through cycles.

In one swing of the pendulum I love symbolism, I can’t get enough. Everything I see might end up in the visual story.

And then the pendulum swings back and I feel constrained, stifled. I don’t want symbols, I want color. I want the intuitive feel of swoosh and spread and drops. Reality is too real, symbols based on reality feel like a crowd when I just want to be alone.

I know that in a few days or weeks I’ll start to feel like freedom comes at the cost of communication. I’ll start to see and dream of symbols, spirits, and flowers.

I don’t know. At least I’m painting.