Timeless Wisdom
"Timeless Wisdom" 24" x 24"
This painting results from a powerful experience I had three weeks ago when I sat quietly in the midst of some of the oldest geology on our planet. While staring at dramatic 165 million-year-old Jurassic-aged cliffs at Ghost Ranch, in Abiquiu, New Mexico, I kept being drawn to a hollowed-out section that seemed to contain a sculpted figure. I felt that the figure, so very ancient and timeless, emanated strength, patience, and wisdom--especially since it had endured and survived countless environmental changes and planetary happenings. Placed below the figure were numerous rock shapes nestling comfortably in among the green trees and small streams. They seemed to resemble a gathering of people working together as a community while at the same time showing respect and compassion for each other and for their leader.
After returning to my studio, I felt compelled to make an oil painting of this experience. I began and finished this “Timeless Wisdon” 24” x 24” painting during the three days of November 7, 8 and 9. It is difficult to articulate the practically debilitating emotions that resonated in me during that time since never in my lifetime had I heard or read such hate, viciousness and vitriol swirling around everywhere. I kept processing these feelings that were reverberating to my very core while somehow putting brush to canvas, stroke after stroke.
I have become painfully aware of the possibility that our most cherished beliefs about democracy, equality and justice could be eroded at this time. It is crucial for me to be concerned, caring and loving right now. It is time for me, and for people everywhere working as one community, to activate our own particular talents in order to facilitate supporting and developing a spirit of togetherness and hope in the goodness of humanity. Also, I realize that I need to couple this work with reasoned non-compliance to actions of brutality, insensitivity and hatred. It is, in addition, a time for me to be alert and fully informed about man-made damage to Mother Earth and, if necessary, learn how to resist those negative efforts. This message, for me, is loud and clear for today and for the future.
These words below are from beloved, aware and compassionate Leonard Cohen. They resonate today. May he rest in peace.
“Anthem”
“I can't run no more with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up a thundercloud and they're going to hear from me.
Ring the bells that still can ring ...Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in.”
https://www.ghostranch.org/explore/the-land/
https://www.ghostranch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/EARTH_Nov2011_Feature_Travels_GhostRanch_MCM1.pdf