The Silence of Vegetation
Vegetation is one of the life forces of the Earth. Without it we wouldn’t exist. This series is meant to demonstrate respect for our vegetation and how it is a critical aspect of providing a sense of silence and quietness. This is no more apparent than is the Morrish Gardens of Southern Spain where vegetation in conjunction with the unique Mediterranean light, the smell of vibrant plants and the inspired use of water create a serene place for contemplation. Or the Japanese Garden of Ryoan-ji where minimalists elements of raked sand, rock and vegetation create mystical experiences with silence being ineffable.
This series is derived from vegetation that is unique to its specific context. Some represent plant and tree life in arid environments, while others are from tropical regions. The drawings are typically abstract in nature as a means of representing the essential qualities of each plant | tree. Color, texture, structure in combination with light, shade and shadow evoke the silent qualities of each plant | tree.
The Silence of Convergences
The Silence of Convergences are works that explore the mystical and ineffable relationships between humans, environment and the physical and emotional space where they live. The series seek to be a collage of conditions, experiences and phenomena. These works overlay individual, collective and mythical stories that speak to the mystery of human and natural life. These drawings are an exploration of how phenomena are constantly transforming and that static conditions are non-existent.
The drawings have been influenced by mythologies, imagination and the metaphysical. In these works, divergent images and ideas interact creating strange, odd and sometimes humorous results. Initially, what is seen as discordant and incongruent ultimately have many commonalities. Silence emerges through the contemplation of oddities and illusory images.
The Silence of Place
No doubt most everyone has experienced unique places where a sense of calm and serenity prevail. These may be places where natural light strikes a wall in a unique manner creating unexpected patterns. Or it may come from the unique construction of a Zen Temple where admiring the craft and skill causes you to wonder “how did they do that?”
The places series are derived from travels where architecture and context merge to provide experiences that evoke sensations of joy, wonder and mystery. Whether it is an amazing door at the Alhambra in Southern Spain, a night scene in Sintra, Portugal or how colored light strikes a column at the Mosque of Cordoba. These places resonate with their unique form of silence and speak to our need for quietness.
