Art
It all begins with an idea. If you have any doubt, look around you. Everything you see began as an idea: The microchip, the chocolate chip, the fishing net, the internet, the company you work for, and the company you keep. All of it. Everything. Even the universe, some say, began as an idea in the mind of the Creator.
Well then, if it all begins with an idea, where in the world do ideas come from?
There are two schools of thought on this subject.
The first ascribes the origin of ideas to the efforts of inspired individuals. The second school of thought ascribes the source of ideas to a transcendent force, a.k.a. the "Collective Unconscious," the "Muse," or the "Mind of God."
According to this second perspective, ideas are not created, but already exist, becoming accessible to intuitive individuals who are open to receive them.
I use both approaches at different times, depending on my mood, circumstances, and need. Scroll down to learn more.
Ideas Based on Beliefs
I believe evolution exists. Evolution is a scientific theory supported by an overwhelming amount of evidence. Some Christians fear that accepting the theory means rejecting God as creator. But that is not logical or rational. Christians accept scientific theories about the weather and the formation of mountains while still acknowledging that God is the creator and sustainer of these things. So giving a scientific description for a process does not rule out a legitimate theological description of the process as well. This painting attempts to argue that God used the process of evolution to create the first man - Adam. My challenge was how do I visually convey this belief and engage the viewer in a dialogue on the subject.
Ideas Come from What We See
Ideas for creative expression are all around us. I believe it is more about seeing than doing. My grandchildren are often the subject of my paintings. The challenge I face is how do I create a visually compelling image that engages the viewer. Here, I have painted three of my grandsons — brothers— sick with the flu.
Ideas Evolve
Knowing when to stop painting is a problem all artists face. The initial idea behind this work was to paint my favorite uncle at work in his chosen profession. It started out ok, but changed during the process of creating it. It’s nothing like what I envisioned in the beginning, but when I recognized that it had somehow taken on a life of its own, I stopped and accepted it for what it was — a powerful visual statement.
Works in A Series
An art series can be many things, but all of the works in the series need to have a common thread that connects them. Connections can be made by using a common technique, color palette or the same subject or elements done in different mediums or different ways. Regardless, it all starts with an idea. In this series of 25 lithographic prints the common idea that connects them is facial hair. Whiskers!