Concentration Photos

Water

Fire

My work means to explore the common theme that is connectivity. I believe it is important to be aware of the many connections within the web of life. My drawings function as totems which concentrate on revelation and renowned connections. In this series of four drawings I discover what I can communicate through the use of totems and the animal spirits associated with them.  I attempt to gather their meanings as well as other symbolism. In creating these works, each of the four pieces begins as one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These works also are themed around our solar system—the connections between planets and each element.

Idea No. 79 Protest

Unlike satire, which merely portrays aspects of our society that are taboo, protest art is rooted in activism for certain political causes that are opposite to what is being implemented or suggested by the government or other powerful entity. Protest art often uses the government's propaganda images to its advantage as in the example of John Hatfield's anti-nazi political photomontages. Protest art unfortunately owes its very existence to the entity it refutes, so for that reason it is believed that it can not outlast the iconography of that which is being protested.

I don't give any thought to this idea within my art. Perhaps this is because I am not strongly opinionated about much to display those thoughts through my artwork. I am often disturbed or uncomfortable viewing protest art. If I was to use this idea it would be in alignment with an event in history (maybe something that affects me in the future).

Idea No. 20 Icon

It is noted that the first icons were painted in early Christian times and the tradition continued since. These images were usually holy figures and religious based. In more modern times icons are familiarized by the work of Andy Warhol and pop art. The two styles hold the similarity of an image that is reproduced. I agree with Bird that icons mean different things and look different; depending on time, place, artist, and viewer. I think what an icon "is" differs from person to person depending on their beliefs and values.

What an icon is to me is usually a symbol representing something, like a band. I am very interested in the jam band music and the community that follows these bands. An example of this is the Grateful Dead and the many icons representing them such as a dancing bear, skeleton, or stealie. Or even Jerry Garcia himself. I have used these in the past when creating poster art for concerts and festivals. I will continue to also as they are important and have significant meaning to many people including myself.