Inspiration
“To be broken is no reason
to see all things as broken.”
to see all things as broken.”
“Seldom seen, growing along the ocean floor, the white-plume anemone is a watery blossom. It is white lace opening under tons of black, opening as if bathed in the sun, while so far from the sun. This is the trick to staying well, isn’t it: to feel the sun even in the dark.
To not lose the truth of things when they go out of view. To grow just the same. To know there is still water, even when we are thirsty. To know there is still love, even when we are lonely. To know there is still peace, even when we are suffering. None of this invalidates our pain, but only strengthens our way back into the light.”
To not lose the truth of things when they go out of view. To grow just the same. To know there is still water, even when we are thirsty. To know there is still love, even when we are lonely. To know there is still peace, even when we are suffering. None of this invalidates our pain, but only strengthens our way back into the light.”
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Artist Reflection
Even In The Dark is a collection of fine art paintings depicting facets of the authentic human experience. Everyone can connect with the work — which explores and expresses balance, humanity, dualism, and opposition. It’s inspired by a passsage written by Mark Nepo from A Gradual Awakening, who profoundly reminds us that balance connects with what it means to be and feel human.
Each series of two is comprised of one white and one black piece. Whether opposed or in concert, each explores the balance of composition, media, and execution.
Minimalist grids clash with and crash into sloppy paint application. The depth of concepts is subtly layered below each visual expression. The balance of inherent simplicity at face value and deeper mental, spiritual, and emotional layers of meaning provokes unique, visceral responses.
These responses occur as one considers the public, the private. The bad, the good. The deep pain, the exhilirating joy. The intimate side, the public persona. The dialectical nature of these pieces challenges and encourages people to explore the middle space between a departure from light and return to darkness — and vice versa. When we consider seeing the darkness or lack of light as beauty or a state of uncommon positivity, we can also reflect and explore the idea that too much light, brightness can burn us out and is not sustainable.
In rethinking “black and white” one may consider new perspective and the “gray areas in between find, peace, creativity, and more acceptance.