Enjoy the Process

Art of 2010.

Below are some art projects from the first half of this year, along with commentary. Click on the images for a closer view.

Enjoy the Process

"Wisdom in art, or in life, has a lot to do with learning to enjoy the process. The goal may feel unattainable at times, but being satisfied with persistent, passionate effort is key. This piece is a tribute to the ever-evolving process of style. Collaged across all the letters are doodles from the past year, a sort of compilation of random thoughts all heading in a similar direction."

Funky City

"I feel like Calgary is on the verge of- or perhaps has already entered into- a creative explosion. One thing I know for sure: there is an incredible amount of potential in this city, and it's creeping out of the woodwork."

Reflections on a Gnarly Pilgrimmage

"These adventurers have just emerged from the land of Gnar, full of ancient Colossi, jumping squirrels, and massive lizards. A Nautlius Sage guards the entrance to the fertile, green lake country beyond..."

They Hadn't an Inkling...

"This painting is a treatment of the idea that playfulness=wisdom. The octopus looming overhead symbolizes the Eightfold Path. When I snowboard, I feel invincibly at-peace, and free from desire. Perhaps riders on the slopes of Canada are closer to true wisdom than they ever imagined..."

The Cham-Alien

"One may understand the cosmos, but never the ego; the self is more distant than any star" (G.K. Chesterton- Orthodoxy). This old chameleon is searching to discover its true identity, and uncover the paradox that lies beneath: the balance of darkness and light that compose a soul-in-transition.

The Proximity of Hope

"This painting is based off a dream. A stone statue sits in contemplation and despair, gazing across a chasm of confusion at a hope that seems far-off. But she does not realize that she is, at this very moment, being renewed."

Life through Death

This painting is an attempt to depict a strange image that entered into my head last fall. As I was falling asleep, I saw a bee coming out of a dead flower. I took it to mean that life can come out of death, and that sometimes death is necessary for the birth of something new.

Meditations on an Empty Tomb

"Every Easter I am faced with the earth-shaking assertion that death has been defeated. Is it possible that Christ reversed the curse? Did he actually break the awful cycle of decay in this world? This piece is a reflection on the prospect of such a victory."

Blazing Sunrise

"This project was a lot of fun to work on. The original (4x5'), is now sitting in a friend's office. I enjoyed experimenting with this style, and allowing the color composition to come together. It felt so natural to create abstract shapes- maybe it was my aboriginal roots shining through..."

Metamorphosis Triptych

"I've always been fascinated by stained glass windows and renaissance art, and thought I would try and reinterpret those styles in a more modern way. These three drawings are a tribute to the Sistine Chapel frescoes, in which Michelangelo saw humanity going through phases of Creation, Re-Creation, and Redemption."