Thank you. This could be a metaphor for anyone cut off from others, needing to venture outside our own island to connect with others, and to bring what is in our own orbit with us. A powerful metaphor in any application, especially in our current world.
There is a long tradition of using the concept of “island” as a metaphor for the world as a whole, as in “This Island Earth.”
This painting, the first in a series of works employing that metaphor, began as an meditation on the necessity for humanity to explore beyond the reaches of our immediate environs in space.
During walks around the local high school I’ve been struck by how often the traffic islands in the parking lots resemble small islands in a large body of water. This is especially evident when there has been a recent rainfall and the asphalt surface is wet, reflecting the sky. I’ve taken the suggestion and used it in a number of paintings which play on the metaphorical possibilities of “island”.
In this work the only living growth is confined to the island. As far as the figure can see, elsewhere all appears dead, unable to support life. But her vision is limited. There may be life on the other side of the sea of asphalt. What hope there is, then, lies over the horizon. The figure is straining to overcome the bonds of gravity and find what awaits beyond the horizon. But only by cutting our ties to our “island” can we venture forth and discover what lies beyond.
Will there be more life? In any case, the threat of an ominous future hanging over the scene [the falling comet] adds a note of urgency to the scene.
The ring she holds is meant to suggest an orbit, the stones about her symbolize other planets.
Thank you. This could be a metaphor for anyone cut off from others, needing to venture outside our own island to connect with others, and to bring what is in our own orbit with us. A powerful metaphor in any application, especially in our current world.
absolutley love this one. So evocative!
What do the balls in the air signify? I see she has one on a 'brass ring '
There is a long tradition of using the concept of “island” as a metaphor for the world as a whole, as in “This Island Earth.”
This painting, the first in a series of works employing that metaphor, began as an meditation on the necessity for humanity to explore beyond the reaches of our immediate environs in space.
During walks around the local high school I’ve been struck by how often the traffic islands in the parking lots resemble small islands in a large body of water. This is especially evident when there has been a recent rainfall and the asphalt surface is wet, reflecting the sky. I’ve taken the suggestion and used it in a number of paintings which play on the metaphorical possibilities of “island”.
In this work the only living growth is confined to the island. As far as the figure can see, elsewhere all appears dead, unable to support life. But her vision is limited. There may be life on the other side of the sea of asphalt. What hope there is, then, lies over the horizon. The figure is straining to overcome the bonds of gravity and find what awaits beyond the horizon. But only by cutting our ties to our “island” can we venture forth and discover what lies beyond.
Will there be more life? In any case, the threat of an ominous future hanging over the scene [the falling comet] adds a note of urgency to the scene.
The ring she holds is meant to suggest an orbit, the stones about her symbolize other planets.