The initial impetus for doing the painting was being stuck in the first real artistic block I've ever had. I was probably clinically depressed.
Eventually, I put the project I was stuck on aside and painted this while I let my mind clear. The painting became my journey out of depression and into a more balanced state of mind.
The mental image, a stairway in darkness going up into the light, seemed to be an important vision, one that spoke to me very strongly. As I did sketches for it, I developed symbols and other layers of meaning, but at its basic level the motivation was my need to get out of that depression.
Some interpret the oppressive architecture as a pessimistic vision, but there’s an outlet. There’s a way out. That’s what saves it for me.
Additional images from THE RED STEP
Share your thoughts…
We’d love to hear your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, questions, etc!
Like what you see? Subscribe!
We’re posting art every day on Substack. Don’t want to miss anything? Subscribe to get a weekly email including a recap of daily art posts.
To receive every art post by email, you can opt-in by visiting your account and then clicking the toggle for Daily Art.
A very powerful painting made more so by your comments. Thank you.