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
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Knowing your thoughts behind this favorite piece is extremely rewarding and valuable, Michael. I have used The Red Step and others to pull up out of depression... the climb of each advance. Therapists speak of this ascent as not being lateral, but in back/forth, up/down stages, which your staircase allows. Everyone climb as they may. Your art is a treasure to me, every day. Thank you.
What a gift you have, to be able to paint pictures of emotions!