When we're adolescents, teenagers, or young adults~
something wonderful happens (not to all of us, but most).
We become REBELS~! We Rebel against Authority, and
those who are not sympathetic towards our very real
metamorphosis, in which we attempt to gain a little
separation from the herd (flock), and 'Get To Know
Our SELF'. During my Pre-Christian/Christian Phase,
I gobbled up all that I could about this odd, twisted,
mesmerizing religion. It is truly a LOVE/HATE
relationship, even for the most devout followers.
The most interesting stuff comes out of the 'Lost
Books' or Apocrypha of the Bible~ along with the
Dead Sea Scrolls and random other Gospels that
the Desert has coughed up from un-broken clay
jars and hidden cliff-dwelling caves. Turns out,
the un-edited History portrays Jesus more as
a Rebel Leader whose true path was Self-Knowledge
and Understanding. The idea is, if you can truly
'Know Thyself', then you will be that much closer
to knowing and understanding fellow Humans.
In the Book of Thomas, which was NOT included
in the Producer's Cut (323 Nicea), Jesus states:
'Those who Understand me shall have everlasting
life'. This is better known now as the quote: 'Ye
who shall believe in me, shall have everlasting Life'.
BIG DIFFERENCE~! One simple word change...
To BELIEVE is an act of Faith, that requires 0 intelligence...
To UNDERSTAND is an act of reflection, introspection,
requiring lots and lots of thought...
In regard to the Book of Thomas, the phrase 'shall have
everlasting life' is now put into another context. If one
understands another, their actions, their path~ then
they are closer to 'living' in that person's shoes~ or
sandals (whatever). To Live is also to be CONSCIOUS,
and to be conscious, is to be Conscientious. So there~!
I 'M A REBEL~ SHE'S A REBEL~ WOULDNCHA
LIKE TO BE A REBEL TOO !?
In the spirit of attaining understanding, did I have
the audacity to PAINT the following mural~ back
during a period when self-sacrifice and persecution
were big personal issues, fighting for a foothold into
the world of mutual respect~ a place called Adulthood~!
I just hope that, if those weird Heaven & Hell places
actually exist, that the Universally approved Jesus approves
of all the attempts I made to sympathize with His plight~!
HAPPY EASTER everybody~!
2 FT X 6 FT, ACRYLIC ON ILLUSTRATION BOARD
Lysdexicuss: As much as it goes against the grain for me to steer talent away from the comic book medium; I truly believe you're style and talents are best served painting in the world of "fine art." This painting would absolutely kill in the latest issue of Juxtapoz or any current, hip art mag. Your style is so idiocentric- so unique, complex and intense - so heavy of rich detail - it seems to call for canvas and oil (and you know what love and respect I have for comic book art - it's just that your style lends itself to other formats and mediums in my humble).
ReplyDeleteThat is to say, this painting is very beautiful and, to me, very devotional and moving. Really, my friend - magnificent work. Happy Easter. -- Mykal
Part of me wants to spend hours discussing with you the delicacies of spirituality, but I mustn't muddy up my comment by slipping into that mire...yet.
ReplyDeleteInstead, I will share that you manage to surprise me again and again, by pulling out these masterful and rich gems from some hidden stockpile! Astounding!
Mykal has a good point, and I'm in agreement with him. An El Greco doing comic strips would be a curiosity, but ultimately the symbolic nature that is present in the best of your works is ill-suited for the comic book medium. This is not to suggest that you are incapable of being successful creating graphic novels, I for one would love to see your creativity in any form. This painting, like many of the others you've shared with us, is brimming with a viscerality that draws one in as a moth is attracted to flame.
It's incredibly beautiful, abstruse and yet lucid. I am impressed to say the least, not by it's realism but rather it's emotional, instinctual primality. That is your gift, your ultimate power.
Gorgeous color work! Why are you not famous? You need a good agent/publicist or something, because you have something unique and amazing.
What was that Robert Crumb line ? 'It's only lines on paper.' Thanx for your comments fellers~! Again, it has always been more about the journey for me than the destination. The most ironic part of all: this particular piece of work doesn't exist anymore except as slide photos. The original was cut up into a hundred postcard size pieces, laminated, and sent as a giant picture postcard puzzle to my best friend. The whole she-bang was thrown out when he moved from Delaware to Las Vegas, and I was god-knows-where roaming the globe at the time. I am still going to do a comic book series~ YET TO BE ANNOUNCED~! But I will shout from the rooftops the project's name when the time comes and you all will be the 1st to hear about it ;~j
ReplyDeleteOuch. I felt pain over the story of that painting being (sob) chopped up and mailed to a friend, who lost it! Crap!
ReplyDeleteGlad to here I didn't convince you to quit comics and go into the dreaded world of artsy fartsy! I can't wait to see what your working on.
PS: In future, don't chop up anything so beautiful. I really must insist! ;-) --Mykal
Yes, before you throw away any more masterpieces...er, I mean worthless trinkets...remember, I will take them off your hands for free, just let me know...no charge for hauling away your extra trash...
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Mr. art-for-arts-sake, money is only paper, too, but it comes in handy when you want to buy food and shelter for yourself and those you love, so...STOP THROWING AWAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK!!
Lysdexicus: That was w=one fantastic "Pieta". I have enjoyed your comics work so far, but I must say that your "fine" art is definitely breathtaking. I love the weird little details, like the bazillion fertility symbols adorning Mary's clothes.
ReplyDeleteAs to your religious conundrum (if such it still is) I BELIEVE in God, but I BELIEVE he wants us to work toward UNDERSTANDing Him, not simply to take the word of a committee meeting or a book at face value.
And yeah, STOP THROWING AWAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK!!
you will each get a postcard of my latest work...
ReplyDelete...but will have to get together to view it ;~j