‘Astral Crown’ was the result of my hearing the American Indian story of Sky Elk, an elk who found respite from relentless pursuit by jumping into the heavens.
The final painting is a commentary on mythology and an inquiry into modern perception on nature, tradition, and the sancrosanct, all of which are under intense pressure from our technological society and our increasing dismissal of historical, non-empirical modes of thought.
Duality can be found in the two major symbolic elements of the piece – the skull and the crescent – both of which speak to the cycles of life. Immediately the viewer is given a stark reminder of mortality, but upon deeper reflection that sense of finality is challenged. The question becomes about what the viewer believes. Are we bearing witness to decline or are we about to witness a rebirth?