Glass Block 12 REV Back it up

Glass Block 12 REV Back it up. Digital

Glass Block 12 Beach Walkers 2

Glass Block 12 Beach walkers 2 Digital

The Stuggle Continues part 1

close up of 2006 The Struggle Continues Oil on Canvas. 4" X 5". 8" X 10" overall.


This series of work is all outcome of my desire to remove my conscious self from the creative process and let the work develop and be born out of the process. In much the same way I believe that Max Ernst did back at the turn of the 20th century. In his artistic works, Ernst attempts to uncover the mysteries of the creative process within himself. Seeking to extend consciousness into the regions of inspiration. He once described his work as an attempt to conquer the last great myth of civilization, the myth surrounding the creative process. He shared this aim with Andre Breton, the ideological leader of surrealism.

Breton called on artists to expend all their efforts in the study of what he believed to be the most complex mechanism of all, artistic inspiration. Ernst wrote, "Thanks to studying enthusiastically the mechanism of inspiration, the surrealists have succeeded in discovering certain essentially poetic processes whereby the plastic work's elaboration can be freed from the sway of the so-called conscious faculties.

I am more than a one dimensional artist. I have always had broad interests in my creative studies and throughout my life. While I was in school one of the things I remember was being criticized for having to many branches and not a big enough trunk... Basically because I wanted to research and study many different styles and philosophies to broaden my experience and understanding I was thought to be less focused. Perhaps even less successful than I could be. But, that is their lie, not mine! Now, nearly thirty years later my vision is sharpening and much more focused and unique because for the path I took. The journey has been long and difficult, but I am certain it was and is the right path for my creative evolution.

I believe in this way I can truly express myself, my inner vision, my unique view of the world around me. Otherwise, I mainly find myself recreating or trying to represent something that already exists. As I look to exercise my right to the freedom of self expression to it's fullest potential. And to me the way to do that is to get my conscious mind out of the way and let my deeper inner thoughts arise. Using my eyes, hands and skills to bring them forth into this world. That's the lie I wish to believe, the lie I live. rjk

2006 High Plains Drifter part 3

close up of 2006 High Plains Drifter Oil on Canvas. 4" X 5". 8" X 10" overall.

"He who does not see more vividly and clearly than this perishing mortal eye can see, does not see creatively at all." William Blake

"Art is the lie that tells the truth." Pablo Picasso

"A work of Art is a small fragment from the eternal stream of the Creative Spirit which springs forth into existence through the persistence and focused thought of the Artist." "It's the lie that unveils the truth, makes it more clear, and gives truth it's substance. One can only see clearly, more clearly than the mere mortal eye when one concentrates enough to push through the veil of lies. This is the state of being, the one of enlightenment in which all true creativity occurs and great Art is created." Robert James Kelly

2006 The Dance Begins part 4

close up of 2006 The Dance Begins Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall.

Well the Dance begins and the Dance ends. This is the final installment of the Dance Begins post. I hope that you all had a good Winter Solstice! I sent out me well wishes for you and the world in hopes that we have a better 2007. I am in a good place spiritually and emotionally and hope that you are as well. My wish this year for all is Peace. Both the Peace that comes from inner balance and harmony as well as the Peace that is real and manifest by kindness and good will to each other. May those that are hungry for domination and destruction find a kinder gentler path more fulfilling to their souls and turn from their cruelty. rjk

2006 The Dance Begins part 3

close up of 2006 The Dance Begins Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall.


when the towers did Babel
and fell from the sky

humanity broken,
confused in tongues

separated and at each other
a vision i am sure you can see

that before us all now
is a world in great need

for peace and understanding
not greed and more killing

so the challenge is to us all
make it your legacy to unite

as one people in peace now
to focus on our world with hope

if only for one day we could see
just what a difference that'd be

or can we only IMAGINE

rjk

2006 Removing the Veil part 4

close up of 2006 Removing the Veil Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall.

An end of another four part post. An artistic experiment in time and space as they relate to perception. And a start of another week for some, for some it has yet to start, for others it has already started and for others still it will never be. My prayer for you today is no matter where you are in this world that you will find some time to seek inner peace. And most importantly find what you seek an inner peace that wraps you in love and harmony. A peace that transcends your personal troubles and cultural difficulties whatever they may be. A wish, a desire, a need that I know we all have. Happy Holidays! Peace - rjk

2006 Removing the Veil part 3

close up of 2006 Removing the Veil Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall.

Even the unknown have names. Even the unseen have names. Even molecules have names. Look not for the expected, but be alert for the unusual as you reach through the veil. Without caution and patience we are merely lumbering juggernauts bent on destroying this world. Without a second thought we might just become the monster we abhor. Look closely now, what do you find. In what state in your mind, your soul. What is your true intent?