2006 High Plains Drifter part 4

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

This is the final installment of the High Plains Drifter. This series of work is all an 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 have found that although one can learn much academically about art, art theory, and technique, one can not learn to be creative, nor can one learn to be inspired. So, in parallel with my other work I am also researching and practicing a very different form of self expression. Using Surrealist techniques that I seemed to understand and know before I ever learned about them I am working to produce a body of work that is more spontaneous in execution. This work although deeply rooted in Surrealism is prompted by something personal, something from deep inside of me, something I feel I can only truly get at and manifest by seeking out my deepest inner most thoughts. Using and crating techniques that allow me to be a viewer and participant in the creation. I watch as my hand makes marks and take careful note as to what it is that the marks look like. Then as I work as see things unfold I work to draw them out into the world just enough so others can see them too.

It is a difficult and sometimes contrary road to walk. But I am driven to follow my heart and inspiration to it's end. Because I believe that my gifts, my talent and my inspiration are Spiritual gifts. Granted to me. I approach my work, with great seriousness, reflection, exuberance, focus, passion and a true purpose. I also expect a high level of excellence in craftsmanship out of myself. I do this out of respect for my gifts. I feel I must approach my artistic endeavors with a great deal of respect. Each act of creation for me is a celebration of my gifts. That's me. The lie I live.