Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos Oil on Canvas. 8" X 10".

Spirit Guide

Spirit Guide I saw an Eagle overhead again yesterday which, is always a welcome sight to me. In this image you find me catching a Spirit image in a moment with a media that is much more ephemeral and immediate than traditional oil paint. I hope you find it intriguing.

Dream Talk

Dream Talk - panel 8 of 8 Oil on Canvas.

2007X

2007X Oil on Canvas. 4.5" X 12". Twelve more posts and that will be 365 a full year of this. It has been an interesting way to track time. As well as aid in the development of my work.

2007U

2007U Oil on Canvas. 4.5" X 12".

2007G Side 1

2007G Side 1 Oil on Canvas. 16" X 20".

Lies we tell, lies we believe

Reflection of the Human Condition - Lies we tell, lies we believe. 4" X 5". Oil on Canvas. Two faced, talking out both sides of your face, white man speaks with fork tongue. I am sure you have heard these and probably many more. They are verbal descriptions of what we feel is one the worse kinds of human behavior - living and representing with no honor. We find ourselves in a world were someone's word means nothing. Or, worse yet their word is an out right lie used to manipulate others for their own personal benefit. Four Winds, Four Directions, Four Seasons, Four Races...

Standing Rock

Glass Block 12 - Standing Rock. Digital

Earth Shakers Caretakers 2 pt2

Earth Shakers Caretakers 2 pt2   detail 9" X 12" of an 18" X 24". Oil on Canvas.

The Struggle Continues part 4

close up of 2006 The Struggle Continues Oil on Canvas. 6" X 4.5". 12" X 9" overall.

Ars est Celare Artem (art that conceals art). I am not unlike the surrealists and cubists of the past. As I seek to conceal and reveal my imagery and meaning in my works. However, I am not just using not just the idea of expanding time, or trying to show various sides of an object. I seek to illustrate a different truth. One that is of many different times and places, all existing at once on my canvas. This myriad of layered compositions creates a multi-dimensional view of the world as I see it. All times, all things, all places existing, interlocking, interweaving. This is the fabric of Time and Space. Thus my paintings and drawings become the two dimensional representations of how I see. When we can see past the reality we collectively manifest. There is a great sense of freedom I feel as I go beyond our conscious reality. And see beyond the lies we collectively believe.

So, it is through unlocking and calling upon my subconscious mind to bring forth images that I find my truth. As I allow my subconscious mind to flow freely and call forth it's images I am using my conscious mind to control my eye hand coordination. This is how I believe I can pull into this world thoughts and images from beyond the veil of lies we all must endure in this reality. The lie I want to believe. The lie that conceals the truth. The one that allows me to fully exercise my freedom of speech and self expression.

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.

As I see and learn a little about Quantum Physics, and it's relevance to our understanding of time and space. I wonder if this feeling that I have is a connection to a larger eternal creative Spirit. Or, have I found a way for my future super self to interact and communicate with my self of this time. If my super self is revealing truths to my current self by a future super conscious self. If so, is this a type of time travel?

As I work and watch the marks I make unfold deeper intent than merely marks made to appear as something like a person, boat or mountain. They become objects, beings, creatures in and of themselves. Many recognizable to me as people, things or animals like, houses, boats, horses, owls, hawks, eagles, bear. It as if the art I make conceals more art at a deeper level. And again I am back to Ars est Celare Artem (art that conceals art).

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.

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 High Plains Drifter part 1

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

If the past is the present and the present the future then he still rides today. The rider be the immortal, reincarnate herald of redemption and retribution from the old book. I see it as a visage, a fury, a whirlwind that consumes and destroys as it rides on a pale horse a blaze in the light of the setting sun. A vision that all at once calls up fear for some and hope for those to which it has been called to champion.

2006 Inktomi 1 part 4

close up of 2006 Inktomi Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall. Christmas holiday is over and now back to the grind at least for most.

Because I believe that my gift, 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.

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. 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".

It is a difficult and sometimes contrary road to walk. But I am driven to follow my heart and inspiration. That's me. rjk

2006 Inktomi 1 part 3

close up of 2006 Inktomi Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall. To all who celebrate this day and call it so... Merry Christmas! May you have someone to share the day with. And may it be a good day for all.

2006 Inktomi 1 part 2

close up of 2006 Inktomi Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall. T'was the night before Christmas 1873. They handed out wool blankets to all the could find. Laced with Scarlet fever I fear so that none would be left behind. Now early that Christmas morning not a creature was stirring not even a field mouse. For all were dead now at such a terrible cost.

The details are something for you to find out for yourself if you don't already know the truth. This Truth a small part of the Whole Truth that is not taught in America's traditional history classes. This would seem to be the first documented use of gem warfare used on Natives of our own land so many years ago. We forget as it was written down and hidden from most folks here.

Because the powers that be feared, thought that We The People might not like what we hear. So they changed and buried and twisted it all. So it sounded so nice and cheery and all. As ignorance is no excuse for wrong doing they say. So, I ask you now the next time that you look to judge others consider what terrible things have been done on your behalf, in the past, in the present or that might be made in the future. And be brave enough to take your neighbors hand and stand together and in a loud voice say I want no more of this. I want the America that We were taught to believe in. On that is guided by the Creator, one that seeks to do good work and help less fortunate. not a Industrial Military one bent on domination as the New Republic under the flag if Democracy. But a true Democracy willing to do what is Right, not in our best interest. But in the best interest of all humanity.

May your Christmas, or Hanahaka, Ramadan or whatever you might celebrate, be gay! As the World goes along on it's ignorant way. But be wary my friend, of blind faith I say, as it can lead to confusion and draw you astray. Astray from the Truth, not the one that they say. But the Truth that exists in every heart, the one less listened too. For if you don't, you might even end up thinking that you best friend is nay. And turn him away. To find out he was the reincarnate, Mohammad, Jesus, Buddha or other. not just your friend, your neighbor, your brother...
- Peace Truth Love, rjk

2006 Inktomi 1 part 1

close up of 2006 Inktomi Oil on Canvas. 6" X 8". 12" X 16" overall. Earth Shakers Wind Makers know the true story of our Nation. I will call it here "The Rise of the Spider Nation". Interestingly enough we (the West) have focused ourselves and our world on the virtual WEB - the Internet. We had to separate and segregate the New World with our fences of wood and metal (barbed wire) weaving an ever widening web across the land that seems to me, the Creator had made to be free and open. So much for progress my friends. As with many of my recent work this is a world wind of images locked together in it's boundaries yet unbridled in it's execution. Bringing forth images from different times together in a multi-dimensional composition. You have to settle down and slow yourself to see them but they are there. Many times you will see animal and human figures (horses, buffalo, owls, cowboys, soldiers) all sorts of characters. The landscape is alive with energy and these intertwined, interconnected icons are both hidden and revealed in the torrent of time only as one can slow their thoughts and focus their mind. Consider it my challenge to you to see through the veil. As you do so may you find your truth. As this is just part of the story. 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?

2006 Removing the Veil part 1

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

This is one of four posts as many others that is just a quarter of the entire composition. I am doing this to pull you back and slow down your input speed so you might just see a glimpse of what I have actually done. It's all in the details...

My work moves in multi dimensions. My canvases are a place where objects, places, animals and people are all interwoven, interlocked through a myriad of organic rhythms or ripples in time space. Each passage is a movement into or back from another place, another time. If you look closely and stay calm for a moment as you look at my work you might see on closer inspection owls, other birds, horses, people, or landscapes.

This is the world that I feel we live in. We think we see solid. But with the myriad of imagery and volume of images we see each day from the newspaper, to the web, to the TV we are really bombarded by millions of images, thoughts and ideas everyday. Our brains are just doing there best to filter out and make sense of it all for us. This however doesn't keep us from the experience. This work expresses this thick web in the detail while I try to create an overall composition that is cohesive.

So this piece Removing the Veil is about my removing the visual veil of my work, while creating an air of mystery about the art and the abstract by limiting how much of each piece is seen at a time. It is also about the real concept of Removing the Veil of deceit and deception that manifests itself in this world. About revealing the physical beauty of the human female form. And most importantly Removing the Veil that shrouds the freedom of women. From a man's view point of course.