The Ancient Trilogy
Presenting paintings with images of a wolf in a tree, or walking across the tops of trees, or inside of human living spaces, is my way of creating a synonymous description for the displacement of wildlife, which is often the result of humanity filling its own needs.
For me, it’s painful to come across any kind of life deprived of its natural environment. Recently, on the Deschutes River Trail, just above me, I came upon two healthy large deer – young looking bucks with large racks of antlers – on a rocky slope a few yards from a street - cars were zooming by. I stopped and stood still for a moment to look in their eyes. They were fresh and strong, and full of a wild energy – and appeared so displaced. In that moment, I passionately wished them to have a life that fit their ancient historical rhythm.
Typical of the paintings listed below is The Quandary, a playful painting – the wolf in the tree, and the ravens on the ground – a fun and serious image of displacement. The border around the main image includes deer, raccoons and birds – everything that’s not in the picture. However, putting playfulness aside, the painting continues the legend of the displacement of wildlife. All of nature adapts, or becomes extinct, due to progressive changes that occur constantly on this earth – man made or otherwise. But it’s so impossible to accept if, in an unexpected moment, I am suddenly witness to it.
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