11-26-18
I want to begin by saying, I am not one to post conceptual work. I want to have a concept somewhat more fleshed out before releasing it into the world. Whether it’s control or fear of not having my idea come across completely it doesn’t matter the result is the same. I began working on these images almost 9 years ago. The concept stems from a series in which I explore the internal and metaphysical journey of the human spirit. These beings, though somewhat masculine in their appearance, are supposed to be androgynous spirits representative of all humans.
This series has taken new forms and has grown well beyond anything I har originally imagined. The series seen here are the beginnings of several paintings that have been in the works for the last several years.
In 2010 Massive Attack released their first album in almost 7 years, Heigoland. The first track off this album, Pray for Rain, had instantly become an immediate favorite. Due to it’s unique nature and contributing artists, Tunde Adebimpe from TV On The Radio, this wasn’t a song that I could look forward to seeing live. That was until 2014.
In the fall of 2014, Massive Attack set out on a very limited and very exclusive tour. They were being accompanied by none other than TV on the Radio. Setting off to San Francisco to see them perform at the 2014 Treasure Island Music Festival, we knew we would be in for a treat, however we never could anticipate what was in store.
After what was already an amazing show we knew it was coming to a close. The lights dimmed, and it seemed that they may already be done. The lights flickered and the piano started. Out walked Tunde Adebimpe. The world around me seemed to slip away, and all that existed was the band and music coming from the stage. It was like hearing the song for the first time, despite having listened to it hundreds of times before.
With every line, sung by Tunde, I was realizing for the first time that this series that had consumed my creative thoughts for the better part of the last five years were very much being represented in this song. An unexplainable connection, almost like meeting a family member for the first time flooded my body. The truth of this connection was something that I never had felt, at least not with a single song.
Standing in that audience, listening to what would be the last song of their set, I felt a connection to the divine that could only be described through the concept of mysticism.
Lyrics:
In deepest hollows of our minds
A system failure left behind
And their necks crane
As they turn to pray for rain
And their necks crane
Dull residue of what once was
A shattered cloud of swirling doves
And their eyes change
As they learn to see through flames
And their necks crane
As they turn to pray for rain
And their eyes change
As they learn to see through flames
And their necks crane
As they turn to pray for rain
Drops on rocks fall fast and fleeting
Hearts and wings commence to beating
What’s unseen with all believing
Vision walls fall all receding
Vision walls fall all receding
Drops on rocks come fast and fleeting
Rhythm laws unleash the meaning
Usher us into the dreaming
Vision walls fall all receding
Hearts and wings commence to beating
All unending, all completing
Vision walls fall fast and fleeting
Vision walls fall all revealing
Vision walls fall all revealing
Vision walls fall all revealing
Vision walls fall all revealing
In deepest hollows of our minds
A system failure left behind
Dull residue of what once was
A shattered cloud of swirling doves
And their eyes change
As they learn to see through flames
And their necks crane
As they pray for rain