Statement of Power & Purpose

I was processing some photos from today's beach trip and listening to some old school reggae music and wondered why do Rastafarians revere Haile Selassie and decided to do a search.  I found a wiki about the philosophy and in reading it came across the following statement which was a part of the address that Haile Selassie made to the UN General Assembly in October 1963:


"Last May, in Addis Ababa, I convened a meeting of Heads of African States and Governments. In three days, the thirty-two nations represented at that Conference demonstrated to the world that when the will and the determination exist, nations and peoples of diverse backgrounds can and will work together. In unity, to the achievement of common goals and the assurance of that equality and brotherhood which we desire.On the question of racial discrimination, the Addis Ababa Conference taught, to those who will learn, this further lesson: That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil."


He concluded this speech with the words, "We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community." - Source


Now I have heard Bob Marley's "War" countless times but reading this statement, mind you all the while hearing the song in my head, was a moving experience.  Having read this, I now have a greater appreciation for the reverence that Rastas give this man.  

WaRm!

Want to test your patience and skills with a manual camera?  Try getting a cat's attention, manual focusing a Lensbaby and metering your exposure all at the same time.  It wasn't easy but here is a photo of Asha warming herself by the heater.  Shot with the Lensbaby Composer at f2 and Nikon D700 for 1/25 sec at ISO 3200.  Cropped and adjusted in LR3.

Something to do on a windy day!

I went to Newport, RI with a friend yesterday.  It was a very cool and windy fall day.  I saw this guy taking advantage of the conditions which were perfect for his sail buggy.  It sure looks like fun!  Enjoy the good weather while it lasts....

Cupcake Cookery!

Cupcakes by Vernell.  There is a secret ingredient in the frosting!

Delicious!  If you can guess what the secret ingredient is, you can have one!

Refinishing a mask!

I decided to refinish this mask that was given to me by a friend. He was getting rid of it and I thought that I would try and help the piece reach its true potential.  The original paint job did nothing to emphasize the proficient carving wrought into the wood, plus the black was too dominant and created a depressing effect.

 

The original mask - the black highlights made this piece a bit depressing!

 

First a coat of white spray paint as a primer!

 

Next was a coat of gesso to allow the acrylic paint to adhere!

Layers of bright acrylic paint!

Finally, a light dusting with flat black spray paint followed by a coat of clear glossy lacquer!  The brighter colors make this a happier piece!

I have been working on this piece for a solid week a few hours at a time and like the result!

Under my skin!

I have been trying to pay attention to the way I create in an attempt to better understand myself.  My most recent paintings caused me to really take stock of my complexities - I am unsophisticated but unique.  I was trained as a scientist from high school and as an undergraduate.  A biology major - life science!  As a result I am very curious about the world; people; art; color; feeling - everything!  It comes thorough in my art; and in so much as I hate the categorization of people - I have to admit that I am an expressionist. I communicate an emotion with my art - if you don't get it then you suck - lol.  Phew!  That was freaky!  Anyway on to the work!

Frustrated

This piece reminds me of gametes - sperm and ova. A friend interpreted this painting and said that it felt chaotic/frustrating and she was on point. I couldn't paint what was on my mind and fought hard with this piece~

Baobab - Wisdom

I am particularly pleased with this piece - not that it is particularly good but because I was present as it evolved into what you see! This is not at all what I set about painting.  I like what it became!  I am in awe of this piece. I had been trying to paint a tree for weeks and was unsuccessful until now. Don't know where it came from but I am glad to see it. This piece exemplifies my creative style/approach to a T. It just evolved into the tree you see before you. This is not what I set out to paint at all. I used a sea sponge to make this - fah tru!

The poem reads - 

"I bow to the All Creating Power from which I came, and to which I am returning." -LaoTze-

Convergence

This is my version of the big bang - or anti big bang. This is a snap shot of the universe as it returned to Tao!

Experimental Paintings!

As always trying something new.  Mixing and matching color with bold creativity!  This pair of twin pieces were inspired by ink blot paintings!

 

Erupt!

  

Memories!

What a view!

Today my wife and I spent the day in Plymouth.  We visited Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II.  While touring the Mayflower II I caught a glimpse of what my ancestors must have seen from the bowels of the slave ships.  Looking up through the grates at the mast, the sky and the movements above not knowing much about where they were going.  Horrible!

The view from below

 Looking out!

Plymouth Rock - I am a bit disappointed as I envisioned a boulder made of slate or granite. Not sure what it is indeed comprised of but it didn't appear to be any of these.  We saw some very interesting sights and enjoyed a fun filled day in the sun.

Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock

The Mayflower II

Click here for the entire gallery!

New Work!

Been busy painting lately - the inspiration and ideas are overflowing.  Luckily, I am on vacation until Thursday and will be creating freely.  These pieces represent the new direction for my paintings and hopefully the view appreciates them.

"Journey into Color"

"Blessings"

If you look carefully you can always see - "The Way"

"Work in progress - as yet untitled"

Pause & Reflect

As a photographer it is important to carry your camera as often as you can.  You never know when something will catch your eye - if you are not prepared you will miss an opportunity.  Lucky for me that I had my camera when I saw these!

Impartiality

Who understands does not preach;
Who preaches does not understand.

Reserve your judgments and words;
Smooth differences and forgive disagreements;
Dull your wit and simplify your purpose;
Accept the world.

Then,
Friendship and enmity,
Profit and loss,

Honor and disgrace,
Will not affect you;
The world will accept you.

-Lao Tze-

Fresh Paint!

Just finished these twin pieces yesterday.  These took days to finish and are pleasing to my eyes!  I hope you like them too!

"Yin"
Acrylic on canvas board - 18" x 24"

"Yang"
Acrylic on stretched canvas 24" x 18"

Click image for full view of detail!