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Philosophy

Artistic conversations within the divine

In analyzing the process by which we enjoy art, Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote in "Man Is Not Alone- A Philosophy of Religion", that, "The fact is that we do not turn to art in order to gratify, but in order to foster interests and feelings. A work of art introduces us to emotions which we have never cherished before. It is boring unless we are surprised by it. Great works produce rather than satisfy needs by giving the world fresh craving. By expressing things we were not even aware of, works of art inspire new ends, unanticipated visions.~ It is not the blind need for self-expression that is the secret of a creative personality. Only he who has nothing to say boasts of his urge for self expression. There must be something to be expressed, an emotion, a vision, an end, which produces the need for expressing it. The end is the basic number, the need is but the coefficient."

Art, for me, must be considered from the perspective of what is presented and who is presenting it, and how it is perceived by those different individuals who view it. It is a type of conversation between the artist and the viewer, but before this conversation or discussion can take place, certain elements and definitions should be qualified or recognized as having the same meaning for all of those involved. The meaning of a word or phrase, should be the same for all of those taking part, otherwise, the effort is useless and each will find themselves discussing something which convey different meanings or understanding. 

As an artist, I am trying to provide a stimulus through my art to begin a discussion, to contemplate certain aspects of life and death. How the discussion ends or what final decisions are made, is up to the hearer. Regardless of the outcome, the discussion must begin within the mutual agreement of what is going to be discussed. For my part, I am attempting to awaken the viewer to consider the entire concept of life, including death. Where did we come from before we were born? What happens when we cease to exist and the brain waves stop? The answers might not be located on this side of our existence, but the quest to find them must start here, in our physical and mundane world. This might be and usually is considered a ‘religious’ question, but, for me , it is also an artistic one.

Of all that mankind does, the act of creating something from nothing (i.e. imagination) is a dim reflection and tiny miracle which perhaps mirrors our own creation. Life contains elements which are beyond the mere mundane functions of our physical existence, elements which are sometimes overlooked or ignored when the origin of life is considered Just as in life, there are some elements in my work which are not easily noticed. Some will change colors when exposed to different light sources. Many of my paintings will also glow under a black light and sometimes a small area will glow in the dark. I did grow up in the 60’s, and you might be able to see it in the way I choose to use color. I cannot escape who I am, and my art is perhaps a truer reflection of myself than my words. I have seen great evil and horrible sights, but I cannot escape the conviction that there exists something greater than ourselves outside of our abilities to comprehend our mortal lives. We live within the world of nature, and we are subject to it’s laws. The holy and divine also exists within this world, and though it is sometimes impossible to see, understand or accept, it’s boundaries can never be exceeded no matter what horrible thing we think or bring to pass. There is no escape from God, neither the mercy, nor the justice.

Within the Siddur Sim Shalom, the following is written which also reflects my concept of art and life.

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but what is revealed belongs to us and to our children forever, that we may apply all the provisions of this teaching" (Deuteronomy 29:28). Revelation does not deal with the mystery of God, but with a person’s life as it should be lived in the presence of that mystery. "This teaching is not beyond reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who among us can go to heaven and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may do it?’ .... No, the word is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it" (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

The Torah is a tapestry

which can adorn the days in which we dwell.

Its teachings sustain us, it’s beauty delights us

when we open our eyes to its splendor.

It is as close to us as we allow it,

on our lips, in our heart, integral to our deeds.

It is the tangible gift of God’s love.

Weave its text into the texture of your lives.

Revelation is not vicarious thinking. It’s purpose is not to substitute for but to extend our understanding. We must look for ways of translating biblical commandments into programs required by our own conditions. The full meaning of the biblical words was not disclosed once and for all. The word was given once; the effort to understand it must go on forever. pg282