I.F.: Modern Life (Extremes)

10.5" x 13.5" Acrylics and Colored Pencil on Linen

Immaculate Evolution

Replacing the Theory of Evolution in classrooms with "Intelligent Design" seems to me the equivalent to replacing a Biology course with a study of Mythology. While mythology can be an interesting and useful way to interpret the world (the collective unconscious as Jung had said) it isn't the same thing as understanding the world through science. The idea of Creationism in a homogenized Christian form is also an extremely narrow version of the story. There are a multitude of stories on Creationism beyond that. Teaching Theology is one thing and probably a comparative studies class is a fine idea considering the misunderstandings between cultures involving belief systems. It seems the problems arise when there is an insistence on one version being the only way. Theology is not a replacement to Science and vice versa.

I'm personally unsure as to why there is any problem with the idea of being related to the primates?! I find the idea endlessly fascinating! Can you not believe them both? I dont think that mankinds lineage detracts from any teachings about how to lead a loving life.
The classroom is a place of knowledge and Evolution belongs in them. There are aspects of the world and beliefs in particular that Science seems unable to quantify, hence the need for spirituality. Science may not have all of the answers but it is far from being an irrelevant form of understanding.
Acrylics and Colored Pencil on Linen 10 x 12"

IF: Consumerism (Missing and Emergency)

This is a painting I've recently finished that can apply to the "Missing and Emergency" themes. There is a missing piece of the planet and I suspect the mass consumption which America is obsessed with seems to stem from the sense that something is "missing" from their lives (our advertising influences help this ongoing trend too)!? Since it is so applicable to "Emergency" also, I've submit it again this week!

Acrylics and Colored Pencil on Linen Canvas 10 x 12"

I.F.: The Divisive State of America (Signs)

This painting is about the signs of the United States economic divisions, the signs of consumerism degrading the environment and the two party representation dividing the people for their own interests instead of the peoples. Please click on the image for a closer look.
Acrylics on board 26 x 17"

Illustration Friday: The Way (Neighbor)

" Every religion is true in one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you're in trouble."

-Joseph Campbell

An earlier painting that was inspired by the work of the late Joseph Campbell. Showing many religions and myths in coexistence, the pantheon as neighbors. Being that they ultimatly have far more in common, rendering their differences insignificant.

Acrylics on Canvas 24" x 30"

Illustration Friday: Life Cycle (Remember)

Remember:

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.
Don't resist them- that only creates sorrow.
Let reality be reality.
Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

-Lao-Tse

Acrylics and Colored Pencil on Linen Canvas 11" x 11"

Illustration Friday: Yin Yang (Polar)

The polarity of the sexes. Equal and opposing forces; Complimentary to one another and yet completely different, coming from opposite perspectives. No wonder the relationship can be so confusing and satisfying!?
Acrylics on Canvas 15"x 15"

Illustration Friday: Modern Anxiety (Snap)

Here's a guy who has had too much; office and world politics, marriage contention, financial troubles, the general pace of the modern world, a little too much coffee with the addition of a bit of rudeness on his cell and he's snapped!
Ink and Colored Pencil in my Sketchbook with Photoshop manipulation

Illustration Friday: New Era (Wired)

This painting has a dual meaning that applies to the Wired theme. It shows the peeling away from an era that was Nature based to one that is oriented toward Technology. It is also applicable to the hemispheres of the brain; the right being fluid and creative and the left side being linear and logical.
Acrylics on Illustration board 6.5" x 11.5"

Iraq

Created as an editorial illustration for commentary on the complexity inherent in the Iraq Occupation. The purple fingerprint from the Iraqi National Elections in the eyes of the skull.

Acrylics on Illustration board 7" x 12"