The Secrets of the Style (2)
By now you have probably noticed my attraction to the cosmos. Nothing can quite capture that sense of awe that comes from gazing up at the Milky Way in a clear sky away from the city lights.
Now I wish to illustrate other themes, all of which have featured in calendars I have been producing on a small scale for several years now.
Starting next week I intend to present all twelve pictures of each calendar in galleries like the first gallery featuring ‘Weather’.
Part Two: The elements come together
Illustrated by recent works
1. The splendour of the planets in ‘Journey to the Sun’
Journey to the Sun — visits to Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the second painting
Two weeks before Pluto’s demotion to the status of ‘planetoid’ I completed this work – a triptych of a space journey passing all nine planets. I was livid. Bring back Pluto!
The Sun is faintly seen through Saturn’s rings, is brighter between Jupiter’s rings, and appears greatly enlarged as the space traveller nears Mars.
2. The variety of life in ‘Creation’
Fish and Birds
Getting birds to fly with fish is quite a trick – attempted by a subtle interplay of form and light to create a sense of depth.
I am fascinated by natural forms and patterns, calling to mind order and variety in creation.
3. Environment and change in ‘Weather’
Storms
The awesome power of a hurricane is seen in the sharp swirling clouds as it heads for the southern United States.
Nobel laureate and environmentalist Al Gore has raised concerns that these storms might be becoming more severe.
4. Culture and mathematics in ‘East Meets West’
Which Way?
Ford Circles in Western mathematics were known in the East in Wasan or Japanese mathematics long before Mr. Ford independantly discovered them. My favourite device here is the use of gradation to soften the twilight boundary.
Climate change is clearly an issue in ‘Which Way?’.
5. Looking through a window in ‘Praise the LORD’
The Angels
Angels blow trumpets in this heavenly vision. Their movement is suggested by the staggered images. The circles and light beams call attention to the focus of worship beyond the left edge.
In this series I left the earth-bound issue of the environment behind in a glance upwards at the reason for praise.
6. Love and protection in ‘God Cares’
His Arms
A shepherd holds a lamb in this parable of God’s care for His people. In case you are wondering, the human figure is me. The shadows on the fingers proved most difficult.
I wanted to get beyond seeing God as a distant severe figure to seeing Him as near and caring.
7. Another dimension in ‘The Earth is the LORD’s’
Drop of Water — net
Drops of Water — Paper models
My most recent project is an adventure in the third dimension. I devised a ‘plan’ or ‘net’ to represent a drop of water and the three states of clouds, rain and snow.
The rainbow is a favourite feature of mine, calling to mind God’s covenant of peace with all creatures from Noah’s time.
Next week I hope to present a new gallery together with brief explanations, on Saturday 17th August.
I am trying to write a post once a week, usually on Saturdays. If you have any comments feel free to leave them on this web site, or email me.
