First day after a few weeks of happily fussing with our new home to be back at the easel; just the smell of the linseed oil brings me joy.
I have been working out a large and complex composition and in so doing one of the details has caught my attention.I have decided to make this detail a painting in of itself.
In many ways I hesitate to start this large canvas until after our upcoming trip to Mexico City and most especially a pilgrimage to Teotihuacan.
Not surprisingly the larger painting deals with a struggle between the Old Gods and the New. Of particular inspiration is the Gnostic concept of the envious Demiurge Yaldebaoth (Yahwah) who wishes to curtail man’s access to the Tree of Knowledge. Part of my composition might or might not include a reference to this most familiar narrative, but in the mean time I was inspired to craft a painting from the sketch.
My interest in this subject is not in the tired misogynistic trope of downfall of Man at the hands of the willful Eve. Instead I want to depict that moment of knowledge as a celebration, of Eve, of Adam, of the poor maligned serpent, and the glee and blessings of the Old True Gods (depicted in the roots of my Axis Mundi). This interest may be part of my ongoing desire to free myself from the Judea-Christian nonsense that has haunted me since boyhood. Early on I thought it ridiculous that an All-Knowing Creator would wish to stingily hold onto his wisdom, leaving his creation naked, stupid and merely content to worship Him.
sketching in And the Old Gods Were Pleased
Part of the composition for the afore mentioned larger painting has involved some “character” studies:
The Axis Mundi
Tlaloc
For now I am happy to be painting, loosening up a bit, just happy to paint as I can and as I feel fit.
That might be the most difficult challenge of expression, being true.
Until next time, take care and be well,
Lg
Boondocks Babylon 
that tree is wonderful, perfect, and i love the ‘old gods’ depiction, the faces in the roots…. these “character studies” are fantastic, also, especially tlaloc, such an intense expression..the eyes, the blues….
how long will you be in mexico? i’m swimming in jealousy–you’ll be there, with all those carrington works….jodi will be in dublin, with all those carrington works….
argh! 😀
Thank you friend, I’ve been painting much of the day and it is progressing nicely, will post progress in the future.
I’m pinching myself over my upcoming trip. SO MUCH I/we want to see. At least a dozen museums and David , he wants to sightsee and EAT! The nerve!, compromising valuable gallery time 🙂
There is a Varo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, a must see after the Old Gods. I will be snapping away, if permitted, so you will see them at least through my lens.
Take care,
Lg
oh–varo. now i’m really going to cry…. i agree, eating is so silly, just take snacks 😀
Wow, fantastic post, fantastic art! Resonates with me in so many ways. I too am a recovering Judeo-Christian of the Roman Catholic religion. I don’t doubt there is a creative force active in the universe, but it ain’t some old guy with a beard smiting and smoting from the clouds. I can’t wait to see your finished painting post-Mexico, the studies are marvelous!
Looking at your art I can see how my work would resonate ;lets just call it a mutual fan club.
I love the Roman tradition, most especially for the work that was commissioned post reformation (and prior of course) and for the theater.
But boy it did a number on a whole bunch of us didn’t it.
I will post some drawings soon, just finished an allegory of the Church as part of the composition.
Thanks for the interest and kind words,
Lg