'Archangel Michael'_38 x 78 inches, acrylic on canvas 2019
'Michael' is the first painting in the 'Archangel' series and was completed in 2019. It is a transitional work in that it was included in my one-man 'Emanation' exhibition in Spring of that year. Appearing akin to a kabbalistic sphere, the Archangel stands in front of the gates to heaven, his wings emanating an intense golden light - or are his wings a fiery sun setting behind these gates?
'Archangel Raphael'_46 x 93 inches, acrylic on canvas 2019
Included in the 'Transcendent' exhibition in 2019-2020 it is reviewed here : (https://www.artandobject.com/news/transcendent-spirituality-contemporary-art).
'Prophets_Isaiah'_48 x 96 inches, acrylic on canvas 2020
The 'Prophets' series was begun in 2019 and completed in March, 2020. The geometry of these works builds on the previous 'Archangels' series but the light is very different - more subdued and personal. The prophets, after all, were mere mortals who may have had an open channel to the supernatural and hence my interest in them. Isaiah is the messenger; "Here am I! Send me".
'Prophets_Moses'_48 x 96 inches, acrylic on canvas 2019
The third in the 'Prophet' series, Moses was begun in late 2019 and completed in April, 2020. I constantly change colors while maintaining the underlying geometry - a process afforded me by the flexibility and quick drying nature of acrylic paint. This painting was difficult to resolve - obtaining the necessary balance between the bold, dramatic sphere in the center with the subtle nuance of the left and right configurations. But I feel pleased with the resulting power of the work - a parting and a reassembling where the children of Israel might pass through.
'Prophets_Jeremiah'_48 x 96 inches, acrylic on canvas 2020
Since I work at large scale and do not preconceive the work, the title or identity comes after I've reached a resolution. I knew only that this painting would depict or honor a prophet of the old testament. He is adorned in gold and sits in judgement. Resolving this painting was difficult for me, involved many changes and resulted in a light that, frankly, surprised me. Almost metallic but still somehow regal, and reminiscient of early Italian paintings of saints.
'Archangel Gabriel'_30x 60 inches, acrlic on canvas 2019
'Gabriel' is the third 'Archangel' series painting. Heavily painted with many, many layers correcting those underneath to finally achieve a resolution, it is both somber and ethereal. Gabriel 'trumpets' the larger Archangel paintings to come.
'Archangel Uriel'_46 x 93 inches, acrlic on canvas 2019
'Uriel' is the fourth 'Archangel' series painting. He "stands at the Gate of Eden with a fiery sword".
'Archangel Haniel'_30x 60 inches, acrylic on canvas2019
'Haniel' is truly the first of the 'Archangel' paintings. I was looking to replicate some of the formal elements in 'Archangel_Michael' but discovered that the smaller circles at left and right worked best when they virtually disappeared into the wing-like formation behind them. This then became the format for the rest of the series.
Poster for 'Transcendent: Spirituality in Contemporary Art', exhibition at BCA (Burlington City Arts) Center.
'Prophets_Ezekiel'_48 x 96 inches, acrylic on canvas 2020
Ezekiel was completed as the COVID pandemic was raging in Winter, 2020. This painting is about restoration and hope for a brighter future. The center alludes to Ezekiel's vision of God as an 'amber shining in the distance' while the geometry at left and right speaks of 'Ezekiel's wheel' - here presented in an odd and space-bending perspective.