Black Ram Painting

This work was painted on location in Delphi, Greece, during repeated trips to the region, in the winter. The subject matter was a meditation on ancient Delphi, particularly the Dionysian rites enacted in Winter, the sacrifice of black animals and the visionary experience of timelessness which can still be sensed around Mount Parnassos. It was important to me that the materials were locally sourced, including poppy oil and raw pigment. In treating the theme of sacrifice I worked imaginatively. Some of the ways I found to express and experience the theme, included employing what Max Ernst called "frottage", and abrasive action with palette knife and sandpaper. Distressing the surface of the paint, took away layers, just as normal consciousness and barriers of time were removed at Delphi. When I have exhibited this work, I have been intrigued by some of the unintended, unexpected interpretations that viewers have found. For example, a black visitor told me, when he saw this work at a show, that he saw the painting as relevant to black history, and to sacrifices endured by people of African descent, as well as the visionary power that often awakens in people undergoing intense pressure or persecution.

Painting:Oil on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:34.5 W x 24 H x 1.8 D in

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