Red Globos Rising Painting

Abstract oil painting of red color wash study, exploring spatial and spiritual relationships in paint. This painting is from my "Globos" series, where the theme of the circle comes to play in many forms in many areas of life, serving many functions. The shape of the circle is present everywhere in life. In Zen Buddhism, the circle is called an Enzo, and represents the beginning and the end, as well as no beginning and no end, also that moment when the mind is free to let the body create. Usually a person draws the ensō in one fluid, expressive stroke. As my own form of Enso, I create each circle with several, swift circular strokes, as a practice in mindfulness and honoring the wabi sabi (perfectly imperfect) way of life. The circles in Red Globos are grouped together, and one can see them as desires, balloons or seeds reaching for the sky in search of something, perhaps freedom itself. This piece holds a sense of freedom, joy and empowerment, of reaching for the sky, for space, for light. Of setting our dreams and our desires free, of RISING UP. I was inspired by how people have risen up against all odds through history. The rising balloons are a metaphor for anyone or group of people who feels held down, or who is holding a part of themselves down--to imagine themselves rising up above that which is holding us down. It can also represent setting whatever we want free, or sorrows, our pain, our past, our limitations. It can also represent letting our joys out into the world. What is rising up within you, that needs to be set free?