"Shapeshifter", limited edition photograph, #1 of 5 Photograph

"Shapeshifter" is part of an ongoing body of art work that I refer to as "metasymbolism". It is closely related to my work as a theorist in the field of contemporary metaspychology. Metapsychology concerns itself with the nonmaterial aspects of consciousness. The earliest known form of metapsychology dates back to ancient Egypt. It’s reintroduction into modern western thought was undertaken by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung during the early twentieth century. Jung's view of human consciousness far surpassed Freud's limited perspective. It contained within it the recognition that human consciousness is built upon an archetypal foundation common to all of humanity. This foundation links human beings inextricably to both the outer natural world and an inner divine nature. Jung further asserted that the consciousness of modern humans has slipped from this archeytpal foundation and that there is an innate drive to return to these critical psychological roots which reveals itself symbolically in art, dreams and visions. Contemporary metapsychology further contends that modern Eurocentric art, which emerged as a result of modern masters exposure to premodern, indigenous tribal art, is a first wave of a collective evolutionary thrust to heal this disconnection. At the turn of the twenty-first century we face an even deeper and more urgent need to heal this schism than our modern predecessors. Symbols of unity between our inner and outer realities remain ever powerful beacons toward the light. My art work with metasymbolism reflects aspects of my own personal journey toward reunification. "Shapeshifter" symbolizes the Eurocentric psyche reaching for its innate psychological roots. The mask used in this piece is an old Dogon ceremonial mask from my personal collection of indigenous art.