July 2, 2012
Wood Anemone (Anemone Nemorosa) , 2012 56.5cm x 76cm acrylic on 88lbs paper Anemone, symbolisizing dying love, derived from the Greek for ‘windflower’. In Greek mythology the anemone sprung from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of her love, Adonis. In folklore the anemone is believed to bring luck and protection against evil. The flower was said to foretell rain by closing its petals, and fairies were believed to sleep beneath the petals of the wood anemone during the night after they closed at sunset. The anemone is also called thimbleweed and smell fox, an allusion to the musky smell of its leaves. The Chinese aptly call it the flower of death as it contains poisonous chemicals such as the toxin protoanemonin.

Wood Anemone (Anemone Nemorosa) , 2012 56.5cm x 76cm acrylic on 88lbs paper

Anemone, symbolisizing dying love, derived from the Greek for ‘windflower’. In Greek mythology the anemone sprung from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of her love, Adonis. In folklore the anemone is believed to bring luck and protection against evil. The flower was said to foretell rain by closing its petals, and fairies were believed to sleep beneath the petals of the wood anemone during the night after they closed at sunset. The anemone is also called thimbleweed and smell fox, an allusion to the musky smell of its leaves. The Chinese aptly call it the flower of death as it contains poisonous chemicals such as the toxin protoanemonin.

2:05pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Zca5nxOZmfHY
(Notes: 5)
  
Filed under: caioneach dutchslavetrade anemone anemone nemorosa flower flora folklore symbolism 
March 30, 2011
“Grand Cyclops, Grand Crackpot,”1999, is a linoleum cut done before I began painting in earnest. In fact it is my first linoleum cut. Around this time I primarily drew and made collages, the latter being a major influence on my approach to composing the linocuts from this period. Working with collages made me think not only of the juxtaposition of objects or images but their symbolic or iconographic meaning. It was with linocuts that I began creating the visual language, symbols, icons, and codes that I still employ. In this piece the focal element is the “cyclops” mixer with a cracked terra-cotta pot. All three of these elements represent the “artist”. Cyclops are said to be temperamental, stubborn craftsmen with no peripheral vision, focused on only what is directly in front of them. Artists often have these same traits and are often labeled as “crackpots”, ergo the cracked terra-cotta pot. Generally artists of any type create from a blend or mixing of their experiences, influences and way of seeing. Moving above the mixer is a representation of ” La Joconde,” c1503-1519, L. da Vinci. Generally accepted as a masterpiece. I use it symbolically in a two ways. One, representing all artists desire to create a long lasting opus. Two, to represent the patience that is required of the artist. “La Joconde” was at least 16 years in the making and only finished due to da Vinci’s death. It’s placement above the mixer is to symbolize the lofty aspirations of the artist. Moving to the left there is a window, outside leaves and a birdhouse. The open window implies opening, light, seeing, showing and perception. The leaves ,fertility, in this case fertility of ideas. The bird house represents isolation. All three ideas the mixer/artist must face, look towards, have an open exchange with, both giving and receiving. Finally surrounding the mixer is sheet music representing just that, music. In my case I listen to music while I execute this shit.

“Grand Cyclops, Grand Crackpot,”1999, is a linoleum cut done before I began painting in earnest. In fact it is my first linoleum cut. Around this time I primarily drew and made collages, the latter being a major influence on my approach to composing the linocuts from this period. Working with collages made me think not only of the juxtaposition of objects or images but their symbolic or iconographic meaning. It was with linocuts that I began creating the visual language, symbols, icons, and codes that I still employ. In this piece the focal element is the “cyclops” mixer with a cracked terra-cotta pot. All three of these elements represent the “artist”. Cyclops are said to be temperamental, stubborn craftsmen with no peripheral vision, focused on only what is directly in front of them. Artists often have these same traits and are often labeled as “crackpots”, ergo the cracked terra-cotta pot. Generally artists of any type create from a blend or mixing of their experiences, influences and way of seeing. Moving above the mixer is a representation of ” La Joconde,” c1503-1519, L. da Vinci. Generally accepted as a masterpiece. I use it symbolically in a two ways. One, representing all artists desire to create a long lasting opus. Two, to represent the patience that is required of the artist. “La Joconde” was at least 16 years in the making and only finished due to da Vinci’s death. It’s placement above the mixer is to symbolize the lofty aspirations of the artist. Moving to the left there is a window, outside leaves and a birdhouse. The open window implies opening, light, seeing, showing and perception. The leaves ,fertility, in this case fertility of ideas. The bird house represents isolation. All three ideas the mixer/artist must face, look towards, have an open exchange with, both giving and receiving. Finally surrounding the mixer is sheet music representing just that, music. In my case I listen to music while I execute this shit.

5:45pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Zca5nx3xeDlD
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: caioneach dutchslavetrade MCMXCIX mixer birdhouse linoleum cut printmaking codes symbolism doom artist themes