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RSConnett — CRUSTACEAPODS
Published: 2008-10-17 22:19:48 +0000 UTC; Views: 28302; Favourites: 1139; Downloads: 596
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Description
MICROBIA #3, subtitled; "CRUSTACEAPODS"(#3 in my "MICROBIA" series of paintings)
24" x 24" (61 cm x 61 cm) Acrylic on Canvas, Completed Oct. 2008
This is third in a series which includes MICROBIA #1 (BLUE) [link] ... and MICROBIA #2, (RED) [link]
This painting is an example of my fascination with tiny primitive sea forms. (Real and imaginary)
With each painting I get a little closer to feeling satisfied with my work. After many experiments, and many derivatively influenced works, (influenced by the artists I admire) I have come to two (2) distinct styles that most dominate my paintings.
This painting is the type "A" painting I "escape" into. Thus, I suppose it is "escapist art", at least for me it is. I find the subjects challenging mostly in technical ways. The color, the placement of forms, the illusion of depth and transparency. These challenges keep my mind engaged during the process. There are a few references to things "unrelaxing", such as the machine fetuses in the spheres, and the food chain scenarios. However, the subject matter of the piece is purposely not provocative.
My other painting style, (I'll call it type "B") acts as a catharsis for my feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, etc. Usually these paintings concern the state of the world, and more particularly the state of my world. The cruelty, ignorance, foolishness and evil that obsesses and plagues me. Also, my dread of death and growing anxiety over life's briefness.
When I'm not escaping into my personal dream world, I'm thinking of the huge evil that shrouds our existence. War, crime, hunger, hate, violence and death. These things should not be ignored, but more than not, they are. Who's responsibility is it, if not an artists, to portray these in the unique venue available to him?
At this point in the evolution of my painting, I wonder what road I will take. Will my escapist fascinations take over? If so, will I always feel that I have betrayed my true perceptiveness, to feel safe with my "pretty pictures"? Or will my more substantive style take over, allowing me to express important feelings and ideas, yet salving me not?
Must I have only one focus for my work? I will try to allow my work to find it's own level.
RS ~ 10/17/2008
Related content
Comments: 192
Hi,
I featured this piece here: [link]
Hope you don't mind if you do let me know and i will remove it.
Thank you for sharing your work.
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I have to say, I love their big, wet googly eyes.
So pretty, with depth and expression.
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I don't know which painting I love more in this gallery! This is exactly the kind of art I've always wanted to create. I'm also interested in sea life. The more I look at this painting the more I see!
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These paintings are so very striking and engaging. Such exquisite use of color and technique....
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Yeah! Crazy and powerful......
Just perfect with a Les Claypool bass solo
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Wonderful work, thank you for making such fabulous world to climb into. And as you have done so, this place you escape to becomes part of the one we live in. Your creation shapes my reality.
Thank you as well, for your particularly thoughtful reflections on your work. I can see both of these feelings in my own relationships with art. 
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I have featured this wonderful art in my latest journal [link] If this causes a problem for you, please note me and I’ll remove it.
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I was watching some shows on Darwin and Galapagos yesterday and these guys look like they jumped out of the show and onto your canvas. Of course, it took a little more time than that, huh? 
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just wow, youhave a master use of acrylics... congrats
faved and watched
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I'm not sure if it is biological or technical, but i'm sure it's amazing!
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what a world you live in... no wait, what a world WE live in
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I like both your escapist and cathartic works, and see some parallels with my own (though for the last few years mine has mainly been cathartic). This is one of my favourite escapist works - the technique is incredible.
Do you like primitive creatures because they lack the capacity for malice, deceit, hate, etc? Or is it purely an aesthetic thing?
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This is such a spectacular painting! It feels like some alien world, but at the same time, there are enough resemblances to real creatures that it could be our own world.
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I don't even know what to say... your so talented. I have been drooling over your paintings for days now.
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Hi, I've featured your wonderful art here --
[link]
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We each have many underlying aspects, some opposite, to our psyche.
I think it's a great thing a specially for an artist, and can only contribute to you as one.
I say: explore them both from the zenith of one and to the lowest depth of the other.
/o)\\
\\(o/
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this painting reminds me of the concept from a certain H.P. Lovecraft story (i forget which) in which a scientist discovers that there are extradimensional awful things occupying the same space as us all around us...sometimes i feel that this is true and what you've painted here is something like what i imagine is boiling in not-so-empty space behind me and next to me and within me.
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Amazing detail and lovely colours! They capture a kind of ambiguous atmosphere - creepy yet beautiful. I like the way the picture seems torn between these two, leaving a complex emotion within the spectator that cannot simply be explained. Interesting theory as well - I think I can relate to it a little, sometimes I have similar feelings... Can you still tell how much of this picture would be type A and how much would be type B? To me, they seem to blend in such a unique fashion, making me distinguish both of them in the picture while, at the same time, showing me that I can't tear them apart without giving up the effect the work has on me, and creating something very pleasing to the eye along the way
(I hope this hasn't been too unclear... It's just that I feel many different things when looking at the picture, which is a good sign
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I can definitely see a progression throughout this series, which I have to say, is probably my favorite of your work. I love the appearance of taking place in outer space, since deep sea creatures seem so alien.
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I like it! Have you seen the IMAX Theater film Deep Sea? Your painting is even creepier than the show. I saw it the other day and vowed NEVER to go scuba diving. Way too many weird things down there. You captured the weirdness plus some! I especially like the humanish eyes on one of your creatures.
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As beautiful and mesmerizing as I imagine the deep sea to be! I love the very human look in all the eyes.
The fact that the oceans are so deep and dark has always sparked my sense of wonder. You've captured it perfectly for us all to enjoy.
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the texture and life to your work is just amazing. I really love this pic.
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I don't know why, but for some reason this reminds me of my great-aunt's house. Turns out she was having an affair with my grandfather. It's a long story.
Anyway, I'm not sure what that has to do with this, but it's seriously freakin' awesome.
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Just Freaking Awesome! I love the colors! Intense!
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"Must I have only one focus for my work? I will try to allow my work to find it's own level."
I'm having this debate with myself right now as well- but from the opposite end. I seem to be all over the map; no single style to settle into.
At least you've done great things with this focus so far!
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Thank you for that ... I really think that all these "styles" will eventually merge and there will be more continuity. I think i will be more comfortable with that ...
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OMG! Such a feast for my eyes and soul! it's perfect.
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