This is my first attempt at an abstract composition. It is probably more a somewhat theological-surrealistic image since there are some imaginary motifs embedded within it. I have been thinking about this image for quite some time so once I got started it came together pretty promptly. It certainly is a difficult leap to decompose form into a formless, colorful void.
The painting process
From a painting perspective, it really was a fun project. Knifing and spattering paint into position was most therapeutic. On another hand, there were times I was paralyzed, uncertain what to do next. Unlike realistic painting, there is no metric of what is the “right” next step to take. It was a most interesting feeling having to go with what “felt right” as the next step. It was also a fun and learning process of creating “mistakes” (like dribbles or weak brush strokes).
It was very interesting also to follow the moment and I can say that it was certainly neat to see how colors and textures worked with one another for the final effect. I was, for the first time I am aware of, using color and shape to take the place of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
Here is the final image of the acrylics on canvas composition (20″x16″). Click on it for a larger view if you wish.
The underlying imagery and Theology
Time is in process of being formed as a bubble within eternity. Time and timelessness cannot coexist without the membrane that separates the two. I am a staunchly Judeo-Christian man of faith thus my imagery is based upon this theological understanding. There is the all-encompassing Trinity, the brooding Spirit, the promise of the covenants being prepared, the four “living creatures,” and the dark void of the proto-universe. The general mood is one of joy, for the Creation and all that it heralds in timeless heaven is great rejoicing when the time-membrane is finally dissolved at the end of the ages.
The eternal spaces resound with the vibrancy of the character and nature of the Godhead. There are strong contrasts (righteousness yet lovingness or Oneness yet Threeness, for some examples) and great harmonies (grace and love, righteousness and justice) all melded into a continuous and unchanging whole by the everlasting King of kings and Lord of lords. Eternity itself is a never-ending ring bounding the canvas.
Color symbolizes several concepts of the abode of the Godhead. Yellows represent the gold reflecting the Light of Truth and is never sullied or grayed down. Purples represent royalty and majesty. The reds represent carnelian and greens the jasper which are rocks that have veins of alternate color. The blues signify the peace of the order within God’s complete control.
Yet with all of this, the image conceptualizes the formation of Time. Its containment within the bounds of eternity permit intervention by the heavenly Persons at any point within its scope. It is bounded and finite, semipermeable from eternity’s perspective and an uncrossable void from within. As creation actually happened the end of time was already happening, at least from the perspective of eternity. The bubble also permits the evil that permeated the Creation to be isolated from the eternal spaces until it is finally dealt with.
My wife had an interesting interpretation that bears mentioning here. The red area overshadowing the bubble of time that ends in a rivulet of red towards the bottom right reminded her of the act of the second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God. Even before Creation of the world, says the Bible, God’s plan for salvation was set in place and Jesus would be the propitiation of the sin that God foreknew would happen as a consequence of freedom of decision. Thus, she sees the blood of Christ overarching the Creation. I have to say that is a very interesting concept.
The feathers over the bubble signify the brooding Spirit, known in New Testament symbolism as a dove. In Genesis, we are told that the Spirit of God brooded over the waters, over the chaos that was being created and ordered. The four brown abstract forms encircling the Trinity represent the “four living creatures” of Revelation, or the seraphim of Isaiah, created beings so terrible and unique that they defy human description. Their position is one of eternal proclamation of the holiness of the Godhead throughout God’s realm.
The rainbow, ah! It is a very visual symbol of the covenants God made with the inhabitants of Earth which is the “theological center” of the bubble of Time. There have been many, each building upon each other: the Adamic, the Noahaic, the Abrahamic, the Mosaic, and the New Covenant. Each are presented in this new thing called time, but within the realm of eternity, they all coexist and are staged into the Creation. The rainbow serves to remind us mere mortals of the constancy of the Godhead and is an ephemeral glimpse of the beauty of the eternal spaces.
Interestingly, the bubble of Time and the colors swirling around it form what almost looks like an eye. From this area are several drips, accidental yes, but they are there. Green, blue, red all dribble away from this surreal eye. This signifies the pain that the Creation brings to the heart of God. The presence of sin and its effects within the plane of Time cause God to grieve and ultimately changes the second Person in fundamental ways. He takes upon the form of man and is “crushed for our iniquities,” “pierced for our transgressions,” and “oppressed and afflicted.” He, forever will keep the form of a man and bear the scars of the bloodletting of the “punishment that brought us peace” and which “healed our wounds.”
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