“Sheer Silence” (part one)

The first reading at Mass this weekend was from the book of Kings. The familiar story of how God’s wisdom is heard not in destructive wind, mountain shattering earthquakes, or scorching fires.

It’s in the deafening silence that follows. And when I recalled the two paired, colossal works at Phillips it dawned on me:

The fire, wind and earthquakes of today are often the audio, visual and physiological demands on us all day and night. The news stories designed to divide, the social media influencer’s attempt knock over what was a reality, and the current of fear that drowns out anything else.

We can’t hear a thing. Through the noise, no one can hear whispered wisdom.

This first canvas is the clanging of tik tok, the dopamine hit of likes, and the breaking news that must be read NOW.

These marks on the 2x4 foot canvas, some are complex others predictable. Some are dissolving, others inviting. Soft washes and sharp cuts, channels and splashes. These are the noises that crowd us, and leave no room for contemplation, reflection, or appreciation.

Sheer silence is really one piece on two canvases. The first is below. The next will complete it, and be placed one inch above.

It’s going to be a white open field with a stand oiled totus mark in its center. The field will hover over and be framed by a one inch cerulean blue with the north/south edges in deep purple and east/west a glowing yellow- orange.

Part 1 is here

Early process pictures of part 2 which will take a lot longer to finish.

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