Description:

I hated this painting when I created it, because it felt like an inward cry for help; even if unable to identify what I was afraid of (which only intesified my curiosity and uneasiness).

Surrealism, in its purest form (after all), is a deeply involved process (ready or not), which is why I find it so fascinating.

Although, I also feel like I should acknowledge the fact that I embarked upon my creative path without a compass, and with no training in psychology, which meant that I was also completely unprepared to wrestle with shadows in the deep dark of the mind, venturing into the unknown realms of the unconscious (sub-consciousness) before fully understanding what that meant.

In essence then, I invited those shadows into my safe space (my everyday reality), despite my fear of them. And, from that perspective, I can't help but wonder if the hand rescuing me in this painting is actually my own; perhaps as a premonition, telling me that my journey through the image would eventually provide the answers I was looking for (in front of a captive audience).

But, as romantic as that notion seems, I honestly don't have an answer for whose hand is seen rescuing me here; because it wasn't predetermined. It just appeared, and I can't remember which came first... the hand, or my knotted and tangled body.

So, as much as some hate to hear this, because it can seem like a cop out (even if it's not)... your interpretation would be just as relevant as any I can offer (whether you know me personally or not).

Nonetheless... for those of you who need a more definitive conclusion to appreciate the work.... then, let us just decide (together) that that merciful hand is an acknowledgment that I have always felt guided and protected by a Divine Nature, a Divine Nature that is beyond words and description, and through whom I have also always found strength.