The Hidden Room

Description:

In many ways, you can consider this painting a return to the empty room in Inside, Looking Out; only, this time, I've taken a step back to get a better view of what's to come; not as a premonition (necessarily) but as an unconscious understanding of what my journey through the image will unveil (almost as if the full scope of my work, over the following years, was already embedded in me).

The Hidden Room is filled with subtle insights that reveal themselves through reflective surfaces that are scattered throughout the painting. This includes the menacing, sawlike figure whose reflection is no more than a shadow, casting its own shadow (which, in essence, is the subject found in much of my work).

Interestingly, that shadow is not a negative force or presence, by default; but instead (in psychological terms) simply represents the unknown, that which is unilluminated in the mind. It can be a negative, but it is more often just uncomfortable because it is unfamiliar.

This can be a confusing concept, for sure. But, that's why this deep dive into my early work is so important. And, for the careful observer... you will get to see many of these shadows illuminated throughout this journey.

But, for now... we're still learning how to use the flashlight.