Description
First Sighting, 1985
Casein on Arches
Unsigned (what’s the reason for this?)
30 x 22 in (image)
33.75 x 26 x 1.5 in.(frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting “First Sighting” uses a vivid palette to depict a serene, forested waterway. The painting’s composition draws the eye down a reflective river that stretches into the distance, bordered by lush vegetation. Amid the play of light on the water’s surface, branches and reeds on either side form subtle shapes that hint at a hidden figure—a woman blended seamlessly into the natural scene. The image doesn’t come easy and viewers might need to meditate to discover her. The colors range from deep greens to shimmering blues and golden hues, enhancing the illusion and inviting closer inspection.
In Zen Buddhism, mindfulness involves seeing beyond appearances and being fully present with what lies beneath the surface. “First Sighting” echoes this teaching by hiding the figure within the environment, illustrating how the true nature of things is often overlooked due to distractions. The painting asks the viewer to practice active seeing, to become aware of the subtle interplay of shapes and forms, thus experiencing the unity of all elements within the natural flow of life.
Drawing from the I Ching, Hexagram 20, “Guan” or “Contemplation,” is relevant here. This hexagram symbolizes the act of looking inward to perceive outward truths, much like the viewer’s gradual realization of the hidden woman in the painting. The figure’s integration with the natural elements aligns with the I Ching’s teachings on interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of change. It suggests that what appears concealed may be revealed through patient observation and a deeper understanding of the balance between seen and unseen.
“First Sighting” serves as a meditation on perception, with the hidden figure representing the often-unnoticed truths in our surroundings. The river symbolizes life’s continual flow, while the concealed woman reflects our tendency to overlook deeper realities, mistaking them for the ordinary. The Zen emphasis on mindfulness and the I Ching’s contemplative guidance both reinforce the painting’s message: that discovering what is hidden requires a still mind and an attentive eye. By merging philosophical reflection with visual composition, the artwork becomes a gateway to understanding interconnectedness in nature and self.
The painting’s style evokes aspects of the Symbolist movement, where mystical themes and hidden meanings are often explored. The technique of using nature to veil human figures recalls works by artists like Arnold Böcklin, who similarly employed atmospheric effects to create ambiguous scenes. The optical illusion technique also shares affinities with Surrealism, as it encourages multiple interpretations. Yet, “First Sighting” departs from these movements by grounding itself in natural realism, creating a balance between the imaginative and the real. The integration of the human form within the landscape connects to themes of harmony with nature, reminiscent of traditional Eastern art where human figures are often depicted as a part of the natural world rather than distinct from it.
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“First Sighting” hung at the MFA in Houston and was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in volume II of the series Bob Camblin N Compleat Workes.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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