Description
Mailbox #1, 1990
Casein on Arches/shipping crate/mixed media
Signed bc (what’s the reason for this?)
22 x 30 in. (image)
25.5 x 33.5 (crate)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The watercolor “Mailbox #1” presents a view of an open road flanked by dense, tree-lined paths that seem to converge into the distance. The horizon line extends towards the trunk of the tree, creating a sense of depth and journey. The colors consist of earthy greens, browns, and yellows, blending into each other, which contributes to a naturalistic feel. The sky above is light, suggesting either early morning or late afternoon, as the lighting implies a certain calmness or contemplation.
In Zen Buddhism, the journey of life is often described as a path towards enlightenment, with each step being an opportunity for mindfulness. The open road in this painting can be seen as a metaphor for life’s journey, where one must stay grounded and aware of each moment, not just the destination. The surrounding trees represent the mind’s distractions or attachments that one must navigate. The painting’s emptiness or simplicity serves to remind viewers of the Zen concept of “mu,” or nothingness, suggesting that it is in the emptiness or the quiet moments where true meaning can be found.
The I Ching often reflects on the interplay of forces and the balance of opposites. Here, the road represents a clear direction or purpose, while the trees on either side symbolize the constant influences and obstacles one encounters. The image may align with the Hexagram “Progress” (Jin), which indicates gradual and steady movement towards one’s goals, requiring persistence and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. The path’s converging lines reflect the idea of unifying one’s focus to achieve clarity.
The painting embodies the harmony of nature and the human journey. The path’s linear direction towards a vanishing point implies a meditative walk, where the physical journey reflects an inner one. The Zen approach to mindfulness and the I Ching’s wisdom about perseverance combine to convey a message about life’s continuous unfolding process. Each step forward, each day, is part of a larger cycle that demands awareness and acceptance of change.
The style here hints at landscape painting traditions, yet with a more abstract interpretation. The use of perspective creates depth and movement, while the natural palette roots the piece in realism. The approach recalls 19th-century Romantic landscape painting that emphasized emotion and nature’s grandeur. There’s also a contemporary element in the way the scene abstracts the trees into almost textural forms, linking it to modernist interpretations of nature that emphasize form and movement over literal representation.
The painting draws on both traditional and contemporary influences to create a contemplative scene that invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the beauty of nature’s pathways.
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Currently ships from Oregon, USA
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“Mailbox #1” was featured in his Yes Retrospective
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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