Description
Message In A Bottle (AKA May Day), 1992
Pen and ink/watercolor on paper
Signed ks (what’s the reason for this?)
13.5 x 11 in. (image)
20 x 17.5 x 2 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting “Message In A Bottle (AKA May Day)” depicts a lush forest scene featuring a tree stump with ferns growing from its top, topped by a small, skull-like object. Surrounding the stump are thick foliage and scattered forest debris, such as a fallen bottle and branches. The colors are rich in green hues, indicating a dense, vibrant natural environment. Text at the bottom indicates “May Day 1992,” adding a layer of temporal context to the composition.
In Zen Buddhism, nature is often seen as a mirror to the mind—ever-changing and full of life yet perishable. The growth of the ferns from a cut tree stump can be interpreted as the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The presence of the skull-like object serves as a reminder of mortality and impermanence, reinforcing the Zen concept of “mu” (emptiness or nothingness). The fallen bottle suggests a discarded element, perhaps pointing to the idea of letting go of attachments and embracing simplicity.
This scene may be associated with Hexagram 23, “Splitting Apart” (剝), which symbolizes decay and the natural breakdown of things over time. It is not entirely negative, as it also encourages regeneration and rebuilding from a place of vulnerability. In this image, the natural decay of the tree stump serves as the foundation for new life, hinting at renewal and transformation. The skull-like object could be seen as an emblem of wisdom gained through the acceptance of life’s cycles.
Combining the various interpretations, the painting serves as a meditation on the natural world’s cycles of life and death. The ferns sprouting from the tree stump demonstrate life’s ability to flourish even after destruction, while the skull-like object acts as a silent acknowledgment of mortality. The “May Day” inscription adds a layer of cultural reference, often associated with spring and renewal, further emphasizing themes of rebirth. This interplay between life, decay, and renewal is a central message that aligns with both Zen and I Ching philosophies.
The artist’s technique suggests influences from Symbolism and the later works of the Romantics, where nature often took on a more spiritual or allegorical significance. The attention to detail and the dense application of color convey a sense of tactile presence. The use of symbolic elements like the skull and the stump might also evoke the tradition of “vanitas” in still life, where objects remind the viewer of life’s impermanence. The composition’s rich detail and layered textures create a haunting, almost timeless quality, inviting deeper introspection on the passage of time and life’s transient nature.
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“Message In A Bottle (AKA May Day)” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in Sandra Jensen Rowland’s monograph, Bob Bilyeu Camblin – An Iconoclast in Houston’s Emerging Art Scene.
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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