Description
Red Stick’s X, no dateCasein on Arches
Signed KS (Kay Sage) (what’s the reason for this?)
24.5 x 18.75 in.
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The artwork “Red Stick’s X” depicts a dark bottle placed on a textured floor that resembles cracked stone or aged paper. The bottle has a red “X” marked on it, with hearts pointing down from the top of the “X.” and a snake. A faint smoke or mist appears to be emerging from the bottle’s top, creating a sense of mystery or danger. The background features abstract patterns and circular shapes, which add depth and hidden meanings to the piece.
In Zen philosophy, emptiness (or “Mu”) is often viewed as a foundational principle that allows for the potential of everything. The bottle, marked with an “X,” could symbolize the void or an empty vessel, hinting at the idea of potentiality rather than something definitive like a love potion for example. The smoke emanating from the bottle suggests an impermanence, a key Zen concept that highlights the transient nature of all things.
From an I Ching perspective, this artwork could be associated with the Hexagram 64, “Wei Ji” (Before Completion). This hexagram speaks of a time just before completion, where the final outcome is not yet certain. The bottle, as an object that could be filled or emptied, represents the liminal state between the known and unknown. The red “X” could signify a moment of decision or caution, underscoring the uncertainty and careful actions required before reaching a conclusion.
Combining these perspectives, the artwork represents a tension between potential and danger. The bottle serves as a metaphor for containment, suggesting the ability to hold or release something powerful, while the cracked background and smoke evoke the fragility and impermanence of existence. The red “X” serves as a warning or mark of significance, signaling that what the bottle contains or represents is not to be taken lightly. This synthesis portrays a philosophical contemplation on the nature of being and the choices that shape our paths.
This piece echoes elements of surrealism, with its abstract forms and ambiguous symbols. The use of an everyday object, the bottle, as a central subject suggests an approach similar to that of René Magritte or Giorgio de Chirico, where familiar objects are placed in dreamlike settings to provoke thought. The textures and marks in the background may recall techniques from earlier 20th-century avant-garde movements, including cubism or abstract expressionism, which often utilized surface variations to add depth and meaning. The interplay between realism (the bottle) and abstraction (the background) creates a compelling visual tension that invites deeper reflection.
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“Red Stick’s X” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in volume V 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.
The royalty factor – Unlike traditional artworks, such as paintings, mosaics, statues, and the like, NFTs can be programmed to provide royalties to you every time the painting (and token) is sold and resold – for eternity. That mind-bending Camblin you sold could be worth millions one day and provide income for your great-great-great grandkids!
Anti-forgery – The central idea underpinning NFTs is that they are built on the blockchain, which is meant to offer advanced security. Think of it like an un-erasable and un-avoidable copyright.
Easy authentication – Another compelling aspect of NFT art and NFTs in general is the ability to quickly and easily authenticate items, as the record of ownership is scrupulously kept on the blockchain.
