In Buddhist cosmology our own construction of reality is likened to being in a dream state but being unaware that this is the case. Becoming lucid or understanding that “a dream is a dream” holds the key which allows us to manipulate the reality we experience and help alleviate suffering caused by a grasping to things as objectively solid in our perception.

For me painting is analogous to the process of day-dreaming whereby seemingly irrational images and imaginings coalesce on the canvas or paper creating a dialogue with the daydreamer (me) and stating their right to be in existence. Being aware of these imaginings as they arise allows a kind of lucidity of a more subconscious urge, thought or emotional state to emerge and have its moment in the work.

Like meditation, painting is also a practice of presence, patience and a willingness to let all sorts of things come and go on the canvas without imposing too much of an agenda. Easier said than done! In most cases these works started with a very simple primal sketch and then they became something altogether different in the doing. My hope is that no matter the journey, this initial energetic impulse still resides in the finished work offering an invitation “into” or “out of” the daydream.

@picnickart

“I’ve been set free and I’ve been bound

To the memories of yesterday’s clouds I’ve been set free and I’ve been bound

And now I’m set free

I’m set free

I’m set free to find a new illusion”

- Lou Reed

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