It seems to me that the human condition is such that our species always suffers tragedy both self-inflicted and imposed upon by other men and nature.
Some believe, in fact, that it is in our nature to suffer. I believe that it is in our nature to endure.
Some claim that our lack of relationship with a higher power makes us all too vulnerable to these misfortunes.
Others point to the fact that the “rain falls on both the just and the unjust.” I believe that if, in fact, we are “broken children” we must be about the business of learning from our brokenness.
Regardless of why these mishaps occur many are afflicted, destroyed, or brought low, and yet man persists.
These woes only seem to make men stronger; more apt to show gratitude for their life.
So that when the next disaster strikes, even if some are not spared, men endure, and yet, still smile.
AND YET, STILL SMILE, was originally executed by painting with alcohol inks, and then digitally edited for larger formats.
The painting technique employed is an exercise in abstract expressive redaction, or erasure and replacement, which leaves something like ghosts behind where the original mark or form was obliterated (painted out) then remade, if not precisely, then with a close facsimile.
I am currently offering And Yet, Still Smile as a limited-edition print in a run of 20, 20″ x 16″ acrylic panels, priced to make you smile.
These reproductions are printed directly onto the back of a 1/4″ thick sheet of clear acrylic.