ARTWORK COMMENTARY: New World

Medium: Watercolor, colored pencil, gold leaf, alcohol marker, acrylic paint, and gel pen on hot press watercolor paper

Dimensions: 37" x 19"

I like thinking about the concept of a civilization replacing another. I believe such a thing can yield beautiful results like more advanced technology or a richer culture.

New World depicts the overgrowing of nature over a stagnant, colorless figure. Whatever this figure used to be, they are now but decor to the new life as they slowly build themselves around the landscape. Where do the coconuts lead? Are the hands climbing out or holding them in place? Did the the dead civilization know the answers? Did they also build the temple of brick and gold? What will the hummingbirds discover once they inspect it?

In my opinion, religion is the most inherently human concept we have. Only humans have had the abstract knowledge to form religion. We are the only creatures that have thought beyond ourselves to the point where we are willing to hurt each other over what is essentially just faith. Maybe these hummingbirds are finding their deity to follow- a sign of intelligence. They are on the first step to repeating the cycle of the dying civilization.