Nature/ Void/ Civilization

All of my work is about ideas. This triptych evolved with my frustrated attempts at spiritual awareness.  I was trying to meditate, become centered, and I was continually distracted by my busybody brain's activity.  Every time I would simmer down, I'd be overwhelmed by the gigantic, empty, dark and quiet place inside.  This void is depicted in the center panel. The flanking panels of the piece refer to a dichotomy that kept hounding me as I was concentrating on the central Void. On one hand I felt distracted by my own instinctual and physical limitations, appetites and preconceptions about basic humanity. On the other hand I was perpetually bugged by my notions of religion as a man-made system that requires allegiance and discipline. –Artist statement