My latest painting project at Regeneration Springs is also my biggest. The deck surface is 16’ square, although there is a large hole in the center which cuts down on surface area.
This cold tub was built behind the massage studio, as a relaxing alternative to the swimming pool. All of the water comes from a well, and is wonderful to drink and bathe in. I stood in the pool to paint, though occasionally I climbed out and sat on a dry section of deck, or stood on the ground around the platform. I’d been concerned about my posture, but this variety of positions allowed me to adjust and be comfortable (so long as I worked in the shade).
My client supplied the themes of each panel and some references, while I designed the imagery and the aesthetics followed my previous work at the site. The core of the design is the Toaist bagua, supplemented by Native American and local symbolism, as well as centrality of the navel. It was a very peaceful project to work on!
Fire, heart, purpose: The flames catalyze angular lines into sinuous smoke. The water in the background is the lower drainage pond.
Inner earth, stomach, sense of self: There are many layers between the core and the outward self, but they can be connected.
Metal / lake, lung, emotion: The smoke plumes are deep sea vents that release minerals into the ocean, the jellyfish abides.
Heaven / metal, maturity, presence, security. The step up to the deck is behind and below the sun. This deep blue/violet represents cosmic life energy in my work (it’s the first color I ever ‘hallucinated’ and Oliver Sacks backs me up, though I’m not full indigo here).
Water, kidney, instinct, endurance and transformation. The water’s flow and fluidity is the red lines. This pipe normally has a stronger flow of water but was turned to a trickle during the work.
Earth, support, change: The arms protect and nurture the circle’s transformation, like an egg floating in the uterine universe.
Wood / thunder, nervous system, elder tree: The hollow core of the elder tree allows the energy of the lightning and dendrites to move inward and outward.
Wind, liver, problem solving: The red neuron blossoms into an elder flower, the leaves are ideas that are shared in the wind.
Transformation is a constant theme in every panel. The lines change and evolve, but are still connected to their origins and are always beautiful, so long as you can accept the change.
I took these panoramas from the center of the pool.
And some in-progress shots!
