Reflecting on my own design
Explanation, Behind the Work, Beyond the Veil
The above piece is entitled Beyond the Mirrored Veil and can be seen enlarged by following the link.
The piece was created for a specific event and art show which happens mostly today. "Bailando Con La Muerte", dancing with death, is a celebration and a remembrance of loved ones who have died.
The piece is intended to be multi-leveled. The reflection in the mirror is in some ways more real than reality. In the mirror, the eye on the left is the left eye, the hand on the right is the right hand. Furthermore, everyone’s self image is based upon this reflection in the mirror - this reversed and not reversed flat image if you will - this most basic form of reflection.
So what lies behind that mirror? Jimi Hendrix wrote in a song years ago - "I used to live in a room full of mirrors, all I could see was me; so I took my spirit and I smashed my mirrors now the whole world is here for me to see." Sometimes, I think all of us feel touched by spirit, by communication from another place and dimension.
I don’t think any of us can truly understand it, but what I do believe is that what I have painted is my way of communicating some of what I feel - no male or female, no white or black, no old or young.
I have experienced enough loss to know that I feel the deceased presence to some extent even after he or she is gone. I suppose it could just be my memory, but it doesn’t feel that way. It feels more like life continues and as others have said, we just can’t see beyond the veil.
See Also
- News.scotsman.com - Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead
News article about the Day of the Dead - Star-Telegram.com - Day of the Dead
Another article with detailed explanation of the holiday and its rituals - Near death experience beyond the veil
personal descriptions and other supporting links to better understand the veil concept
