Sink or Swim

The concept behind this painting has to do with the fact that we have to integrate our present plight into an ideal future. One that is sustainable. Some think perhaps it would be easier to start society over, but when I imagine a scenario involving our near destruction, rebuilding from such a state has great potential to lead to the same flaws and power struggles that we should learn to overcome.

It would be like a teenager convinced they could parent a child better than their parents and then being overwhelmed when the situation is thrust upon them and they have to face more responsibility than expected. Granted raising a child would be significantly easier than attempting to organize and adequately direct the restructuring of a society. So many people of different viewpoints want to lead the way, but to what degree can we work together and compromise?

It shouldn't take a total collapse for us all to realize that a great burden is already upon us. We get distracted with the notion of just enjoying our own personal lives and not working actively to make an impact on the world. My hope is that when you look at this painting you will feel inspired and empowered to defend your home world and to share in the ideals of justice, freedom and compassion. The desire to minimize suffering and promote happiness.

We don't all need to have the same perception of reality to want to share with others the experience we call joy and to alleviate that which ails us. It is that commonality that we must take time to recognize and celebrate.

There are those among us who consider a tribalistic lifestyle, because it is sustainable, to be a solution to our destructive ways. I say that technology and advancement is not an enemy, but that our ability to fully grasp what we're doing as a collective has eluded us and so we have difficulty making important decisions together. We are divided by our beliefs, our prejudices and our ignorance.

The light of the painting, I think, represents the hope that remains. The hope for us all to grow and become something more and to do so in such a way that provides a future for the generations to follow.