Can These Bones Live?
(2016)
Subject: Monarch Butterfly Dimensions (inches): 18 x 18 x 2 Medium: Oil on Braced Baltic Birch Description: The science department at my old high school was gracious in letting me borrow their full skeleton model one weekend, which I photographed with my studio lighting on our dining room table! I had previously sketched out an imaginary scene of a single butterfly flitting through a cavernous rib cage, emanating light, which would cast radial shadows. The reference photos helped greatly for anatomical accuracy, and to see where the light and shadows would fall on the three dimensional form. The Old Testament, known as the Tanakh to Jewish people, relays a fascinating episode of the prophet Ezekiel's vision, called The Valley of Dry Bones. I approached my painting as a modern interpretation, seeing the Monarch Butterfly as symbolic of breathing new life into these bones. This painting is a precursor to a larger work I have planned, which will bring clarity to this initial macabre piece and further develop the theme of resurrection.
Original Available For Sale:
Yes
Limited Edition Available:
No
Direct Correspondence to:
Josh Tiessen c/o Josh Tiessen Studio Gallery
148 King St. E. Stoney Creek, Ontario
Canada L8G 1L5 Tel: 905-664-5049
