The American Illuminations Project
My “American Illuminations†Project arose out of philosophical discussions I began having with my neighbor, an evangelical Christian. I am a Buddhist and we did not see eye to eye, but our frequent conversations were contemplative for me. I began thinking about the pageantry and symbolism that is part of most religions and how beautiful it is. I wondered how to use that seductive beauty to convey my own vision of what is profane and what is sacred in this world.
Within this body of work, I have developed a consciousness of our social and environmental ethos. My concentration is on the break in continuity between mankind and nature, between our mythological and religious roots, and what are perceived as current icons and symbols. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote in 1871, “Henceforth the essence of nature must be expressed symbolically; a new world of symbols is therefore necessary.†This work is an expression of contemporary symbolism.
My early work focused on the Book of Kells, which historians roughly date as being originally illuminated in 800 A.D. by monks. As my work progressed, I expanded my scope to include manuscripts from later periods and, more recently, I have begun to incorporate Persian manuscripts. The early scribes of these books were charged with making documents that could “stir the soul and dazzle the eyeâ€, which they accomplished with gold and painted decoration and with charming miniatures.
The process I use involves layering a photograph from my Nikon into a manuscript and then over-layering the photograph with elements of the manuscript itself so that the transition is seamless. The early manuscripts were calligraphed and illuminated in Latin but in the digital darkroom, I alter the Latin text to reflect my interpretations and photographs. I print the work on vellum, which I edge in gold leaf and treat with a Doza finish. Then, the piece is assembled in an altered vintage bible.
Latin titles with English translation:
Qui tacit, consentire videtur (Silence implies consent)
Lacrime rerum (The tears of things)
Procul, O procul, este profani (Begone, O begone, ye profane)
Numquam allud natura allud sapientia dicit (Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another)
Corruptio optima pessima (Corruption of the best is worst)