Pulvis et umbra sumus
plate 6
Punishment is not a great enhancer.
While hibernating dream; I am slowly pacing toward home. It will be dark soon and the road will become obscure and un-navigable. So, I effortlessly ascend into flight as dusk covers the area. I can still make out my winged shadow on the ground far below. I am limited in the air - I ascend higher reckoning faster flight, but my back feathers scrape against the sky Elysian. Shadows blend with the dark in time lapse.
I see a suggestion of the stone entrance. I know it is time to descend.
plate 6
Punishment is not a great enhancer.
While hibernating dream; I am slowly pacing toward home. It will be dark soon and the road will become obscure and un-navigable. So, I effortlessly ascend into flight as dusk covers the area. I can still make out my winged shadow on the ground far below. I am limited in the air - I ascend higher reckoning faster flight, but my back feathers scrape against the sky Elysian. Shadows blend with the dark in time lapse.
I see a suggestion of the stone entrance. I know it is time to descend.
I tip, dipping down smoothly and with grace hit the ground running. Vaguely, I make out the gate ahead is closed. Not having the velocity to vault it, I stumble, crash over the key stone, tumbling and crumpling into the dirt.
I curse my luck at not dropping one gate later.
-from the forthcoming- Minotaur; There is a Shadow of a Monster on the Front Porch.
If he thought at all, but I don’t believe he ever thought, it was that he and his shadow, when brought together near each other, would join like drops of water; and when they did not he was appalled. He tried to stick it on with soap from the bathroom, but that too failed. A shudder passed through Peter, and he sat down and cryed. -Sir J.M. Barrie
Wonderful - the minotaur story is part of one of your book projects? Many years ago I did a series of crashed/crumpled Lucifers who had collided with earth.
ReplyDeletethe Barrie quote makes me think of Philip Pullman's Dark Materials Trilogy.
Hi ArtSparker,
ReplyDeleteI use the Minotaur as the device in ‘There is the Shadow of a Monster on the Front Porch’. He is mentally readying himself for the Athenian youths destined into his home labyrinth to view his art work installation. His dreams, hopes & experiments are self chronicled for his light amusement and our ironic similarities.
I reckon I started this a long way back during my 'angry young man' phase. And over the years went back to it. It has finally been ‘put to bed’.
I find Barrie quite the spring-board... thanks, I will look up the Dark Materials. -Jayne
wow. fascinating the story you are writing...leaving me wanting for more...the artwork is amazing as well. when is your book coming out?
ReplyDeleteyes, sounds interesting...a book jacket synopsis, maybe?
ReplyDeleteGreat ending( I did a different take for the opening on this-you read my mind?-LOL! )
ReplyDeleteAnd the Minotaur story sounds of interest...
You're writing a book? I was watching cockatoos navigate the gum trees the other day whilst enduring the highly intellectual pursuit of hanging out washing and I'm amazed how they twist and turn and land just so . .they're the size of large chickens. I'm curious your 'angry young man' phase . .are you male or female? If you're a bloke with a name like Jayne . .good luck! You must be tough! Then I have a male friend called Tracey . .erm yes he's very tough.
ReplyDeleteIn the few short weeks I have been following your blog I have come to appreciate you for the accomplished artist you undoubtedly are.
ReplyDeleteBrian, Tom; I'll through more in once in a while, I reckon. This is actually built on 36 monoprints, so it is a very concise book....I'll tell when it becomes available, it's getting what we use to 'camera ready' what do we say now?
ReplyDeleteSubby; I loved your take!
Baino; Female, but I'm glad to know it's not that obvious.
Alan; Thanks for the dear compliment(s) and for visiting back.
Hello Jayne!Nice work!I've been to see your artwork on the other blog too,pretty amazing!Thanks for stopping by at my place.Be back too!
ReplyDeleteWow, that first line is a zinger. A wonderful piece of writing here. Love-love the artwork, too!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you blend words and images. Can't wait for more.
ReplyDelete"Just because something walks behind you doesn't mean it has trouble keeping up"....oh, now that is creepy!
ReplyDeleteQuite interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnd it seems you and Dave both recalled Peter Pan. ;)
Sounded like a description of Pegasus!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopng in!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, Thanks for reading the small print.
Otin, Yes! It's the Minotaur dreaming he's Pegasus trying to get back home to the labyrinth.
What else can I say? Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI love this new audience for your work. And I love you responding to them. Maybe it is time to start a Minotaur Blog and release a few corners at a time...
ReplyDeleteXO L
the artwork is great and the words are captivating.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post! Great take on the Theme!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
I loved this and the art work. The drollness of "the monster on the front porch" is kind of Gorey-esque although the art is not.
ReplyDeleteGreat artwork and the story quite intriguing...more to come huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks all for stopping by...,
ReplyDeleteLonnie...mmmmmm...