Ancient Elements, 36 x 36, Mixed Media, 2008
This piece was inspired by the Ancient Greek Esoteric Doctrine of the Elements. The discovery of the four Elements is generally credited to Empedocles. It is important to note that for Empedocles, the Elements are more than just material substances. He introduces them as Gods: Zeus is Air, Hera is Earth, Hades is Fire, Nestis (Persophone) is Water. The relationship between the Elements is diagramed on what is known as the Elemental Square or the Square of Opposition. I thought it would be interesting to explore this tenet by layering contemporary man made elements (acrylic paints, synthetic plasters & factory manufactured patterns) atop natural raw materials like cotton and wood.
