My transparent birds invite you to contemplate the electricity that flows through their being. The visible electronics are all discrete hardware — analog electronic sound generators that vibrate to sing a song (refer to the video in this post). There are no recordings or software involved in the making of the song, only an oscillating electronic circuit. To quote @melissadelzio regarding Shipibo-Conibo philosophy, “Existence is essentially comprised of vibrations, encapsulating the connection between the energetic and material worlds and expressing the link between light and sound.”
shamanism
Kokopelli /
I have a mysterious relationship with the spirit Kokopelli. Six years ago, I had a series of dreams in which I saw his iconic figure: a hunchbacked spirit playing the flute and tumbling around in somersaults. I also observed that he had rays of energy coming out of his back and head, sort of like a hedgehog or an armadillo reflecting sunlight. I didn't have any waking history with Kokopelli, so it was strange to "meet" him in a dream. From time to time, he pops up when I'm not expecting him -- this time, adopting the form of a circuit in the desert. This painting depicts two astable multivibrators and a 555 timer that are daisy-chained to generate sound through a piezo disk. Initially, I didn't have an overall form in mind for the circuit. I drew it organically, staying faithful to the electrical connections, because I enjoy the nerdy brain-teaser and the process of discovering shapes in artistic circuitry. Anyway, Kokopelli appeared ... and of course he did! Kokopelli is an electrical being who plays music, similar to my other sound-generating circuits. He also heralds the beginning of Spring, so maybe winter in Virginia is nearly over. What a sign of good luck all ways around.
Seeing /
I've been re-reading Carlos Castenada's incredible conversations with Don Juan and thinking a lot about *seeing.* I don't use drugs, so these paintings are sober studies from my landscape in rural Virginia. (Watercolor and acrylic on paper, 2017)
Future anthropology /
Plug mask worn by yours truly at our campsite in Virginia. The mask was made from cardboard and hot glue with a sand-filled fabric cord.
It's only a matter of time, folks.
plug mask /
Socket Mask / Ghost Socket /
Meditation / Circuit #1 /
Based on a shamanic inquiry into the new divine order
open studio: bumblebee eye's view /
Digital photocollage representing the world view of a bumblebee using its memory to search for a particular Spring dandelion.