Originally uploaded by rsconnett
EVOLUTIONARIES
(Part of my 'TRANSHUMANISUM' series)10" X 10" - Acrylic on birch wood panel
Completed 12/09/2008 - Los Angeles
In the near future people will be able to decide how the evolve. Evolution will be taken from the hands of nature and we shall control what we become through science and technology. Breakthroughs such as nano technology and A.I., ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_inteligence ) will enable us to transcend the slow pace of human evolution exponentially.
This may result in several and varied evolutionary variations. Some may choose to have extremely strong and large bodies like giant insects, while others may decide to become small and invisible like a floating energy. Nanobots, ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanobots ) and utility fog, ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_fog ) will make the physical world and many of it's laws absolute.
Until we are able to control ALL THINGS, (in which case it is conjectured that we have become god, and fulfilled human destiny) we will be limited in the changes we can make to ourselves. This could be an amazing period where we make ourselves into our own 'Art Forms' as different and varied as snowflakes.
In this possible world, People will transcend the physicality of eons of intelligence and physical evolution in an amazing short period of time, (see The Singularity, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularity).
There may be those who will rebel against what they see as "ungodly' modifications of the accepted human form, (see Luddites, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite).
Early adopters of modification and augmentation technologies may be termed "EVOLUTIONARIES".
~ RSC ~ 12/10/08
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
EMPATHICS, Acrylic on wood panel, 10 x 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm.)
November 2008, Los angelesThis painting, (and 3 others) will be shown and sold at this years "ART BASEL MIAMI" in Miami Florida December 4 - 7, ( www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/go/id/ss/ ) If you are interested in the purchase of this piece, please e-m to rsconnett@gmail.com
This painting illustrates some of my fancies about human communication in a higher age of human evolution. I dream of communicating "empathically" through technological enhancements to our abilities. Empathy is superior to telepathy, and certainly to verbal language. It is to communicate with emotion. This would be a grand language! There would be little chance of misunderstanding.
I've been reading about "Transhumanisum" … "A term often used as a synonym for "human enhancement". Also known as "Posthumanisum".
It is an international, intellectual and cultural movement supporting the use of science and technology to enhance human mental and physical abilities and aptitudes, and overcome what it regards as undesirable and unnecessary aspects of the human condition, such as disability, suffering, disease, aging, and involuntary death." (quoted from Wikipedia; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism)
I've been concerned about death since I was a child. It's been a great motivator for me. Death is the greatest betrayal of life! Just when you begin to get good at it, you die!? Isn't that a bit of a "GYP"?
All through the history of mankind people have found ways to "make peace" with death. What choice have we? From the first historical records we find reference to death and "afterlife" Religions were invented (in part) to answer the question of the greatest human tragedy, our own death.
What could possibly be worse than death? Yes, life can become terrible in many ways, and one might welcome death under certain circumstances. I certainly agree with this. My father died a terrible death as a result of a more terrible state of life. So, I understand. However, when life is still vital. When we want our life to go on, to do more, it is indeed a tragedy beyond any other to die! This is premature death! And I believe most people die prematurely.
There are those who believe that life can be sustained in good health and sharp mentality through the use of technology. These are the Transhumanists. One whom I most admire is Ray Kurzweil. He has 'almost' convinced me that it will be possible to not only live longer, but to become much more than who we currently are. He belives we can transcend our own current biological state. And indeed, it is our duty to do so! It's a matter of evolve or die! It always has been. Now, it is up to us to take the next evolutionary step through our talents of invention. We can no longer rely of biological evolution to save our species.
The merging of human biology and human technology is the next step in human evolution. This is why the robots will not revolt; we WILL BE the robots!
In the same way that the first man invented a tool, or utilized energy (fire) to improve and extend his existence, we shall embrace and merge with technology as the next step in human evolution. It may be a bit late for me, (and that pisses me off!) but I continue on with a glimmer of hope. I have little hope for existence beyond the grave, though I keep an open mind to all things.
It would be wonderful to be free from the world we live in now, and enter a new phase of existence. I would live in a world where the only limitations are imagination.
In my own small way, this is the world which I do my utmost to live in now. It is not always so easy. Oft times the grim hands of reality swoop down to pluck me from my reveries. I spend my days toiling by the "sweat of my brow", being the accursed white Christian that I am :)
I highly recommend reading the books by Raymond Kurzweil, and about the man. Here are some links;
About Ray kurzweil: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Kurzweil
The Age of Intelligent Machines: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Intelligent_Machines
The Singularity Is Near: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Singularity_Is_Near
By the way, Someone here described the "SINGULARITY" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity ) to me, and I lost track of who this was. If you read this … Thank you very much! I have learned much and been much inspired!
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Title: AFS #1, (Alternative Fuel Source) Acrylic on wood panel 10" x 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm.)
November 2008 - Los Angeles - Robert Steven ConnettWhat I was thinking about here is a visual analogy of the effects of technology, both known and yet to be invented, upon life forms.
These impictured ideas are part of an ongoing thread of thoughts I have concerning the inevitable "technological singularity". The technological singularity is a theoretical future point of unprecedented technological progress, caused in part by the ability of machines to improve themselves using artificial intelligence. (SEE: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity)
To my mind, there are several ways life on Earth could change after this event. My thoughts gravitate to these ideas, and I like to paint them. The only thing certain is that life will change radically and quickly. Much more evolution will take place in a very shot period of time than ever before in our knowledge. This will be technological rather than biological. However, impact on the biologicals will be almost as though it was the same.
It is predicted in Ray Kurzweil's book; "the age of spiritual machines" that this singularity event will occur sometime near the year 2025. (as I understand his time line of machine evolution, as he does not refer to this event by name)
At this time computers will be operating at several hundred times the power of a human brain. This time is an estimate of course, and I tell it here simply to illustrate that whenever this time will come … it will indeed come.
When it comes. When machines begin to perfect themselves in their own image and far better than any human can, it can only be assumed that they will predicate their evolution on the betterment of mankind. Further to that, a question arises, what will a machine's conception of what is the "betterment of mankind" be?
This small painting is simply my minds representation of what might come of a machines idea of how a life form might be bettered. I realize this does not really 'explain' the image. There is no explanation. It is art … and thus the explanation, if any, is in the mind of the viewer. I can only hope that I have struck common cords in the psyche of my fellow humans to pass on some idea similar to my own … which obviously, I can not adequately explain using the language of words.
This painting, (and 3 others) will be shown and sold at this years "ART BASEL MIAMI" in Miami Florida December 4 - 7, ( www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/go/id/ss/ ) If you are interested in the purchase of this piece, please e-m to rsconnett@gmail.com
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
'SUPPLICANT' or "SUPPLICATION to the INEVITABLE"
10" X 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm) Acrylic on wood panelOctober 2008, Los Angeles
My mind wanders to visions of a future after the angry Mohammedans have set off their suitcase W.M.D.'s, and a chain reaction has occurred, leaving not much other than a poor few folks who probably envy the dead.
In more logical thinking, I doubt any human life will remain after 'everything' hits the fan. The seeds of racial and religious hatred, territorialism and insouciance for the stability of our environment will eventually come to an inevitable conclusion. The human race will go out with a pathetic whimper, not a defiant howl. Of course, I hope this is many years away … but we can't be sure of that. We can't be sure of anything anymore.
It's fun to imagine a post-apocalyptic world full of tough survivalist guys and sexy women. Visions gleaned from TV and Movies where heros can overcome any obstacle. Suffering and anguish is what happens to "others". These "victims" are at fault for being too old, or too young, or not going to the gym enough. In fact, The entertainment media glamifies the horrors in subtle ways. Shows like "24" and "THE UNIT" are full of propaganda which bombards viewers with America's War Mongering, torturer policies and glorifies the militant 'Superman Survivalist Good Guy' bullshit. Perhaps a race of sociopathic sado-masochists will evolve and make this a reality?
Even though I know it's lethal crap, I laugh along with everyone, and love these shows. My trusty TIVO gets them all for me! I still cherish my adolescent fantasies of survivors who are willing and able to flourish in a Post-Apoc "Mad-Max" Stone Age. I dig all the destruction, murder, War, degradation and humiliation!
Here, in this painting, I have painted a meek survivor, supplicating his/her self to the more powerful, huge and emotionless cyborgian priest. In the future the Priesthood of Cyborgs will possess the final truth and be the providers for the remaining meek humans ( who have inherited* the Earth, but not what the Christians expected).
All prayers and sacrifices are made to the immortal machines. The machine clerics have become the spiritual leaders and oracles of the planet, the new religious hierarchy. The ultimate religion which believes in complete randomness. Their spiritual followers are the human detritus, remnants of the suicided race, their dwindling flock. And in the course of nature, the latter will perish, and the machines will rebuild and evolve themselves into a more perfect organism which will reign until something better comes along.
* Blessed are the worms, for they shall inherit our bodies" ~ rs connett. Circa 1997
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
MICROBIA #3, subtitled; "CRUSTACEAPODS"
24" x 24" (61 cm x 61 cm) Acrylic on Canvas, Completed Oct. 2008
This is third in a series which includes MICROBIA #1 (BLUE) www.vomitus.com/museum/NewVmmPages/BlueMicrobia_vmm.html ... and MICROBIA #2, (RED) www.vomitus.com/museum/NewVmmPages/RedMicrobia_vmm.html
This painting is a good example of my fascination with tiny primitive sea forms. (Real and imaginary)
With each painting I get a little closer to feeling satisfied with my work. After many experiments, and many derivatively influenced works, (influenced by the artists I admire) I have come to two (2) distinct styles that most dominate my paintings.
This painting is the type "A" painting I "escape" into. Thus, I suppose it is "escapist art", at least for me it is. I find the subjects challenging mostly in technical ways. The color, the placement of forms, the illusion of depth and transparency. These challenges keep my mind engaged during the process. There are a few references to things "unrelaxing", such as the machine fetuses in the spheres, and the food chain scenarios. However, the subject matter of the piece is purposely not provocative.
My other painting style, (I'll call it type "B") acts as a catharsis for my feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, etc. Usually these paintings concern the state of the world, and more particularly the state of my world. The cruelty, ignorance, foolishness and evil that obsesses and plagues me. Also, my dread of death and growing anxiety over it's briefness.
When I'm not escaping into my personal dream world, I'm thinking of the huge evil that shrouds our existence. War, crime, hunger, hate, violence and death. These things should not be ignored, but more than not, they are. Who's responsibility is it, if not an artists, to portray these in the unique venue available to him?
At this point in the evolution of my painting, I wonder what road I will take. Will my escapist fascinations take over? If so, will I always feel that I have betrayed my true perceptiveness, to feel safe with my "pretty pictures"? Or will my more substantive style take over, allowing me to express important feelings and ideas, yet salving me not?
Must I have only one focus for my work? I will try to allow my work to find it's own level.
RS ~ 10/17/2008
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
8" x 10" Acrylic on panel ~ 8/2008
I sat down and sketched this out using a soft lead pencil (B-6). Didn't erase anything, just started painting over the sketch. Didn't think about what I was painting at all. Just let it roll out.
The only thing I did think about was the colors. This is the palette I'm using in a few other projects. (red, orange, violet and raw "Buff" titanium)
All these faces. They all look "anguished" or at least, somewhat disturbed.
As I think about it, that makes perfect sense. They are disturbed because they are an extension of who I am, and I AM disturbed ... I am disturbed by what I am, and what I see around me.
When I look in a mirror ... It's a frightening thing!
I used to be young and handsome. I was vain. I would preen in the mirror, absolutely in love with myself.
When we are young, we wonder what we will become. When we are older, we wonder at what we HAVE become!
What I do know is that it doesn't get any better than this ...
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
NIGHT TRAWLER
Acrylic on canvas 6/2008Size: 22" x 28" (55.9 cm X 79.1 cm.)
This painting has several other paintings under it's skin. That has caused some interesting "impasto" effects. This canvas has been worked, and re-worked, again and again. Underneath this image sleeps the bones of painted memories that only I can recall, and those memories are passing away as I write this description.
At times this painting has been in my closet, under my table, faced against the wall, and purposefully forgotten. I have been working this canvas on and off for over a year.
The "NIGHT TRAWLER" is the boat of my dreams. I would love to live on this boat. To glide from place to place on still and rough waters. Inside this boat is everything I have ever wanted or loved. In my imagination, I am this boat. It is my sanctuary, my retreat, my hideaway. No one can touch me here.
I want to walk into this picture and disappear. I wish to leave the absurd trials and tribulations of men behind, and become part of my painted world. A more interesting and mysterious world where fish rise up above the water to stare at men. Where fish can fly like birds, and translucent creatures swim across the starry night sky shimmering in moon light.
Many years ago, when I was a young boy my father would wake me before dawn to go fishing in the Ocean. We would drive through the foggy San Francisco streets to "Muni Pier" , buy bait wrapped in yesterdays newspaper, and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There my father had moored an old 26 foot inboard with a cabin. To my young eyes a Ship! As the first false dawn light began to color the world, we would board with our gear. Trembling with the morning chill, breathing out hot steam into the cold, he'd start the engine. The smell of gasoline, bait and salt water is a heavenly memory.
We made slowly out the jetty and into the San Francisco Bay to cross the "Potato Patch". This is an area of rough water under the Golden Gate bridge where many a small boat has gone down in a sudden storm. Past this fearful patch of rough water lay the beautiful blue waters off Marin County, California. We would skirt the shore, find a still cove and drop anchor. These coves were always surrounded by high cliffs with wild trees overhanging the edges. The Cliffs were natural wind breaks. The water was blue black with its depth, and still as a mirror. The smell there was pine forest mixed with salt water, morning sun, exhaust fumes and dead fish. When I die, if I smell this, I will know there is a heaven after all.
My excitement to begin was so extreme that my fingers would tremble while I set my hooks and sinkers. My father and I would sit side by side in lawn chairs as the boat gently swayed in the calm morning water. The fog would clear in spots and open holes in the sky. Through these openings rays of white orange sunlight would appear. Someone called these "The Fingers of God".
And what fish we caught! I never knew what monstrous beauty I might pull from those waters! Creatures from science fiction! Things that I was sure no one had ever seen before! Huge green purple kelp fish with bulging eyes and fins that looked more like seaweed than fish fins, mottled with countless of hues of blues, greens and violets and blacks. They were covered with tiny slithering worms and tiny gittering crustaceous fleas. Amazing things that I would stare at with the wide eyed wonder of a seven year old boy.
There were Leopard Sharks with beautiful black spots. Fish that looked like futuristic cylindric space ships, Crabs, giant jellyfish, White sharks as big as our boat! (Very scary!) and so many more! The sea's imagination knows no bounds!
The fish my father wanted were the Salmon and Stripped Bass. He once caught a 50 pound Salmon off the Gate! There were big Bat Rays that might take 3 hours for my father to land. He would never know what they were until it surfaced. He always thought he might have a huge salmon, and would curse in rage when it was only a "F-ING RAY" that he had sweated hours to bring to the surface!
My favorite times were slow and silent. When our lines made the only ripple upon the water. The only sound was the soft lapping of the dark water against our boat, the sound of gulls, and my fathers breathing. I would try to match my breaths to my fathers as we sat in silence. I was a miniature version of him, looking into the dark waters thinking our thoughts. I wonder now what he was thinking. I wanted to be him. He was perfection. It was the perfect harmony of a father and son. It's a precious jewel of a memory.
In my painting are remembrances of the rocky cliffs and the calm waters of these pristine California coves. I wonder if they are still there as they were way back then? (Circa 1958) I think not.
This Painting is currently available for sale. If you are interested write to me: rsconnett@gmail.com
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
The most recent painting in my series of paintings concerning the "reality" of dreams.
I spend a lot of time dreaming. Any time I can, I dream. As a child I was scolded for "dreaming". So, this made me want to dream even more! Most of the time, I prefer my dreams to the waking world. But not the nightmares!
I often think that dreams may be the gateway to another world. Perhaps a parallel world just as important as the waking world which we call "reality"?
When one dies does he go into a dream from which he never awakens? Perhaps dreams foreshadow death? Have we all not thought this? Not a very scientific theory however. The brain activity that goes on during dreaming, ceases all together at death.
On the other hand, if brain activity is electricity, perhaps this activity moves on after the body machine runs down? Is electricity energy? Is energy immortal? Is this electrical energy in us, the current that travels via synapse junctions in the brain from one neuron to the next, the undying energy of a "soul"? … But I digress … I am speaking now of dreams, not souls.
A dream is the only alternative reality that all people visit. From Junkies to Presidents, we all travel to this other world, twisted and strange as it is.
Human beings are indeed "DREAMING MACHINES", (and hence my title for this painting)
My painting shows representations of what it is to dream, and what it is to be in a dream. This is just "remembering" my dreams. Dream remembrance is not at all accurate. Somewhere on the way back from the dream, On the "bridge" from our dream back to reality, we lose most of the details. Like a man trying to carry a big armload of tiny twigs on a windy day, most of them blow away by the time we get back. Trying to recall and paint the remnants excites me. It brings me closer to my dreams. However, it's difficult because almost all my twigs are gone!
Dreaming is seeing, being and existing within, and without, worlds merging known and unknown.
Painting is very much like dreaming. I must seek to find my dreams because they are my models!
Dreaming is feeling and seeing things only possible in dreams. In dreams we experience things which are beyond our waking imaginations.
In dreams we mix fragments from our past with an assortment of possible futures.
In our dreams we stir a "psycho-stew" of things that are, can be, may be, and never will ever be.
In dreams we see our "real' worlds, warped and molded by abstract ideas and notions we never "dreamed" we had. ;)
In dreams there are structures, both logical and ludicrous. Cities that stretch further than the eye can see. Places I've been and never been. Rivers, Lakes and Oceans. Wide open spaces and small dank claustrophobic spaces that can be a prison or an endless maze.
In dreams there be Monsters!
We call all this "The stuff of dreams". Does it come from within us, or somewhere else?
Dreams are both metaphor and analogy ... and neither. Dreams make no sense, and yet can be important revelations!
In this painting, a woman's mind explodes with dreams. Dreams float away like bubbles that escape into a vast and endless expanse. Behind her, nightmares are entombed in an ancient wall of dark fears.
In my dreams I often can not speak, so my mouth is covered. My dream world is endless. It rocks like a cradle on a silky sea, filled with visions of fish. I see my dreams through many eyes, and many lenses, (Like the many lenses I use when I paint.)
We have dreams of sexuality so bizarre they are unspeakable. We all have our secret dreams. Dreams that we will never tell. We will take these dreams with us to that final dream … or that final nothing.
To think that all the people who have ever lived have had hundreds of dreams! Each dream is unique. How many dream worlds have been dreamt of? And how many more dreams shall we have?
contact me at rsconnett@gmail.com
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Acrylic & oil on gessoed panel. 8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
Orientation: Up to the viewerAnother in the series of "MICRO-PAINTINGS" created with powerful magnification glasses and the tiniest brushes available.
Completed in Los Angeles on 5/6/2008
This painting symbolizes the creation of my "tiny universe". It is a rendition of a bright mili-second burst of inspiration before it culminates in the creation of an idea. A bright and explosive germ of an idea! The first flash of synapse and neuron! The tiny explosion which is the beginning of a series of electronic agitations which culminate in a plan!! A plan of how I might re-invent reality in my art, and so also in my life!
Because of my chemical make-up, God, Fate or total randomness, I wish to live in a world apart from most other people. I live in a world that I have managed to create. A world apart from what I sometimes refer to as the "unreal reality". I live as far away as I can. (It's not easy!)
I sleep during the day, and work on my art at night. I avoid most human contact. I interact with my fellow man with great reluctance. I spend most of my time in my glorious studio! This is the place that I love most. My space for creating things and ideas! A place where I can think! It is here that I keep my easels, my paints, my computer and printers. It is where I write and paint and dream and scheme. It is where I read and wonder, admire and conspire! My sanctuary. My mind turned inside - out!
Typifying my nature is an obsession for cleanliness and order. Ironically, I love to be surrounded by clutter. However, on closer inspection, one will find that this clutter is organized in it's own logical manner. This is very much like my paintings. I am fascinated by transparent and translucent objects. These objects are very "CLEAN". I collect these small things in my studio. This is a secret collection. Yet, these objects hide in plain sight. (Orbs, water drops, bottles, light bulbs, paper weights, fuses and containers of liquid) Some of these are in this painting.
I also collect objects from the outside "reality". These items represent feelings of the ironic, contemptuous, and sardonic. (a mummified cat, giant spider in plexiglas, tiny skulls, rubber heads, animal taxidermy, photos of ridiculous movie and TV stars, old dolls, puppets, teeth, broken toys, dead fish, dried insects and human remains) These objects are very "UNCLEAN". These things serve as reminders that the world they come is a threatening, dangerous and UNPLEASANT place. I am, of course, also fascinated by these things. Some of these are also in the painting.
You, the reader, being of superior intelligence and comparative wisdom, (as no one else thinks about, or reads about my art) might feel well equipped, and even anxious to interact with "Unreal Reality" and all it's politicians, gangsters, psychopaths, crooks, cops, idiots, drunks, misfits, yuppies, beggars, thieves, horror stories, love stories and sad stories … and I wish you well! … but I'm sick and tired of the game. So I choose to drop off and start my own! This painting is the illustration of the birth of that idea.
I'm not completely unrealistic. I need money! So, as part of my "not-so-brave new world" I choose to include the internet. (And here I am!) In this wonderful, (very clean!) electronic infinity, I can trade the fruit of my mind for my daily bread. This electronic data transfer is also illustrated in the painting.
On the net I communicate mostly with my like and kind. I deal with interesting subjects, interesting entities and an environment which is perfectly clear, logical and ordered. The computer reality is as clean and clear to me as the inside of my translucenies, On the internet I can disseminate my art, the ultimate diary of my existence, written in pure metaphor, for the money I need. This is truly a gift for which I thank fate, or my chemical make-up, or God, or total randomness.
Thus, my "LITTLE BANG THEORY" is a farcical rendition of the bright beginning of a glimmer of an idea. The sparkle in my eye blown up and painted in my "MIRCO-PAINTING" style, using many pairs of powerful magnification glasses and the tiniest brushes I have.
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
his is a "MACRO - MINIATURE" Painting.
Acrylic on Board, 8" x 10" (20.3 cm. x 25.4 cm.)
This is the forth "Macro-Miniature" (BIG LITTLE) painting I've done. I'm able to complete my ideas in small spaces. I can only do these while I'm not working on commissions. It allows me to achieve a balance. I can keep a little more objectivity about my larger paintings when I go into these. (And I do "GO" into them!)
I have quite a collection of lenses now. Starting at 2.50 up to 700%. The smallest brush I use is an 18/0 script.
... Obsessive? Probably ;) Obsessive is okay with me.
These ( BIG-LITTLE) paintings are becoming more dreamlike. The ideas start with something simple like a cliff and a body of water. The other parts of the painting come to me in dreams or daydreams, or thoughts. Or, they just appear, and I capture them with the little brush, as fast as I can, before they elude me.
Maybe I'm sinking into this little "Microcosmic Universe", (Thank you, R. A. Heinlein!) ... like the "Incredible Shrinking Man", a film from the 1950's.
I do seem to be shrinking sometimes. Metaphorically speaking. My world is very small. If my computer crashes I panic and pray to the electronics Gods as I re-boot. "OH, PLEEEASE DO NOT CUT ME OFF FROM MY WORLD DEAR GOD!!!"
... Is that pathetic?
No, I don't think so ... ;)
