Posts (page 2)
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
"I WANT TO BE A SPACESHIP #1"
8" x 10", Acrylic on wood panel, February 11, 2009The complete title: "I want to be a spaceship so I can fly the hell out of here!"
What I think about very often, and certainly something that inspired and influenced this work, is my daydreams of somehow escaping this life for a better, more fulfilling one. This is why I want to be a Spaceship.
Silly thought? True … Would I dream as much as I do if I were content with life as it is? Is contentment the object of life? Happiness? Or are we here to suffer and like it? These questions are examples of why religion was invented. Life is so disagreeable that people had to invent justifications for the savage conditions of survival. Thus, religions were born. Religion is slowly becoming obsolete. Too much science exists for many people to have faith in God and deities who control every flake of dandruff falling from our heads. The replacement is technology, and in effect, the computer chip is the new God. And when we become computers, (which we already are, "Bio-Computers") we will become like God.
What does this have to do with my painting? Not much, … well … except this; The only way I will ever actually become a spaceship is to augment my physical body with technology enough to sustain my life long enough to reach a time in which space travel exists. I can then transform myself into a spaceship using nanobot technology, or whatever else is invented. THEN, I could actually BE a spaceship and get the hell off this rock! However, by that time, I may find life pleasant enough, and find myself having power enough, (which is what I lack now, and one BIG reason I am dissatisfied) to be happy and satisfied with myself … because by then I would have reinvented myself AS God! … WOO-HOO!
So, this painting is indeed a little piece of a daydream. Symbolic, metaphorical, and allegorical of my dreams. You might say this is "my religion" This is my hope for an existence beyond this short life span. In my hopeful opinion, this can all be made real by extending this life rather than believing the dogma of an afterlife like that proposed in many religions.
These ideas are probably getting under the skins of those who still believe in Christ, Allah, Buddha or whatever God. However, I DO TOO!!! I'm hedging my bet! So please don't bother sending me any letters about how Jesus is the only thing that is going to save me because if he will, he already has! I am not atheistic, though perhaps I fall into the definition of agnostic. That is simply because I DO NOT KNOW. I can't seem to have "blind faith" in these things.
But who cares? I hope it's true that Jesus loves me because there sure aren't many others!
I know for sure is that I look into a mirror and see something that I have been led to believe is "me". What this "me" "is", IS what I am confused about. There are too many definitions that seem to be in conflict with one another. I am most certainly in the dark about what this mass of water, guts, blood, bone, goop and puss is doing blubbering and blundering around on this ball of dirt. What is the point? Just to consume living material and crap it out to feed a new generation of living material and eventually die myself and be eaten and decompose for the sake of ongoing living and dead existence only!? To continue to procreate and evolve for the sake of evolution and existence?
Well, I don't know, and this is getting boring so THANK GOD I can dream! So far, that seems the most worthwhile thing I do … Just keep dreaming.
More soon - RSC - 2/11/2009
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24" completed January, 2009
This is a long overdue commissioned painting. Actually, it's for a friend of mine who asked me to paint his idea back in 2006. This idea is (loosely) "Don Quixote meets 'his' Chimera".
I've come up with my own "CHIMERA". I've always envisioned a "Chimera" as ones personal demon. That "Bug-a-Boo" that creeps, a hallucinogenic monster. The thing that lays in wait in our minds shadows. It's not the typical representation of the beast with several heads. That was never right for me. I recall reading "Les Miserables", Victor Hugo. In this book, possibly my favorite of all time, Hugo constantly refers to "The Chimeras of men" Meaning the fears that man manufactures. That which embodies fear and evil in his imagination is his "Chimera". Thus,to each man, his own Chimera exists as different and unique. ( "a horrible or unreal creature of the imagination; a vain or idle fancy: He is far different from the chimera your fears have made of him. A fanciful mental illusion or fabrication.")
Since Don Q's mission is to eternally seek and vanquish evil, (An impractical idealist bent on righting incorrigible wrongs), I thought it appropriate that Don Q would "meet" his "Chimera" on the roads he travels seeking the monsters in his imagination.
The faces in the rocks represent the dreams and hallucinations of the intrepid soldier Don Quixote. The precipice which leads down to the swirling waters filled with monsters and dead men betokens his decent into madness.
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
This is number #4 in my ongoing series of JC portraits **
8" x 10" Acrylic on wood panel, Jan. 2009
Since childhood I've been exposed to the image of Jesus Christ. Usually bloody, and nailed to a cross. I was told that we is the savior of mankind. I was also told he was the son of God, God himself, and many other conflicting things, including that he does not, and did not, exsist at all.
I have had a long and very serious relationship with this man. I have thought of him often for year upon year. Yet still, I don't know what he is, or if he is anything.
I have spent hours speaking with him, though even as I spoke, I did not know if I was talking to him or to myself. I have an idea that he did exist, yet also ideas that he was created by men to control man.
I think it is good what he, among others, represent, (usually). Something should stand for what we have come to believe is good and noble in us. I think that this is useful.
However, It seems to me that science disputes him. That even common sense dictates that the existence of he as a God is foolishness.
And yet, there is a burning desire in me that wants these "fairy tales" about goodness, and righteousness, and a everlasting soul living beyond this world to be true.
What a shame if all there is to us is this short and mostly superficial life of ours. What a disappointment.
In my home, and in my studio, I have many images of the Christ. Also, Buddha, and other persons said to be inspired from things beyond this short life span.
Even my own father, long dead, I relate to as if he were still alive. I carry on conversations with all of these people. Some would think me mad. And in a way, I must agree. Is it madness to believe in something that is logically and scientifically disputed? Is it mad to believe in magic and miracles? Is it crazy to think that there is anything more to us than this struggle we call our "life"?
If I were to live 1000 years I doubt I could be certain of the most simple question of anything pertaining to life beyond death. Jesus Christ is the symbol that represents all these questions to me.
** I used a picture from an old painting as my reference model. I found it through a google image search. I have no idea who the original artist was. I can't find that reference picture any more, so I do not know to whom to give credit. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks. ~ RS - 1/2009
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
