the sins of the fathers
oil on canvas
28" x 25"
2005
private collection
i was first inspired to do this painting in looking at the marvelous fabric work of the turban, which was what was first started on. after completing the portrait, i began layering in the background, and became intrigued in seeing it overlapping the face, so i chose to use the pattern in a linear form over the face, which not only serves as a device to shatter the illusion of depth, it also calls to mind maori tattoos. the title sins of the fathers comes from the old testament (as well as shakespeare), and deals with the idea of the consequence of action. the title is also relevant in an personal way, with van eyck being an "artistic father." the apples serve as metaphors for knowledge, and the word vision, having several defintions, questions the idea of gaining knowledge.
oil on canvas
28" x 25"
2005
private collection
i was first inspired to do this painting in looking at the marvelous fabric work of the turban, which was what was first started on. after completing the portrait, i began layering in the background, and became intrigued in seeing it overlapping the face, so i chose to use the pattern in a linear form over the face, which not only serves as a device to shatter the illusion of depth, it also calls to mind maori tattoos. the title sins of the fathers comes from the old testament (as well as shakespeare), and deals with the idea of the consequence of action. the title is also relevant in an personal way, with van eyck being an "artistic father." the apples serve as metaphors for knowledge, and the word vision, having several defintions, questions the idea of gaining knowledge.