Becoming Human

Defining elements in the Becoming Human paintings are: sculptural, a human figure between a bird and a tortoise or turtle. The bird represents our free will and higher thought. The turtle represents our reptilian brain. The figure, itself usually incomplete, is a way of seeing ourselves in the tension between the two. The painted components are both abstract and realistic. They work together with the sculptural to become a whole. A band across the painting indicates our presence on the pathway of life or journey of the spirit. Each of the combines is mixed media, primarily acrylic on wood panel. Sculptural components are made of wood, bone, ivory, metal and found objects. They all work together to become an aid to understanding the process of becoming more human.