Pass the Light

 In the world of art, sometimes the most incredible creations come from unexpected places. Such is the story of my latest piece, "Pass the Light," which I painted on a canvas roll. This particular canvas had a unique twist to it – I decided to use the unprimed side, setting the stage for an artistic adventure filled with surprises.  At first, I had no clear direction in mind. I began by using black paint and employed a dry brush technique to craft the background. Initially, this canvas served as a palette for wiping my brushes and catching leftover splashes of paint from other projects. Little did I know that it would become a canvas of inspiration. 

 My muse for this artwork was an intriguing quote I had stumbled upon: "Burn the ships; take the island." This phrase, with its dark historical origin, held a metaphorical power that resonated deeply with me. It spoke of giving your all to a cause, of letting go of the safety of retreat. This concept took root in my mind, and soon, it found its way onto my canvas.  

The central image of "Pass the Light" is a ship engulfed in flames, with a relaxed skeleton observing the fiery spectacle from the shoreline. The skeleton's demeanor carries an air of contentment, as if it understands the profound wisdom behind the burning ship – sometimes, to move forward, we must let go of the past. 

 Amidst the artistic tapestry of this painting, I added a subtle yet powerful detail: small tally marks. These tiny symbols represent the discipline and consistency required to conquer our dreams. Each mark stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication it takes to achieve greatness. Beyond the ship, skeleton, and tally marks, the artwork features several intriguing elements that add layers of meaning. A lit match, a bull's eye, the numbers 777, and a poignant poem all weave together to create a narrative that invites viewers to delve deeper into their own reflections. 

Now, let me share the poem that adds depth to this artwork.

burn the ship,

take the island,

I’ve been a pacifist 

my whole life but this

time I choose violence 

inside me, there’s rage,

inside me, there are riots.

sometimes there’s peace,

sometimes it’s quiet.

awareness is a gift,

I use it for guidance.

I’ll take all that is left,

& use it to fuel the fire.

 The title of this piece, "Pass the Light," carries an additional layer of significance with its Spanish subtitle, "El Fuego de un Campeón," which translates to "The Fire of a Champion." It embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is strength within us to forge ahead.

“Pass the Light” is more than just a painting; it’s a visual story of transformation, of finding inspiration in unexpected places, and of embracing the courage to move forward. It’s a testament to the power of art to convey deep emotions and profound lessons. As I look at this canvas, I’m reminded of the words that sparked its creation – “Burn the ships; take the island.” May this artwork inspire you as it has inspired me, to give your all and embrace the journey ahead, even when it means leaving the safety of the past behind.