Surreal Visions

Paradise Lost

ARTIST NOTES:

Onlookers watch a play about the end of paradise and, perhaps, the world.

TEXT & SYMBOLS:

John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, recounts the biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan (in the form of a serpent) and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. William Blake’s illustrations of this poem inspired countless artists including Jim Morrison, leader of the rock group, the Doors, who I dedicate this painting to. A man searching for paradise lost can seem a fool to those who never sought the other world. ~Jim Morrison.

MATERIAL NOTES:

This painting is very textured and dimensional, built up from a sea layer of mirror glass to the modeled tree bark, central figures and side columns, to the cutout leaves and birds and adoring figurines.

Dimensions: 37in x 29in

Media: acrylic on masonite, building material, papier mâché, antique mirror, aluminum

Year: circa 1992