Out of the Cave…
… and into the Deep

To kick off this new discussion series, there felt like no better place to start than a trio of ink collages titled “Out of the Cave”, “Sisyphus”, and “Into the Deep”. Each piece alludes to different dimensions of self-actualization, the hero’s journey, and the ongoing need to let go of limiting ideas. The following pieces are presented in the order they were created and the sequence in which I generally see the ideas unfolding. However, these pieces could also represent a nonlinear path from one to the other and then a hop and a skip over one and back again. I always try to leave room for the trickster to play.

“Out of the Cave”

“Out of the Cave” is a nod to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and the ideas of Joseph Campbell. This piece explores the momentous feeling of stepping away from the shadows and embracing the call of the Hero’s Journey. This may represent a call to a single life-changing event or a series of smaller events or necessary shifts that occur periodically through our lives.

“Sisyphus”

“Sisyphus” explores the never-ending absurdity of life and its eternal propulsion of creativity. Even though the act of pushing forward can often feel mundane, the evolution (or revolution) is continually leading somewhere new.

“Into the Deep”

“Into the Deep” explores the act of diving into the unknown – charting new life paths, exploring the inner self, or questioning the broader mysteries of the universe – all require a leap into the dark.

Process Spotlight

Each of these pieces is made up of multiple cut layers. I use free flowing painting techniques with ink to create organic texture and tone transitions. For example, “Out of the Cave” consists of three painted pieces that have been assembled after painting. The cave section was layered over the opening of the cave to create a pop of contrast between the dark cave and the brighter horizon. The person is also a separate layer of similar tone to the cave, alluding to the imprint of their time inhabiting the cave prior to this pivotal moment.

Closing Thoughts & Questions

• What comes to mind or resonates with you when you think about your own experiences pursuing a calling, navigating the cyclical nature of life, or diving into an unknown?
• Is this something you can look back on in retrospect, something currently in progress, or something you are aspiring toward? Or all the above?

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