Riding With The “Inner Self”

Rider in the Night

When you open the creative door to your “inner self” anything may appear. You have to love and accept these images even if they sometimes do not seem to conform to your other works. That is the Creative Process.

For years I have explained to my students that artworks are like babies. You cannot choose the appearance, character traits or personality of your baby …… only love them regardless. You can however give them every assistance to be the best they can be.

Also one of the biggest lessons in art (and life) is to stop being TOO judgemental of our art. Often I have found the works we do not think much of…….other people LOVE. This does not mean letting other people define your art but realizing we are sometimes way too critical for our own good.

Here is new painting that is not like many of my other works and I have contemplated changing (re-working) it for some time. When I showed my wife she was amazed that I would consider such action.

What do you think?

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

“Glorious Depicticus” – Driven by Inspiration

Glorious Depicticus

Sometimes things just happen. Here is another new painting and…………

I would love to tell you this image appeared in a dream and I scrambled out of bed at 3 am to paint it before the image disappeared. That it is a symbolic image from an ancient people …. maybe Rome. And while I was painting it the lights began to flicker and smoke appeared to rise from the corner of the studio. The nearby TV started up for no reason……. and then went silent. Then finally the whole building began to tremble and shake and things fell to the floor. It was an earth shattering moment in my life.

I would love to tell you this.

But as any good political person knows….you do not deny or confirm anything. Instead let me just say this …….I did paint this image and stuff did happen……… the rest is up to you.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

The Silence

The Silence by Burgess 2012 (c)

This is a 6 panel acrylic on board painting overall size 42 x 60 inches or 107 x 152 cms.

Here it is with a black background.

The Silence on Black

I have been reluctant to show this artwork of mine because it does not seem to have a lot going on in it. Well the title The Silence came to me and that changed everything.

The silence should have nothing going on with it. But as I examine this painting and compare it to silence it is buzzing with activity, noise and energy, colour and movement. It is just not as bold as my usual work so maybe it means silence for me.

I’m not sure how The Silence comes across the internet. Maybe you need to be in front of it to get the full effect……….of silence.

Do you find it more silent with a white or black background or is there any difference?

Can we ever be truly silent?

Any thoughts?

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Colour, Movement and Energy

New Painting

This is a new acrylic painting on canvas measuring 104 x 150 cms.

Not titled at present, you are welcome to suggest a title. My initial thought was Memories Of When I Was a Painter.

Maybe….. Excavation 2012. Suddenly it reminded me of a painting Excavation by artist  Willem de Kooning in 1950

It is made up of many of the elements I love including colour, movement and energy.

You are welcome to comment on how this painting makes you “feel” or anything else.

Copyright Burgess (c) All rights reserved.

On Becoming an Artist

The Fighting Temeraire  by J M W Turner

 

 

Norham Castle, Sunrise circa 1845 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851

100TH Post Coming SOON (this is 98th)

How I became an artist.

Upon leaving school I qualified as a Mechanical Engineer but it did not FEEL right. So a search began for what did. Then one wet, cold night in New Zealand I was so profoundly affected after seeing a TV documentary on the life of English landscape/seascape painter and visionary artist  ….J. M. W. Turner….called The Sun Is God. A light turned ON inside me and I committed to becoming an artist even though I had no idea of what was involved. It has been an amazing journey ever since with not one moment of regret.

Of the many thousands of artworks I love, the above by Turner is a real favorite.

I have often wondered why I like it so much. Maybe because it captures so beautifully the delicate transition between the real and the ethereal or maybe the high key colors. Also could it be because he has reduced the image to it’s essence? Light? Any comments?

This was his crowning vision after a lifetime of study, reflection and creating some of the most awesome and dramatic landscapes/seascapes ever. His legacy has been enormous touching the hearts, minds and spirits of people from all over the world.

Like another of my inspirations …. Vincent Van Gogh, what a great contribution to Mankind.

Electric Circus

Electric Circus

Another new work best described as New Media Art.

The titled was inspired by The Electric Circus which was a nightclub and discotheque located at 19-25 St. Marks Place between Second and Third Avenues in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, from 1967 to September 1971. It set out to “play games, dress as you like, dance, sit, think, tune in and turn on,” and its mix of light shows, music, circus performers and experimental theater, the Electric Circus embodied the wild and creative side of 1960s club culture.

Prints available at Saatchi Online http://www.saatchionline.com/art/New-Media-Art-Computer-Art-Electric-Circus/348950/191769/

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

The Seventh Day

The Seventh Day – Red

The Seventh Day – Blue

The Seventh Day – Yellow

These are three new combination artworks. New media Art. Process and change.

And you may be wondering about the title…. What happens on the seventh day?

A Day of Rest. In all cultures and religions the seventh day, whatever day it is recognized as, (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) is a day of rest. Nearly everything is or was closed. This has changed. These days the clear distinction of a day of rest has mostly gone and our new world boasts of being Open 24/7.

Since I love opposites or seeing the world in a new way this artworks reflects this non stop movement and energy. In fact it is anything but rest.

Many people agree with this full on lifestyle of today. Being able to shop, visit places or do things 7 days a week gives us more freedom and opportunity to do what we want… when we want. It has had many benefits.

So when you look at these images I hope they might help you to think of new opportunities, freedom, and the energy to achieve whatever you want in life…. even if it is just….a day of rest.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Roundabout?

Roundabout?

Here’s an image I captured one morning while walking. It is ……… No I won’t tell you what it is. Rather you are welcome to guess what you think it is.

I love random shots which force us to see things in a new way….from a different point of view. I believe anything which gets us out of our familiar, routine ruts and makes us think or feel to enrich our lives is good. I hope that an image such as this does that.

Let me know what you think.

Had to add this photo taken later today which shows the complete bubblegum dispensing machine. I love this photo as it is full of colour, shapes and fun. And the first reply was right. Thanks.

The Bubblegum Dispenser

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Muybridge – A Portrait

Muybridge – A Portrait

Eadweard Muybridge (9 April 1830 – 8 May 1904) was an English photographer important for his pioneering work in photographic studies of motion. His work has had a big influence on artists particularly revealing difficult to see detail of bodies of humans and animals etc. in motion.

So why am I interested in his work?

A definition of motion is “a meaningful or expressive CHANGE in the position of a body”. My art is about CHANGE and the essence of CHANGE so I can easily relate to his work. Everything is changing all the time whether we see it or not.

The definition also happens to mention the expressive nature of change. This is a very important part of my work too. Showing CHANGE as an expressive act.

So with my portrait of this extraordinary man I have attempted to bring together several important aspects of my art. Firstly a tribute to a man of vision, a pioneer. Secondly a reference to the way he changed the way we see the world, like Cezanne, Picasso and others. Thirdly, the nature of change itself. How everything is evolving into something else all the time. And finally the expressive quality of change. How things are always breaking up, reforming, disintegrating and moving to form something new and different.

CHANGE is something many of us resist or are fearful of…. including myself. Often it involves pain. Nobody wants that. Yet to accept it as it really is…….. simply as a necessary part of growth to something new and better, it will transform our lives and help understand and accept the process of change.  (Some may choose the negative attitude of change as worse or decline even though it must eventually lead to renewal). The bottom line is if we do not accept change LIFE will impose it upon us anyway.

Finally and most importantly we have power to influence the direction of the change. My art aims to show this too.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Time and Temperature

Time and Temperature

This is another photo taken with the new camera. I could give you the camera Exif info like Focal Length, Exposure Time, Aperture, ISO Value etc. but frankly I don’t give a damn. All I want is a good image. This one interests me as it is totally not composed. It does not obey the rules of good composition, balance etc. That is why I like it. Structure is thrown out the door. However there is something going on that I like. Truth maybe. Or could it be I just love the new camera and the crystal clear images?

What do you think? ………and can you see or guess what the temperature was?

One thought about this image. This has universal significance.. time and temperature are two things that effect everyone everywhere in the world even in New York which is partly shown on the calendar.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Gold Medals for Artist?

I was amazed to find that Art was part of the Olympic Games in the past. Maybe one day it will return. Here is a little of what I found.

Currently the Olympic Games is all about the PHYSICAL. Could it also include the SPIRITUAL showing how important it is to develope the WHOLE person. I would really appreciate your vote in the poll at the bottom of the post.

“Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games during its early years, from 1912 to 1952. The competitions were part of the original intention of the Olympic Movement’s founder, Pierre de Fredy,Baron de Coubertin. Medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport, divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.

The juried art competitions were abandoned in 1954 because artists were considered to be professionals, while Olympic athletes were required to be amateurs” (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) …… (now that has changed today e.g. Tennis).

Here is another article about it….

When the Olympics Gave Out Medals for Art

Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/When-the-Olympics-Gave-Out-Medals-for-Art-163705106.html#ixzz232xV79IM

 

The Chair That Became a Bridge

The Chair

Before the chair became a bridge it was a chair. Here I tried to show how grand a chair it is. You can see how much it loved this photo shoot. It twisted and turned before finally deciding to become a bridge… at least for a while.

I love it as a chair. It is supportive. It is strong. It has a smooth, warm, honey colored finish. This was a chair that was being thrown away by somebody. They did not see how remarkable it is.

Now it does remind me of another person’s chair. It is very different and he loved it and created a magnificent painting of it. I have always loved it too.

Vincent’s Chair

Well Vincent van Gogh’s chair never turned into a bridge but it did become a very famous chair. At this time I have not attempted to paint my Chair/Bridge. Maybe I will. At least I have a camera which has captured the Chair transforming into a Bridge (my previous post at…..  https://burgessart.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/the-bridge/ .)

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Magic is Revealed

Magic No1 – Light from Above

Since the initial discovery of The Magic Still Life in a Box reports are coming in that reveal the source of it’s amazing magic.

A lady in Toronto Canada reports that upon meditating on it a Higher Light revealed itself from the area of the lampshade at the top of the still life. She thought this was a sign from above. This was confirmed when with just one session of meditation a philanthropic neighbor agreed to pay off her mortgage and she is now debt free.

Horn of Plenty

Another young man in New York said that a virtual Horn of Plenty has opened up to him. His boss gave him a 100% increase in pay, he met the girl of his dreams and won the lottery …….. all in one day!!!!

Yellow Heart

A little girl in London UK says she sees a yellow heart every time she looks at the image and took this photo with her iPhone to prove it. More importantly her mother and father stopped fighting after many years and decided to go on a long family vacation together. This was a big dream of hers.

Symbolism No1

Symbolism No2

Symbolism No3

People all over the world are reporting various symbols which seem to to be attached to this image. Above are just three but many more are coming in. The first links the image to the great magical powers of the pyramids of Egypt. The second, the Number 63 is a little known but very powerful ancient healing number which is said to open the Door of Eternity and give ever lasting life. One of the most bizarre stories is that a map of Australia superimposed over it touches the mid points of all objects.

As you can see there seems to be mounting evidence to prove the magic in this image. I must admit I was a skeptic but it seems that this image really does have magical properties.

Regardless of what happens in the future it is already clear that magic is all around us and all we have to do is OPEN our eyes to find it every day. The world is truly an amazing place and ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Keep watching the Box!!!!

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

The Magic Still Life in a Box

The Magic Still Life in a Box

Here is for the first time …….. the mighty, the extraordinary, the amazing…..           Still Life in a Box.

No it’s not going to escape, turn invisible or something like that. It’s simply “magical”. Why? Because it is. In fact the more you look at it the more it turns on it’s magic. Don’t ask me how or why…. it just does. If you’re lucky you might see it move. Maybe just a little or maybe a lot. If not keep coming back until it does. Another effect is it will make you feel dis-orientated. Then you will know for certain the magic is working.

Now the magic continues when you stop looking at it too. You will find magical things happening in your life like never before. And every time you need a bit more magic in your life just return to this blog and recharge yourself.

Before you tell everyone about this amazing discovery remember……… it was made just for you! To put extra magic in your life.

If you love the magic and want your own print it is available at Saatchi Online

http://www.saatchionline.com/art/Photography-Color-The-Magic-Still-Life-in-a-Box/348950/185852

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Look What I Saw

Look What I Saw

Computers are amazing. How fortunate we are as artists to have them. Leonardo Da Vinci would have loved one. With this work I thank my computer for creating it. My contribution was minimal.

So when I saw the result I was surprised and had to call it ……..the obvious…. “Look What I Saw.”

Anyway for me this is what I call relaxation. Having fun. Light relief. Exploring the possibilities of this fabulous new invention. I remember a comment by the American artist Jasper Johns. Take something … change it….then change it again.

If it effects you please tell me.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Welcome

Welcome

This is a photo montage I did last year. The title “Welcome” comes from the obvious doormat and the chance happening of a mother and child stepping into a bus and being welcomed by the driver.

The setting is the front room of a house with the wall dissolved so you can see what is happening outside as well as inside. It is all put together with my often used grid construction. Many hours of work went into the making of the image.

Since my art is about seeing the world in a new way this image seems to do this.

Wonder if the word welcome came from ……well come…….inside???

You are “welcome” to make any comments.

Copyright Burgess 2011 (c) All rights reserved.

“Two Miles to Heaven…..”

Two Miles to Heaven and Hell is Not in Sight

New painting. Title : “Two Miles to Heaven and Hell is Not in Sight”

Maybe the Heaven and Hell series has just begun.

Guess this one does not look much like approaching heaven. But since I have not been there I do not know. Maybe it is approaching Jackson Pollock’s Heaven? All I know is this painting emerged and the title was presented to me. It may still change. My art is ALWAYS CHANGING. So keep posted and see what happens. (it just changed)

Don’t ask why I posted the following. Things can just burst forth. I believe in honoring and trusting our creative spirit…..the Divine within. Sometimes it may not seem to make sense at the moment (of creation) but it becomes clear over time. Some call it a hunch, gut reaction, intuition, Divine guidance, Higher Self. It does not matter. All that matters is you listen to and obey it. It will not harm anybody because it comes from a source of pure LOVE and therefore should be embraced. It knows only Truth and as it is said………the truth will set you free (it might just seem to take a while).

“Crisp as a doughnut. Small as a flea.

This painting tells you …….a lot about me.”

So I guess it could be called

” Two Miles to Heaven and Hell is Not in Sight – A Self Portrait”

But as someone once said….

What’s in a name? That which we call a painting
By any other name would still just look like paint.  (Thanks Shakespeare)

Now back to the studio to find……. Heaven! (Hell is not in sight)

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

What is beauty?

Portrait of a Beautiful Girl

In my recent blog Portrait of a Beautiful Girl  a very insightful blogger posted the following comment ……….(thanks again John)

“Raw, immediate and courageously gestural – I can’t stop looking at this drawing…”

In replying to his comment it prompted me to think about what is beauty.

“You’re right to add courageously. I am reluctant to show such images as many will be shocked by them…including myself. But, as you know, as artists we must be true to whatever comes from within.
My way of understanding this is to think of a beautiful tree with colorful blossoms and elegant foliage for all to see. Below is an intricate roots system which to many may be considered ugly compared to what is above. But it is only our perception of beauty. It is all the same tree and and must be loved and appreciated as such.
All beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Below is a painting Under the Jacaranda 1903 by R. Godfrey Rivers  Queensland Art Gallery Australia

Tree Roots

Further thoughts : We are all made up of many parts…some regarded as beautiful and others….well not so. But that is our perception based on what we have learnt – IT CAN CHANGE if we are open to it.
Different cultures have distinct ideas about what is beautiful and it can change over time.

Life is about CHANGE and the way we see the world……….the way we see and “feel” beauty!

Any comments welcome.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

The Visitors

The Visitors by R. J. Burgess (BURGESSART)

New drawing. Drawing is my passion. Love it and have always done so. I know my drawing can be weird and unusual at times. That’s just what happens as I am drawing.

This drawing is now listed on Saatchi Online for sale as a print

http://www.saatchionline.com/art/Drawing-Charcoal-The-Visitors/348950/182179/view

Any comments are always welcome.

New York Show

Part of a New York Show

More reflections. This was part of a New York show I had in the nineties. I have continued to work in these formats (as well as others) but the works have changed a lot.

This side of my work is all about CHANGE and EVOLUTION. How things are always evolving into something else. How each part makes up the WHOLE while still maintaining it’s own integrity (greatness). Maybe a bit like how we fit into our community, country or world. We all make up the WHOLE. The Rowers shown recently is a newer work.

There is another side of my art which I am sharing mostly on my Pictify account. Link is http://pictify.com/user/Burgessart

This my fiery EMOTIONAL side where I allow instinctive raw emotions to express without censorship or editing. The squares are also the result of this energy but they are more focused, disciplined and contained.

Working in isolation has many benefits and has allowed me to explore lots of ideas and techniques etc. Also allowed me time for clarification and reflection for which I am most grateful.

Here is a larger image of the main painting shown above. It was 48 inches x 72 inches in size.

NY Painting

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

ONE

ONE

ONE – Meaning

In NY I did a lot of number drawings and paintings. Here is a version of ONE and a few thoughts about the number at the time.

I know it’s a bit heavy….but I just share what comes out of me. Maybe I should add now.

ONE is a good cup of coffee in the morning!

 

 

 

 

Studio by the Sea

Studio by the Sea

I produced this painting last year. It is about 5ft x 8ft in size and was going to be entered into a competition but it never got there. Offers over $1,000,000.00 are welcome.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Discovering Another Still Life

Discovering Another Still Life

Although my work can seem very different at times it is all related in some way. Still Life is a continuing concern for me… a bit like Cezanne. Discoveries are always made. I think Matisse and others are somewhere in there too. I pay homage to them all.

Copyright Burgess 2012 (c) All rights reserved.

Turner, Monet and Twombly

Turner, Monet and Twombly

Here are 3 Major Artists who are and were ahead of their times. Visionaries in every way. I had to share this with you.

Please click on the link below to see a Tate Video on the show.

http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/video/tateshots-three-champions-turner-monet-twombly-0

 

The Journey….”The Red Balloon” – JNo12

The Red Balloon – A New Beginning

When I awoke I found myself on another plateau.

Nothing in sight in all directions. But it did not matter. I was different now……somehow.

All my fears had gone. I only felt….JOY!

Why? What had happened to me?

I could not remember anything except for an overpowering thought…….

“EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS WITHIN YOU.”

This seemed to give me peace in a way I had NEVER known.

Then I asked myself …what do I need now? Answer…..I need to leave this place.

So I sat down feeling relaxed and at peace.

A little while later I heard a dull sound in the distance. It was a huge red balloon coming towards me.

And so ended my magnificent journey.

The ending of this journey was indeed……. a New Beginning……. IN EVERY WAY!

Should you wish to start the journey from the beginning please go to  

Discovery – A Journey Into the Unknown – JNo1

About The Journey…… this is an actual journey I am experiencing right now. It began with a painting and I have no idea where it might be leading. The discoveries I am making are REAL but they are coming from my artworks. These are all new artworks and they are REALLY amazing me …. I hope you are enjoying them too.

All rights reserved. Copyright Burgess 2012- 2013 (c)

Castles are going cheap these days!

Today I felt like a new theme change. Hope you like it. It seems easier to read and navigate. Also I like my new small studio – left wing entrance shown at the top of the page. Castles are going cheap these days.

Any thoughts/comments are welcome.

Water Bullet

Water Bullet

Art is all around us. Dodged this bullet this morning but managed to snap a photo of it. If only ALL bullets were filled with water!

The Journey…..”The Cracked Egg” – JNo11

The Cracked Egg

As I approached the sphere it started pulsing, increasing as I got nearer. It dazzled me with its splendor.

When I was close enough to touch it a giant crack appeared before me.

Then I realized… this was an egg not a sphere.

Soon the crack was large enough for me to enter.

It felt safe and welcoming. So I entered and as I looked around I noticed……. the entrance was quickly sealed.

The en Light en meant

Knowledge and awareness began flooding into my mind.

The first most powerful thought was….you have entered the egg to be reborn!

What?………Things come out of eggs to be born not go into them!

This thought rocked me to my soul.

Then even more amazing…..finally you have returned, now your transformation can begin!

I knew there was no escape but somehow I did not want to.

I was ready to embrace whatever was about to happen.

About The Journey…… this is an actual journey I am experiencing right now. It began with a painting and I have no idea where it might be leading. The discoveries I am making are REAL but they are coming from my artworks. These are all new artworks and they are REALLY amazing me …. I hope you are enjoying them too.

All rights reserved. Copyright Burgess 2012 – 2013 (c)

The Journey….”The Big Sphere” – JNo10

The Big Sphere

It seemed like eternity as I fell.

My life flashed before me……. I demanded I can’t die now. I have not done what I set out to do.

Then SPLASH….I hit water. It was warm as I sank below the surface.

I opened my eyes and found I was immersed in a purple sea with suggestions of red rocks appearing far below.

Quickly running out of air I was amazed to find I could breathe. This liquid was not like anything I had ever known before.

I could turn freely, and breathe easily and still be supported. More like colored air which behaved like water.

This was something completely new.

Each step of my journey was changing my previously held beliefs…. now anything was possible!

As I tried to take all this in I was jolted by another awesome vision …..

a huge multi colored, patterned sphere appeared before me with a pulsing yellow glow from its center.

I was memorized by its beauty and slowly moved towards it.

By now fear seemed irrelevant…only wonder prevailed and I decided to embrace it all.

About The Journey…… this is an actual journey I am experiencing right now. It began with a painting and I have no idea where it might be leading. The discoveries I am making are REAL but they are coming from my artworks. These are all new artworks and they are REALLY amazing me …. I hope you are enjoying them too.

All rights reserved. Copyright Burgess 2012 – 2013(c)

The Journey….”The Blue Passage” – JNo9

The Blue Passage

Just when it seemed I would perish in The Tomb the huge rock doors slowly began to move apart.

Obviously the parchment requirements were fulfilled by a generous blogger and I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

As I moved through the doors a long blue passage way appeared.

It was narrow but well lit and I could again see strange makings along its sides.

They did not seem to be symbols but crude attempts at painting figures or abstraction.

Puzzled I continued but could not help running my hands all over the smooth blue walls.

They felt so good.

As I neared the end of the corridor the floor fell away below me and I found myself falling,…..falling……….falling.

About The Journey…… this is an actual journey I am experiencing right now. It began with a painting and I have no idea where it might be leading. The discoveries I am making are REAL but they are coming from my artworks. These are all new artworks and they are REALLY amazing me …. I hope you are enjoying them too.

All rights reserved. Copyright Burgess 2012 – 2013(c)