THE AGE OF MAN (2017) Oil and Goldleaf on triptych panel 16 x 11 inches
It is a new year and
like all years, we often think and plan our resolutions. Year after year we may
start to notice most of these fail. Bad habits are hard to break and as soon as
we start adding more to a list of things to change, we inevitably make it harder
to focus on our goal. After trying out different work schedules and thinking
about all the problems in the world I started to see a connection between the
one thing that I could improve within myself and if we all set our minds and
will to it, change the world for the better. As an artist I'm often thinking
about relations and correspondences between the macro and micro and finding
ways to address a whole spectrum of issues with one simple step. The step I'm
talking about is Self-Control.
HEBE (2014) Oil and gold leaf on panel 18 x 24 inches
The Dunedin Multidisciplinary
Health and Development Study, conducted in New Zealand, followed the
lives of 1037 children since the day they were born to their thirties. The
study revealed that one of the most important factors for successful and
healthy life was the ability to manage and control behaviors and emotions in
order to reach a long term goal. According to the study, Self-Control played
an even greater role than intelligence or social status in determining success
in the lives of many of these children. The study is important because it
not only it can be a predictor of mental emotional and physical health but it
also sheds light on how to change bad habits and lead healthier lives. If you
wish to read more about this study, check out the marshmallow test. The results
and insights are mind blowing. There is a very good documentary series that
covers it : Predict My Future: The Science of
Us.
TEMPUS FUGIT (2014) Oil and metal leaf on panel 36 x 31 inches
Imagine a world where
corporate greed, consumerism, crime, addictions and all other vices in society
can be managed and controlled. Just think of a president that cannot control
his impulse to tweet a taunt that could have devastating nuclear consequences
for the world and you'll soon realize how important self-control really is. In
the middle ages people were familiar with the Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony, Rage, Sloth,
Avarice, Envy, Lust and Pride. With Temperance (self-control) all of
these excesses could be dissipated. In 2008-09 I worked on a series of paintings
exploring these themes. Almost ten years later I now see Temperance as the most
important virtue to attain. Think of the other three virtues: Strength,
Prudence and Justice. In order to be strong, prudent and just, one must first
temper (moderate) one's owns weaknesses, impulsiveness and prejudices.
OUR DAILY BREAD (2016) Oil on canvas 36 x 60 inches
To have self-control is
to be self-disciplined. To be self-disciplined is to know oneself and tame the
beast within. This is key to anything from losing weight, to changing bad
habits and becoming a master at your craft. So instead of having a long list of
resolutions for this year, consider focusing on one thing, just one thing:
Self-Control. Once achieved and with a mindful set of balanced activities in
daily life, everything else will fall into place. As Buddha would once say:
" The true master lives in truth, in goodness and restraint, Non-violence,
moderation and purity".
Private Collection
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