Don Quixote meets his Chimera

Don Quixote meets his Chimera
Originally uploaded by rsconnett

Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24" completed January, 2009

This is a long overdue commissioned painting. Actually, it's for a friend of mine who asked me to paint his idea back in 2006. This idea is (loosely) "Don Quixote meets 'his' Chimera".

I've come up with my own "CHIMERA". I've always envisioned a "Chimera" as ones personal demon. That "Bug-a-Boo" that creeps, a hallucinogenic monster. The thing that lays in wait in our minds shadows. It's not the typical representation of the beast with several heads. That was never right for me. I recall reading "Les Miserables", Victor Hugo. In this book, possibly my favorite of all time, Hugo constantly refers to "The Chimeras of men" Meaning the fears that man manufactures. That which embodies fear and evil in his imagination is his "Chimera". Thus,to each man, his own Chimera exists as different and unique. ( "a horrible or unreal creature of the imagination; a vain or idle fancy: He is far different from the chimera your fears have made of him. A fanciful mental illusion or fabrication.")

Since Don Q's mission is to eternally seek and vanquish evil, (An impractical idealist bent on righting incorrigible wrongs), I thought it appropriate that Don Q would "meet" his "Chimera" on the roads he travels seeking the monsters in his imagination.

The faces in the rocks represent the dreams and hallucinations of the intrepid soldier Don Quixote. The precipice which leads down to the swirling waters filled with monsters and dead men betokens his decent into madness.

Christ Portrait #4

Christ Portrait #4
Originally uploaded by rsconnett

This is number #4 in my ongoing series of JC portraits **

8" x 10" Acrylic on wood panel, Jan. 2009

Since childhood I've been exposed to the image of Jesus Christ. Usually bloody, and nailed to a cross. I was told that we is the savior of mankind. I was also told he was the son of God, God himself, and many other conflicting things, including that he does not, and did not, exsist at all.

I have had a long and very serious relationship with this man. I have thought of him often for year upon year. Yet still, I don't know what he is, or if he is anything.

I have spent hours speaking with him, though even as I spoke, I did not know if I was talking to him or to myself. I have an idea that he did exist, yet also ideas that he was created by men to control man.

I think it is good what he, among others, represent, (usually). Something should stand for what we have come to believe is good and noble in us. I think that this is useful.

However, It seems to me that science disputes him. That even common sense dictates that the existence of he as a God is foolishness.

And yet, there is a burning desire in me that wants these "fairy tales" about goodness, and righteousness, and a everlasting soul living beyond this world to be true.

What a shame if all there is to us is this short and mostly superficial life of ours. What a disappointment.

In my home, and in my studio, I have many images of the Christ. Also, Buddha, and other persons said to be inspired from things beyond this short life span.

Even my own father, long dead, I relate to as if he were still alive. I carry on conversations with all of these people. Some would think me mad. And in a way, I must agree. Is it madness to believe in something that is logically and scientifically disputed? Is it mad to believe in magic and miracles? Is it crazy to think that there is anything more to us than this struggle we call our "life"?

If I were to live 1000 years I doubt I could be certain of the most simple question of anything pertaining to life beyond death. Jesus Christ is the symbol that represents all these questions to me.

** I used a picture from an old painting as my reference model. I found it through a google image search. I have no idea who the original artist was. I can't find that reference picture any more, so I do not know to whom to give credit. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks. ~ RS - 1/2009