Collectively, the four pieces in this series represent what I call the ‘socially acceptable mental illnesses'; those false ideas and ideals that we’ve been programmed into accepting, through which we assure our own misery and downfall. They are not intended to be direct representations of the horsemen of Revelation, nor interpretations of the biblical descriptions; however, each piece could maybe be considered a muddled version of their combined dominions. Each contains the seeds of the others--ultimately they all ride together. My vision of the modern apocalypse is that we are being conditioned into destroying ourselves and each other; psychologically manipulated for generation after generation; our heads filled with so many rubbish ideas for such a long time that we can’t separate ourselves from the allure of it for long enough to realize that it’s all garbage rooted in death.
More than half of the materials used to create them is recycled or upcycled--things destined for the trash, purchased from charity thrift shops, leftover from previous projects, or picked up on my walks in the woods. The deer skulls were all found in the wilderness. They are stuffed with Genuine Scapolite, Magnesium Ore, Sardonyx, Opal, Nantan Meteorite, Aquamarine, Iolite, Pietersite, and Chrysotile; as well as a blend of herbs. Purchased new materials include paint, glue, cotton thread, and some of the ribbons. The stands are made from upcycled 1950’s encyclopedias and drift wood. This is piece 4 of 4. Measures over 2-1/2 feet tall! Includes a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. Shipping and insurance is included.
"We crucify those who speak uncomfortable truths--pearls of wisdom that don’t jive with our delusions; but no matter how illogical, if it brings us any pleasure or joy then its validity is unquestionable. How could you be so unconscionable as to debate what I said was fact? It’s us versus them, our team versus their team, our party versus their party, always our side versus their side; somebody is not as good or as worthy as we are, somebody is out to get us--divisions made in the name of tolerance. It all turns into your thoughts versus you--no substance and no ‘off’ switch either. All because that’s what we’ve been told to do. Oh yes, you’ve been programmed too. “Calling all victims and martyrs!” (*everyone raises their hand.) We crucify each other, and in doing so we crucify our True Self. Life built on lies brings its own slow demise."