MUD
Robert William Service (1874-1958)
Mud is Beauty in the making,
Mud is melody awaking;
Laughter, leafy whisperings,
Butterflies with rainbow wings;
Baby babble, lover's sighs,
Bobolink in lucent skies;
Ardours of heroic blood
All stem back to Matrix Mud.
Mud is mankind in the moulding,
Heaven's mystery unfolding;
Miracles of mighty men,
Raphael's brush and Shakespeare’s pen;
Sculpture, music, all we owe
Mozart, Michael Angelo;
Wonder, worship, dreaming spire,
Issue out of primal mire.
In the raw, red womb of Time
Man evolved from cosmic slime;
And our thaumaturgic day
Had its source in ooze and clay . . .
But I have not power to see
Such stupendous alchemy:
And in star-bright lily bud
Lo! I worship Mother Mud.
POEMS
Classic Poetry Series, Poem Hunter, 2016, pp.456
requiem for america
Requiem for America is a photographic tribute to America's Industrial Legacy, A stunning portfolio that offers a visually arresting and emotionally resonant exploration of a pivotal era in American history. Focused on the Rustbelt and Textile regions, this meticulously curated collection provides a heartfelt look into a time marked by towering factories, bustling steel mills, the rhythm of textile production, and the beloved Mom-and-Pop stores that served as the heartbeat of countless communities.
"Requiem for America" dives into the iconic past of Bethlehem Steel and other landmark industries, celebrating their significant impact on the nation's economic and cultural landscape. Through evocative imagery, the book honors the emigrants families—our unsung heroes and heroines—whose resilience and dedication were instrumental in shaping an age of modern America.
Each act of this portfolio captures the grandeur and human stories behind the factories and mills, reflecting the rich and shared heritage of this transformative period. From historic textile mills to where steel is king to enduring mom-and-pop stores, Requiem for America conveys the essence of an era where community and industry were intricately woven together to create a unique and vibrant legacy.
a visual ballad in four acts
ACT IV ALCHEMY
ARTIST STATEMENT
Throughout its history, alchemy has evolved from a mystical and philosophical pursuit into the more empirical science of chemistry, but its legacy continues to influence modern thought and spirituality.
In this photographic series I explore the dual nature of alchemy—both material and spiritual. On the material side, it examines the transformation of objects through changes in their chemical structure. Only the alchemist who holds the secret formula can turn lead into gold, thus achieving immortality. This notion extends to modern inventors and pioneers in fields like technology and cryogenics On the spiritual side, alchemy symbolizes an inner journey of self-discovery, seeking to reveal the “spark of light” present in all creation. This quest involves the integration of the Anthropos, or the divine essence within us, fostering a profound transformation toward enlightenment and redemption
In this reference. alchemy serves as a compelling metaphor for the human experience, highlighting the connection between external transformation and internal growth. The alchemical journey invites individuals to reflect on their own paths toward enlightenment, deepening their understanding of their relationship with the universe and the divine. This personalized process allows for the emergence of true eternal divinity, empowering individuals to reach their highest potential and attain a form of immortality that transcends the physical realm. It also raises questions about the future of humanity, particularly in relation to transhumanism, where the merging of human consciousness with AI challenges our notions of identity and existence
Alchemy, Stanza I - V
ARTIST STATEMENT
prologue
Throughout its history, alchemy has evolved from a mystical and philosophical pursuit into the more empirical science of chemistry, but its legacy continues to influence modern thought and spirituality.
In this photographic series I explore the dual nature of alchemy—both material and spiritual. On the material side, it examines the transformation of objects through changes in their chemical structure. Only the alchemist who holds the secret formula can turn lead into gold, thus achieving immortality. This notion extends to modern inventors and pioneers in fields like technology and cryogenics On the spiritual side, alchemy symbolizes an inner journey of self-discovery, seeking to reveal the “spark of light” present in all creation. This quest involves the integration of the Anthropos, or the divine essence within us, fostering a profound transformation toward enlightenment and redemption
In this reference. alchemy serves as a compelling metaphor for the human experience, highlighting the connection between external transformation and internal growth. The alchemical journey invites individuals to reflect on their own paths toward enlightenment, deepening their understanding of their relationship with the universe and the divine. This personalized process allows for the emergence of true eternal divinity, empowering individuals to reach their highest potential and attain a form of immortality that transcends the physical realm. It also raises questions about the future of humanity, particularly in relation to transhumanism, where the merging of human consciousness with AI challenges our notions of identity and existence
PIGMENT PRINTS
Details
Composed of one hundred-sixty-four pigment ink photographs, This visual ballad is presented across four acts of forty images, arranged in ten four-line stanzas following a ABCB rymithic pictorial theme. One photograph from each act was selected as a representative, serving as the hook or key visual introduction to that act.
This collection includes 24 x 36 inch archival pigment prints on Hahnemühle Baryta paper, available in a Limited Edition each priced at $1,250.00. All prints are signed, numbered, and dated by the artist on print verso. Additionally, custom-sized one-off prints, both larger and smaller, are available, as well as an Artist Four Print Edition. Please inquire for more details..
Prints are released in an edition of 5, plus one A/P master print held by the artist. (AP + Ed. 1/5 )..
