These paintings and titles are by
Nathan Jalani Taylor, a young man I used to work with back in the days when he still rocked a day job to pay the bills. Now he's doing his art, really doing it, and I'm so proud of him. Many of his paintings are like intricate stained-glass mosaics, vivid and afrocentric, often with a central figure that for me evokes the divine. There's something vaguely religious about these paintings, nothing overt, just a feeling that begins to touch you when you look at several pieces at once. And then there is the series above, so ethereal and otherworldly, elongated paint threads that make me think of a communion of souls, interconnected and arching towards the sky, the galaxy, the space dark sun. For me as a viewer, they are a supportive web of spirits, facilitating dreams, hearts of fire, complicated human sorrow, abiding love. I really do feel all that when I look at these paintings. Nate, my friend, I knew you when.
How vivid these are, like illustrations for the best science fiction ever written. The perspective gives the feeling that we are being observed by these exceptional beings, benevolently.
ReplyDeleteWow these are awesome! Delicate and powerful at the same time.
ReplyDeleteMarylinn, i'm so glad you enjoy them. I've been wanting to put up some of these paintings for a while.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, coming from such an artist as you are, this is high praise! i think he's really something special and very committed.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful and I'd agree that there's something deeply spiritual about them as well -- I think I'd see that if you hadn't pointed it out! I especially like the ones titled Soul Portal and The Other Side. They resonate with me -- something about the barely there peering into another world.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, i talk too much. it is true no words are needed. except, i am so glad you come by here.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. So bittersweet. I think I could look at these for a very long time and see something deep and wonderful with each passing moment.
ReplyDeleteHow is your dear aunt doing?
Hugs and love,
Debbie
Debra, you just gave me chills by asking about my aunt. she was taken to the hospital this morning. i just came from there. you are so tuned in. bless you, dear friend, for asking about her, for thinking about her. love to you.
ReplyDeletei will probably post an update soon, but i have some processing to do first...
Angella, this is really beautiful work, and the kind of writing that reminds us we are all of us, humble bloggers or no, important voice, even when words are insufficient. I'm grateful to have found you.
ReplyDeleteAngie at Eat Here
Angela, i love this work too. and i love seeing you here.
ReplyDeleteOh Angella, my kindred spirit. I am so sorry to hear that your beautiful aunt is in the hospital, yet again. She often enters my mind, as do you. I hold you both very close in my prayers. Post an update if you feel up to it, I know how hard the words sometimes are to find. We love them so much. So deeply. Just know that I am here, offering love and prayers and support.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you ever need an ear, I am only an email away.
Big hugs.