I have been working on a new series for a number of weeks that I am refering to as "Contemporary Icons". In this series I have been tackling spiritual themes by focusing on three primary symbols: circle, crown of thorns and the cross. I believe that I have a long way to go with this series and here is why. Since they are "contemporary" in nature, I am trying to use mark making that is energetic, aesthetically appealing, but also spontaneous.  However, I do not want these themes to seem degraded, or in anyway used as "gimics". These pieces are meant to be both visually appealing but also spiritually startling; initiating reflection, contemplation. Reproductions of this series are tough as I want people to be up close and personal, touching them and seeing the depths of color and texture. I have included a detail of "Crown", which is a 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas so the viewer can take in the various levels of mark making that went in to this painting.

Rob