Apotheosis of the Breeds

I began this series in 2000, shortly after the devastating spread of disease in the European livestock caused the sacrifice of many animals. My intention is to portray a kind of "animal consciousness" that our contemporary society has forgotten. The so called "farm production" breeds, particularly in the Midwest, represent a large part of the economic existence of the heartland. Animals of these breeds are in some part utilized by the entire society.

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The domestic breeds have a long history dating back to the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux. I was fortunate to witness these beautiful and mysterious images when in Spain at Altamira cave. One is struck with the intensity of the vision.

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Joseph Campbell, who spent his life researching cultural tendencies throughout the world, noted this about the relationship of the animals to society; "Earlier civilizations maintained a ritualized respect for the animals that supplied the basics for survival. The animals to be consumed had a status that today is lost and has little meaning in our society."

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The final project will consist of nine separate canvases individually sized to portray a single animal in either profile or frontal display. A predella (an old world device representing small scenes at the bottom of the canvas), will contain a series of silhouettes of the animal. The center will contain a diagramatic illustration of the animal. The intention is to present a personification of this illustration.

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The individual portraits are scaled to size and have an intended chimerical presence. These are not about documentation but affirmation of a spiritual connection all sentient beings share.

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The finished nine pieces should be presented as one unit in the manner of a polyptych.

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