Sparks #18

In Sparks, the elemental forces that shape our universe become visible catalysts for igniting the spirit present within us all: the brilliance of light, the grounded stability of earth, the fluid vitality of water, the expansive freedom of air, and the fierce power of fire. These physical elements are conduits for the ceaseless flow of energy at the core of human experience, persisting across life's ceaseless cycles of birth and rebirth. In portraying these sources of energy, the works of Sparks offer a spiritual dialogue between darkness and lightness, and a balanced contrast between moments of grounding stasis and flowing transformation.

These works do not seek new spiritual truths – they remind us of what we have forgotten, stirring the intuitive power that already lives within every cell of our being, at every moment. An unencumbered connection to this source of spirit is known as the extraordinary state of enlightenment, but it’s also simply our natural state of existence – one that’s always waiting there to unite us with ourselves and the world around us. Sparks represents the trials that go along with the search for this state of being, and even with moments of its attainment.

Each piece in this series is an AI-generated post photography artwork containing surreal and ephemeral depictions of energy that are used to help narrate the process of spiritual transformation. Fire serves as a symbol of passion, destruction, and rebirth – embodying the intense, sometimes violent process of personal change. In contrast, the flowing presence of water brings a sense of serenity, continuity, and evolution. The use of these elements suggest that transformation requires both the drive to change and the acceptance of what is. Throughout this search for change, also comes moments of revelation and glimpses of enlightenment – shown as sparking light and electricity.

These dreamlike expressions of energy exist in each piece amongst an apparent reality of tangible environments, subjects, and situations – yet these scenes portray no specific thing, remaining as an invitation to create one’s own stories. In these works, the infinite possibilities of their meaning nevertheless all point to the same universal theme: our intuitive drive to connect the self with its spirit, and draw from that our infinite strength.