“After Darkness, Light”
This piece is one of my most popular ones I’ve done. Together with “Soul of Columbia” it was beautifully printed and framed and on display at the South Carolina State Fair 2017.
Something about this piece seems to grab people’s attention. It speaks to all of us about the duality of human nature, the beautifully spiritual side of humanity combined with the darkness that resides in us all, usually hidden behind a mask.
The mask in this picture is a 12th Century plague mask, complimenting the setting of a Gothic cathedral.
The process used to create this iconic piece is typical of my work, as it was one of the first steps I took in exploring this style which can continue to be seen throughout most of my more recent art. After starting with an on-set portrait of the model with studio lighting, shot on a black backdrop, I digitally created and blended all of the background imagery, as well as the spiritual elements such as the overlaid crucifix. From there it was about continuing to mold and shape and balance the tones and light around the scene until I was happy with the finished product.
Once finished, the work was printed on archival paper by master printer Bill Barley of South Carolina, and framed by Gold Line Framing in West Columbia, South Carolina.
I am very happy to say that two versions of this piece, each slightly different from one another have both sold. The first is right here in Columbia, South Carolina and the second was just recently sold to a new collector in California who viewed my work on display at the SC State Fair this year.
