AMERICAN LANDSCAPE (SUNRISE/SUNSET), W/ PRAYER STAND is a piece I was drawn to, but debated about selecting. At first glance, AMERICAN LANDSCAPE is another colorful and well-balanced landscape. The longer your eye holds the composition, circles begin to appear, reminiscent of Damien Hirst’s DOTS series; a pleasant and unexpected element to an otherwise simplistic composition. Hidden in the tree is artist’s poignant and timely message, “We Need Each Other”.
Once removed from the plain view of the piece, another and possible controversial element completes AMERICAN LANDSCAPE, prayer stand. I debated about selecting this work not because I have a particular viewpoint on religion, but because I don’t want the viewer to lose the importance of the message if they take issue with the delivery. As with any artwork, it’s intensions are debatable and only the creator knows for sure the intent.
Individually we are all handling our experiences the best we can, in ways unique to each of us. Religious or not, the message is clear and universal. We do need each other, as family, as friends, as artists and as a country.
Gary Westford is an emeritus instructor in art and art history at Linn-Benton Community College. Currently based out of Salem, Oregon; his work AMERICAN LANDSCAPE (SUNRISE/SUNSET), W/ PRAYER STAND is part of a larger series of work that incorporates both 2-d paintings and 3-d elements to create an immersive art experience featuring American Landscapes.