I bought a used book called THE SACRED REMAINS, about the myths, history and politics of Palau. The title really intrigued me, and inspired this painting. The fish skeleton is not only indicative of Palau, but also of our home here on Lake Superior. You may notice the bones of a human hand in the upper left corner, and also the spine of a large four legged animal along the bottom of the painting. This is the first of a few paintings I have in mind that are inspired by the book.
Now that I see this painting in my blog, I notice how similar it is to the ice picture just below it. That recurring shape of a fish skull that has surfaced from time to time in my images.
Is it that the remains are sacred or “The Sacred” remains?
I have no idea. That’s what I find so intriguing about the title. Is it like a specific artifact that is sacred? Do sacred things endure? Is this splitting hairs? I think not.
I actually relate this title to my cat who died when I was a kid. I buried her next to our house, wrapped in a white garbage bag. I’ve often wished I could go back there and dig up her grave… see if I can find any remnant of bone or plastic bag… Some sacred remains from my childhood… I went back there once, but was not able to explore or dig. It made me sad.
I have no idea. That’s what I find so intriguing about the title. Is it like a specific artifact that is sacred? Do sacred things endure? Is this splitting hairs? I think not.
I actually relate this title to my cat who died when I was a kid. I buried her next to our house, wrapped in a white garbage bag. I’ve often wished I could go back there and dig up her grave… see if I can find any remnant of bone or plastic bag… Some sacred remains from my childhood… I went back there once, but was not able to explore or dig. It made me sad.