Holding the Sacred: Alchemy - Lead to Ruby

This contemplative work refers to both the Washington Color School and to Mark Rothko’s art which has influenced me.
This painting exhibited in a solo exhibition, Holding the Sacred at Alla Rogers Gallery in Washington, DC, in 1991.

Partitioned by a bronze/gold disc connecting the upper and lower canvas, the curved form may be a chalice, or a vessel holding the transmutation. Above the disc an expanse of smoky gray micaceaous iron oxide is thickly brushed with a swirling, atmospheric density. Perhaps a reference to the base metal - lead- in alchemical transmutations.

Below the icon is a field of thick maroon over an underpainting of ultramarine blue. This anchors the painting in a dense, velvety sea.

This abstract, archetypal composition resonates with symbolism- not merely a transformation of matter, but possibly of mind or spirit. The painting presents a moment of pause—when change is imminent.