Sol & the Tyranny Print, 2024

This painting emerged through my imaginative response to ink marbling, weaving a tale of the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Like yin and yang, these opposing forces are constantly at play, reflecting the deeper conflicts within ourselves and the world around us.

The figure Sol, riding a chariot pulled by horses stands as a symbol of light. Sol, derived from the Latin word for "sun," represents the creative spark within us all. It’s also a play on words of one of William Blake's four primal archetypes, ‘Los’ who embodies imagination and artistic inspiration.

To say that the dragons represent ‘Tyranny’ would be simplistic. Certainly two of the fire breathing dragons come across as malevolent, yet the light one, ’Shen Lung’ seems benevolent. Dragons are sometimes associated with the ego’s tendency towards dominance and power. It’s fitting that they’re surrounded by gold, the mark of material wealth.

On the human plane, the lines between good and evil are easily blurred, reflecting the complexities of our psyche. Yet, on a deeper, spiritual level, there is a clear battle of light against darkness. I wanted to express that through this painting, inviting us to contemplate the greater truths that lie beyond our relative understanding.