of things we cannot change by bryan holland arts

bryan holland arts

of things we cannot change

acrylic and oil on canvas

34 x 42 x 2 in

Sold

ARTIST STATEMENT

When adding symbolic elements in my work, the meaning ranges from personal to universal, and I realize that the viewer's own unique life experiences will shape their interpretation and add to the meaning or narrative content in a painting. In this case, however, I realize that there are potentially contrary interpretations that may arise.

The arrows are symbolic for things in life that we have to accept and live with. The cairns (rock piles) are often used to mark paths, and so suggest the idea of a journey here. The rocks that are floating are perhaps whimsical, adding levity (pun intended) to the seriousness of the painting at first glance. This alludes to the idea that our path is not set in stone. Birds are often symbolic messengers or guides, and serve that idea here.

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