This painting arose from musing on an interview that Stanley Kubrick gave in 1968. When I was young I originally read his comments to glean clues to understanding Kubrick’s landmark film 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY – but I have repeatedly gone back to that interview and been inspired by several of the comments that were made by the director. Of particular relevance for this painting is the following bit:

“The very meaninglessness of life forces man to create his own meaning. The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent… but if we can come to terms with this indifference, then our existence as a species can have genuine meaning. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.”

I love that last line! It has been a guiding light to me in and of itself, and I find I keep returning to it as a subject and inspiration for my work.