More paintings, digital media, videos, and music at www.PatrickHowe-PostPersonalism.com
Patrick Howe Post Personalism Artworks
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The Consciousness Project
"Presence Prime" by Patrick Howe 30" x 30" Oil on wood panel The Consciousness Project explores concepts of consciousness. To see more works and to learn about the series visit: https://www.patrickhowe-postpersonalism.com/consciousness-project-2018.html |
Post Personalism Project, 2017
“Egoic Suffering Repurposing Station #12”
36" x 47" (92 x 122),
Oil on wood panel
By Patrick Howe
The red border and isometric geometry of “Egoic Suffering Repurposing Station Number 12” in the painting reference the composition of Japanese ukiyo-e wood block prints of the 19th century. In this painting we see lavender bears working on an assembly line where they are transforming truck loads of a gooey, toxic substance into flowers. And in the foreground, bears are marching forward into the world holding the flowers with great dignity. I originally wanted to use people in this painting. But I did not want the figures to convey any specific race, gender identity, or emotional expression that would cause the viewer to focus on the individual human narrative. The use of animals, bears in this case, enabled me to convey the larger universal message of the piece in a way that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.
36" x 47" (92 x 122),
Oil on wood panel
By Patrick Howe
The red border and isometric geometry of “Egoic Suffering Repurposing Station Number 12” in the painting reference the composition of Japanese ukiyo-e wood block prints of the 19th century. In this painting we see lavender bears working on an assembly line where they are transforming truck loads of a gooey, toxic substance into flowers. And in the foreground, bears are marching forward into the world holding the flowers with great dignity. I originally wanted to use people in this painting. But I did not want the figures to convey any specific race, gender identity, or emotional expression that would cause the viewer to focus on the individual human narrative. The use of animals, bears in this case, enabled me to convey the larger universal message of the piece in a way that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.
“Ego-Eating Bacteria (Study For A Sculpture)”
17" x 29" (43 x 74 cm)
Watercolor
By Patrick Howe
The idea for “Ego-Eating Bacteria” came to me when I saw images of someone infected with necrotizing fasciitis, which is a gruesome flesh eating bacteria. I wondered, what if there were a bacteria that when it infected people instead of becoming sick they became more loving, kind and compassionate? It would eat away their ego. However, rather than portraying the concept of bacteria in a clinical manner, as is done in biological illustration, I chose instead to use whimsical forms.
17" x 29" (43 x 74 cm)
Watercolor
By Patrick Howe
The idea for “Ego-Eating Bacteria” came to me when I saw images of someone infected with necrotizing fasciitis, which is a gruesome flesh eating bacteria. I wondered, what if there were a bacteria that when it infected people instead of becoming sick they became more loving, kind and compassionate? It would eat away their ego. However, rather than portraying the concept of bacteria in a clinical manner, as is done in biological illustration, I chose instead to use whimsical forms.
"Be One"
24" X 24" (61 X 61 cm)
Digital Media
By Patrick Howe
"Thinking Outside the Self"
36" x 48" (92 x 122 cm)
Oil on wood panel
Many of my paintings convey a lighthearted and even a whimsical tone. However, in this piece I applied my interest in geometric design in the austerity of straight lines and hard angles. In this painting you will see the yellow outline of a box that has been opened. Behind the yellow lines is a geometric pattern, which for me conveys an ever-present background of harmony and balance. There is the saying "Thinking outside the box”, which was originally used by motivational speakers in the 1970s to inspire workshop attendees to think in unconventional ways. However, I am using that old cliche in a new way. I am saying that obsession with self-identity is the new box that we need to evolve out of. And from outside the limitations of that box, thinking in new and original ways becomes possible.
36" x 48" (92 x 122 cm)
Oil on wood panel
Many of my paintings convey a lighthearted and even a whimsical tone. However, in this piece I applied my interest in geometric design in the austerity of straight lines and hard angles. In this painting you will see the yellow outline of a box that has been opened. Behind the yellow lines is a geometric pattern, which for me conveys an ever-present background of harmony and balance. There is the saying "Thinking outside the box”, which was originally used by motivational speakers in the 1970s to inspire workshop attendees to think in unconventional ways. However, I am using that old cliche in a new way. I am saying that obsession with self-identity is the new box that we need to evolve out of. And from outside the limitations of that box, thinking in new and original ways becomes possible.