Work on this painting began in October 2003 during a period of introspection and re-evaluation as images of past and present slotted into new orbits. All seemed like chaos, but this chaos was a very creative and enlightening space.
While the black background obviously refers to the endlessness of space, it also depicts a sense of leaving the unwanted behind, and the fact that much suffering was hidden from the view of others. Now though, there can be greater honesty.
The subject stares forward, boldly, refusing to break, determined to hold his space, watching, and in this way the image is a symbol of birth into hope, escape from oppression and a determination to build oneself rather than be systematically dismantled. It is a stance of defiance, a snap-shot of the sometimes chaotic solar system of Psyche.
Much is happening, yet there is still the ability to maintain perfect stillness and balance. Unexpected and forgotten reserves of strength are now available, and rather than being destroyed, there is the realisation that one is finally free and able to move onwards to a better life.
Taken as such, the painting is a companion to blue self portrait which was produced during the end of 2003, the same time that work upon this image was started. It took a year for this image to be finished, but the cycle completed at last.
