Sphere of Influence Series - Passion

 

Allegory

Passion is an intense, powerful emotion often associated with love and hate. Its drive moves and motivates to a level of extremes. On one hand, it evokes dreams and desires that contribute to exceptional excellence, while on the other, it engenders anger and angst that condemn to callous calamity. The path chosen, to accept ascendancy or abandon to abyss, will expose that compelling power of Passion.

 

This painting is an allegory for Passion. It’s represented by a metal sphere because of its strength and impenetrability. Metal when heated can burn if handled ignorantly or improperly. When expertly forged or welded, metal can be patterned into beautiful, beneficial objects whereas mistreated metal show defects and flaws. The sphere has Xs and Os to represent love’s kisses and hugs or hate’s cuts and wounds. Passion is to be balanced and weighted if its power is to be harnessed hence its bands. They also allude to its strong holding power. The precarious placement of the sphere and the slant and frame of the fabric create tension. It looks settled but just barely. If disturbed by any jolt the sphere looks as if it could roll out of control right out of the picture frame.  Red fabric was chosen for Passion’s intensity and its ties to love’s boldness, excitement, and life or hate’s fear, anxiety, and death.