A Galaxy Within

This new piece from an earlier study has been accepted to the Oil Painters of America annual Western Regional Exhibition next month in Santa Fe, NM!

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We are each a little galaxy of our own. It's a mind-bending exercise trying to comprehend the 100 billion stars found in a typical galaxy. Yet, each of us has roughly the same number of neurons in our own brain, performing a symphony of consciousness. Similar too, is the number of atoms that write out our DNA code. We are a staggeringly complex and unique collection of natural components, come together for a short, precious moment.

Large numbers are difficult to fathom, but to be disappointed in the realization that we are "just" collections of atoms moving in accordance with the laws of physics, is to misunderstand the depth of this astonishing complexity, and the billions of years it took to evolve.

"We are the miracle, we human beings. Not a break-the-laws-of-physics kind of miracle; a miracle in that it is wondrous and amazing how such complex, aware, creative, caring creatures could have arisen in perfect accordance with those laws [of nature] ... Our emergence has brought meaning and mattering into the world ... It bequeaths to us the responsibility and opportunity to make life into what we would have it be."
-Sean Carroll, The Big Picture

Oil, 24 x 18 inches

Original will be available at the OPA Western Regional Show in November. 

As usual, prints are available here.

I'm also pleased to say my painting, Bioluminescence, has been selected as a finalist in the August BoldBrush Competition! Congratulations to all the winners!