The Butterfly Effect
Charcoal on Mylar film, 24×36.”
Portrait of my artist friend Martin Soto , chanting in his “cocoon” meditation room at his studio at Zhou B Art Center. Based on the theory that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. The interior life can have profound effects on the world as well. Martin allowed me to take photos of him while he was practicing Buddhist chant. He uses meditation as a means to put himself in a good frame of mind to create. He has begun to paint butterflies on the canvas wall coverings in the meditation room, after we had a discussion that spirit is one symbolic meaning of butterflies. The day I photographed Martin he was in emotional turmoil, and it was amazing to watch the transforming power of his prayer. I thought this was a perfect metaphor for the Butterfly Effect drawing. The nautilus is a symbol for spirituality, and has 31 chambers while the Buddhist prayer beads have 30. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but this piece for me has a strong relationship with hurricane Katrina.
Music video Muse: Butterflies & Hurricanes
The Butterfly Effect belongs to the following groups:
1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , Dirty Filthy Art: Charcoal, Fine Arts, Friends of RedBubble, Live, Love, Dream: May you have a Blessed Christmas Season , Outsiders and The Healing Journey Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints and Framed Prints
Simon Aberle
This is sensational Alice.
I love the composition as well as the skill and detail.
It all looks amazing!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you so much Simon. I’m a bit tentative about this one, as it doesn’t quite live up to my strong vision for the piece. The photos also fell far short from the original, but it’s all framed and at the gallery now, so not much to be done for that. It’s the last week to prepare from my exhibition & it’s all getting a bit scattered. :)
It wasn’t a conscious decision, but this piece for me has a strong relationship with hurricane Katrina. Funny how things like that happen sometimes.
I see you’re doing some great new work – I hope to get back in the swing of things here after the gallery opening on Friday. Cheers!
Ming Myaskovsky
It’s more than beautiful, it’s inspiring! :)
Alice McMahon ... replied
That’s so nice of you to say Ming. Thanks for the fave! xx
Janne Kearney
Wonderful work and all the very best for the exhibition next week, no doubt it will be a huge success!!!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you Janne! I moved all the work to the gallery yesterday – but still have one small work left, if I get to it. Consumed by PR and reception details at the moment. A new gallery is having it’s grand opening in the building where my show is taking place, same night as my opening. September is the kick off for the art season in Chicago, it should be well attended! Can’t wait to sleep again. :) xx
Andrea Ida Rausch
This is an awesome piece, love it!
I whish you all the best for the exhibition!!!!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you so much Andrea! Your work is fabulous!
WonderlandGlass
... as if the breath of the silent prayer and the movement of the butterfly’s wings are moving back the storm clouds…. the power of the spirit is infinite as it draws from the infinite and unknowable… much more here(and in all your work) than first may meet the eye, my friend. Your show will be a smasher!
peace
Alice McMahon ... replied
You nailed the thought WG. ;) Thanks for the well wishes! I’m feeling strung out & tired. I need a break. And a full bottle of red “Alice White.” LOL!
Les Smutz
In your typical fashion you have once again captured a moment and collection of thought and presented it in a provocative, inspirational and fantastic work of art! As with most theories, ‘chaos’ has its elements of truth in fact: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. What would the world be like if every action bore the intent of love and compassion? A rhetorical question, but that’s the thought this wonderful drawing led me to. Again, my best to you on a successful show!
Alice McMahon ... replied
A beautiful thought Les. I’ve actually been contemplating something like that so often myself recently. Thanks friend! Peace
Constance Widen
The symbolism, talent and superb technique make this a superb painting Alice and I agree with what Les says completely! To find another with such a deep affinity for butterflies is a gift for my day, thank you :-)
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks so much Constance. My opening was last night and I was amazed and delighted by the feedback to the show. I had so much fun! Thank you for making my “day after” even more happy. :) xx
RajeevKashyap
Beautiful!
MuscularTeeth
WOW
ISMAIL ALAOUI ...
this is totally awsome
i see a heavy cloud over there, unless you tell me its an amazon tree!!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Haha! I guess it does look a bit like a tree ;) Meant to be a hurricane cloud Ismail. haha! xx
ISMAIL ALAOUI ...
haha
thats clear too,
r maybe the water should be more messy LOL
zouzou 16 days ago
love it!!!!!!