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| "Humility," by Ted Fullerton. Read the story of this painting. See the other sacred teachings paintings by Ted Fullerton. |
Artist Note
It is interesting for me to reflect on the teaching of humility as it was never discussed within our household as I was growing up. However, teaching is not always about having a “discussion” or a verbal “lesson” but can be understood by observing another person’s actions.
I always saw my parents and brother as being successful in their personal/professional life and endeavors but never observed them being boastful or being a braggart. They were confident in knowing “who they were." The individuals I observed within my life as “brilliant," successful, accomplished, and self-assured always conducted themselves in a modest yet confident way - never boastful or having false bluster. These individuals “shone” and stood out - during these times of shadowy self-acclaim - by being a confident, self-assured and a “guiding light” for me.
Within my painting of the grandparent teaching, Humility, I wanted to express how a single “entity” - in this case a sole lit candle - shines with a sense of independent confidence, allowing its subtle but intense light and sense of “being” to permeate the “darkness” - to shine within its surroundings. It is “embraced” within a lit domelike shape that acts symbolically as an archetype - as a place of security. This abstract archetype can be unconsciously associated to the notion of - the cave, womb - a place of confidence and self-assuredness that could be defined as humility. The figure within the negative space of the painting is observing and understanding the “strength” of that subtle but dominant “flame” as the candle symbolically suggests a lifeline.
Standing self-confident and assured is a figure - cast in bronze - surmounted on top of the vertical canvas, modest in its stature but independently strong spirited that has risen above the bluster of conceit, hubris, and false pride.
It is interesting for me to reflect on the teaching of humility as it was never discussed within our household as I was growing up. However, teaching is not always about having a “discussion” or a verbal “lesson” but can be understood by observing another person’s actions.
I always saw my parents and brother as being successful in their personal/professional life and endeavors but never observed them being boastful or being a braggart. They were confident in knowing “who they were." The individuals I observed within my life as “brilliant," successful, accomplished, and self-assured always conducted themselves in a modest yet confident way - never boastful or having false bluster. These individuals “shone” and stood out - during these times of shadowy self-acclaim - by being a confident, self-assured and a “guiding light” for me.
Within my painting of the grandparent teaching, Humility, I wanted to express how a single “entity” - in this case a sole lit candle - shines with a sense of independent confidence, allowing its subtle but intense light and sense of “being” to permeate the “darkness” - to shine within its surroundings. It is “embraced” within a lit domelike shape that acts symbolically as an archetype - as a place of security. This abstract archetype can be unconsciously associated to the notion of - the cave, womb - a place of confidence and self-assuredness that could be defined as humility. The figure within the negative space of the painting is observing and understanding the “strength” of that subtle but dominant “flame” as the candle symbolically suggests a lifeline.
Standing self-confident and assured is a figure - cast in bronze - surmounted on top of the vertical canvas, modest in its stature but independently strong spirited that has risen above the bluster of conceit, hubris, and false pride.