In my quest toward examining the mysteries spanning life and death, I have studied different cultures that use ritual to travel between the worlds. While making this painting, I was exploring Aborigine ritualistic face painting used to attract spiritual guides and forces. I also wanted to feel the hot sun of the Australian landscape. Primitive man’s connection to the mysteries of the world feels compelling to me. What have we lost over time that the Aborigine and other indigenous peoples have managed to maintain? I want to infuse my being with the mystical qualities that travel through the darkness and reveal themselves through ritual and shadow. I want to connect with all that is, however I can, during this lifetime.