This piece is inspired by reflections on form and formlessness, similar to the piece created prior. However, more focused at the duality of the inner and the outer. The physical and the metaphysical. The physical is obvious. One experiences something thru the senses, and it is internalized thru emotional or physically stimulating states. It is easy to conceive. Many of us however, come to experience the metaphysical, that which is experienced beyond this and can be a challenge. In a painting, it is easy to paint the surface, but what exists in terms of energy/soul/spirit in and or outside the body is another story. I have such experiences, and it has come to be the recent exploration in my labors. It is very much a challenge to give form, to the formless. How do you express that which you can not see? I look at the work of Alex Grey, and how he talks about psychedelic hallucinogens, and the results from which he creates a visual language and this could be the answer. Or rather, a door leading to such. But execution aside, it begins with the intent. And again the intent of metaphysical experience. I have been experiencing such a heightened sense of being as a result of certain practices which include meditation, study of philosophy, painting, and more. To even word this seems to tap nowhere near the surface, even to do it injustice as sounding cliche. For this it makes sense when Lao Tsu says 'those who know don't say, and those who say don't know'. It is enough to experience that which is, all that is (presence) in exploring this realm, but I'm me, and part of this relates to my belief system which is relative to Joseph Campbell's 'the heroes journey' where the hero transcends into another realm, only to return to home as to share the treasures with the world itself. When Lao Tsu wrote "The Tao te Ching" which describes the subject poetically, he was ambivilent for all that is being recorded can only be experienced. It is to be experienced, not read. It doesn't have a name, a form, it just is. I am a fan of awareness. And in hopes of  not sounding righteous, I exist in a world of ignorance (knowledge is controlled in every society thru mechanisms of power -Foucault), and with the treasures of knowledge/awareness how this world could be so different. I am seeing the function of the artist in the society in which I live as being a vessel for this. A bridge, a link. This is a continued examination, expression of 'spirit'. Or as Lao Tsu says "behind the ego is awareness". This piece was created in homage to this last line alone. The ego is the form (the corroding face), the awareness is the formless. "Behind Ego is the Awareness of Ego", acrylic on yupo, 9"x 12", 2012