Acrylic
Canvas
54” x 24”
Acrylic on Canvas
The Neural Tempest, The Mythic Wild
Visionary, Symbolic, Animal, Portrait
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This painting depicts a powerful transformation from calm introspection to raw instinct. The composition flows from left to right, evolving from a humanoid face into a powerful panther form. Each figure appears to morph into the next, visually narrating a shift in consciousness or identity. Starting on the left, a green figure with white eyes and a brain-like pattern appears deep in thought, perhaps representing thought, introspection, or the origin of inner transformation. As the sequence progresses, the figures become more abstract and fluid, their expressions deepening into seriousness and focus, eventually merging into a roaring black panther on the right—symbolizing the awakening of inner strength and primal energy.
Flowing lines of blue and green move through the piece like waves of thought or emotion, connecting each stage of the transformation. Scattered throughout are moons in various phases, representing cycles of change, growth, and renewal. The overall feeling is one of evolving from quiet contemplation to empowered expression.
Tags: Mindshift, Transformation, Primal Instinct, Moon Phase, Black Panther, Awakening
This piece is a reflection of the raw, primal parts of ourselves—the instincts we often keep buried beneath structure, thought, and societal expectation. It explores the idea of transformation, from stillness and contemplation to the untamed energy that lies just beneath the surface.
I started this painting live at an event in South Lake Tahoe, where the energy of the crowd and the spontaneity of the moment helped shape its initial form. I later brought it back to the studio to refine and deepen its expression. At the time, I was in my late 30s—a strange and primal chapter in my life. I felt deeply immersed in the puzzles of existence, and the raw exchanges between people often felt intense and unfiltered. And of course, that energy found its way into this piece. I often channel these feelings a lot more than I am realizing in the moment.
Over time, the painting took on a life of its own. It was exhibited in many places including a gallery in Capitola and later displayed in the showroom of an auto repair shop in Reno, where the owner—an art lover—connected with its visceral spirit. I’m not sure where this piece eventually ended up, but I like to believe that someone out there is still enjoying it—tapping into its wild, untamed energy and finding something of themselves in it.
