Singularity

Medium: Watercolor in paper

Date: 1976

Singularity

This week’s piece, Singularity, is an exploration of convergence—the merging of disparate elements into a single, harmonious whole. At first glance, it might seem deceptively simple, but beneath its minimalistic form lies a dialogue about unity, perception, and transformation.

As I share this with you, I have so much to celebrate. Just recently, I turned 86 years old—a milestone that feels both surreal and profound. I’ve published my 6th children’s book, which also happens to be my very first hardbound book, and this marks my 74th blog post. This year alone, I completed two large painting canvases while continuing to finish a third and continue to maintain my website and webstores and keeping up with all my social media platforms: YouTube, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. It’s been a transformative time in my life. After everything I’ve experienced—the ups and downs, the uncertainties, and the hard work—I’ve come to a place of celebrating who I am and what I have become. Every piece I create, including Singularity, feels like a reflection of this journey and the immense gratitude I hold for it.

Symbolic Elements and Visual Design

At the center of the composition, a single-eyed creature emerges, carrying a blooming flower. The flower becomes the focal point, radiating and symbolizing growth, renewal, and potential. Its glow speaks to the energy and life that the creature carries with quiet determination.

The creature itself is surreal, blending animalistic and abstract qualities. Its singular yellow eye suggests focused awareness, the ability to perceive deeply or to look beyond the surface of things. The flower it carries elevates the creature’s purpose, turning it into a bearer of something precious—something greater than itself.

The muted pastel palette—dominated by soft pinks and yellows—enhances the sense of gentleness and harmony. These colors create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, adding a feeling of lightness to the piece. Yet, the creature’s peculiar anatomy and its unblinking gaze remind us of the tension inherent in singularity: it is both a point of clarity and a space of mystery.

Techniques

I approached Singularity with an intentional simplicity of form and color. The thin, precise linework contrasts against the soft washes of watercolor, emphasizing fragility and balance. The glowing orb of the flower was created with a delicate gradient, making it feel almost sacred, like a beacon of light and warmth.

The creature’s asymmetrical anatomy disrupts the otherwise harmonious scene, reminding us that perfection is not necessary for purpose. Its limbs—sturdy yet strangely shaped—give it a sense of weight and grounding, while the glowing flower lends it a celestial quality.

The composition uses negative space to isolate the central figure, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the act of carrying. This emptiness around the creature amplifies its singularity, making it feel suspended in a moment of timeless importance.

Emotional Impact

This work evokes a duality of emotions: calm serenity and subtle unease. The soft palette and the gentle curves of the flower radiate peace, while the creature’s piercing eye demands attention and introspection. It asks a quiet question: what does it mean to carry something of such significance?

For me, Singularity is about the weight of responsibility and the beauty of purpose. It’s a reminder that every journey, no matter how strange or solitary, carries the potential for profound meaning.

A Life Lesson

Singularity reminds us that life is full of converging paths, and while we often strive to simplify our existence, true clarity comes when we accept its inherent complexity. To borrow the words of Rainer Maria Rilke:
"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves."

This week, may you find comfort in the questions and strength in the singular moments of transformation.