Støkebird

(noun)
stōk-bәrd

"Islands in the Sky"

A Reflection on Isolation and Connection

In this series of 11 pictures, I seek to explore the duality of isolation and connection through the use of surreal and imaginative imagery.

  • The floating island, encased in a clear dome and perched atop a pillar of stone, represents the individual's sense of separation from the world. However, as the series progresses and the viewer is drawn further and further out, it becomes clear that this island is not truly isolated, but rather connected to a larger universe of meaning and purpose.

  • The flamingo, a symbol of grace and balance, serves as a reminder that we are all part of a larger ecosystem, while the desk, computer, and portal allude to the ways in which technology and communication can bridge the gap between individuals and bring them together.

  • Ultimately, the astronaut's visor serves as a window into the vast expanse of the cosmos, reminding us that we are all part of something much larger and more mysterious than we can fully comprehend. Through this series, I aim to inspire viewers to reflect on their own sense of connection and to consider the ways in which they are connected to others and the world around them.

In a time of increasing disconnection and division, I believe it is more important than ever to remember that we are all connected, whether we realize it or not...


Image 1

The floating island in the sky with the lake merging with the sky can be compared to the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dali, who often depicted strange and dreamlike landscapes.

However, in the next image, the use of a clear dome encasing the island adds a futuristic and technological element that sets it apart from Dali's more organic and surrealist imagery.

Image 2

The island floating on a rock in the sky can be compared to the mythological paintings of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus, who were often depicted as residing in a celestial realm.

However, the clear dome and futuristic elements of the image again set it apart from more traditional classical art.

Image 3

The pillar of stone with the island on top can be compared to the ancient Egyptian obelisks, which were tall, slender stone pillars often inscribed with hieroglyphics.

The stone island in the lake with the mountains and forest in the distance adds a sense of vastness and grandeur to the image, similar to the way that classical landscapes often depicted awe-inspiring vistas.

Image 4

The flamingo staring at the island can be compared to the classical paintings of animals, such as those of the artist George Stubbs, who was known for his realistic and detailed depictions of animals.

However, the strange universe and surreal sky in the background add a sense of mystery and otherworldliness to the image that sets it apart from more traditional animal paintings.

Image 5

The island in the bell jar on the blue desk can be compared to the still life paintings of the Dutch masters, such as Jan van Huysum, who often depicted carefully arranged objects in a domestic setting.

The use of a bell jar to enclose the island and flamingo adds a sense of curiosity and scientific examination to the image, similar to the way that still lifes often invite the viewer to study and contemplate the objects depicted.

Image 6

The desk with the computer and light can be compared to the interior paintings of the Dutch masters, such as Vermeer, who often depicted domestic interiors with a sense of intimacy and detail.

The presence of the island and flamingo in the round portal adds a sense of mystery and otherworldliness to the image, similar to the way that classical interiors often depicted hidden or unexpected elements.

Image 7

The round portal with the desk inside can be compared to the trompe l'oeil paintings of the Baroque period, which were designed to trick the viewer into thinking that they were looking at a real object or scene.

The use of a spaceship hallway as the frame for the portal adds a futuristic and sci-fi element to the image, setting it apart from more traditional trompe l'oeil paintings.

IMAGE 8

The long hallway with the round portal at the end can be compared to the classical perspective paintings of the Renaissance, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, which sought to create the illusion of depth and distance through the use of vanishing points. The futuristic setting and spaceship theme of the image add a sense of otherworldliness and adventure to the classical perspective technique.

IMAGE 9

The spaceship with the hallway inside can be compared to the classical celestial paintings of the Baroque period, such as those of John Martin, which depicted grand and awe-inspiring views of the heavens. The red-hot, glowing appearance of the spaceship adds a sense of danger and intensity to the image, setting it apart from more traditional celestial paintings.

Image 10

The discombobulated space suit head with the island, flamingo, and spaceship in the visor can be compared to the classical portrait paintings of the Renaissance, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, which sought to capture the character and personality of the sitter through careful observation and depiction of the features.

The strange and disjointed appearance of the space suit head, combined with the futuristic setting and inclusion of the island, flamingo, and spaceship in the visor, adds a sense of whimsy, surrealism, and adventure to the classical portrait technique.

Image 11 (Parts a & b)

The screen shots of the conversation with AI for the very descriptions you are reading adds an additional layer of meaning and self-reflection to the images, inviting the viewer to consider the ways in which the artist's creative process and the act of communication are connected to the larger themes of isolation and connection explored throughout the series.