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Arnold Sauther...Original Paintings and Drawings |
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I first discovered the seed of the Gum tree in Delaware and then again in plentiful supply in Fresno, California. I was intrigued me each time with the seed's marvelous complexity. It reminded me how Nature is so ordered and patterned even in the tiniest seed. The sharp spires reminded me right away of the crown of thorns worn by Christ. From this point, I was led into making many Christian connections. After studying the seed, I began to see Gothic tracery similar to what appears in windows and spires of stone and wood found in Gothic cathedrals both in Europe and in this country. The decorative borders contain the same kind of intricate pattern as contained in the seed. Such tracery reflects medieval thought and ideas of Scholasticism to prove the existence of God.
This image is from the Lincoln Cathedral, rose window, southwest transept. I visited this cathedral and saw this window when I lived in the city of Lincoln, England for a year. It immediately came to mind when I saw the Gum Tree seed. |
 Gumtree Gothic This acrylic painting is called Gumtree Gothic because of the seed's pattern. A suggestion of Christ is given at the top in the only upright extension, and the devil is represented at the bottom with the tail protruding. A yellow glow surrounds the top spire. The painting has a black metal frame matching the inside black representing the inner depths of the seed. |
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