'Brief Biographical Statement':
Born and raised in Inwood, in the northernmost part of Manhattan, NYC.... Robert Eustace attributes his eventual 'calling' in Art to various central routes: playtime in the surrounding Park System's 'primeval wilderness'; discovering mystery and wonder amongst the art, … Read More
'Brief Biographical Statement':
Born and raised in Inwood, in the northernmost part of Manhattan, NYC.... Robert Eustace attributes his eventual 'calling' in Art to various central routes: playtime in the surrounding Park System's 'primeval wilderness'; discovering mystery and wonder amongst the art, fragrances and shadows found within the traditional Catholic church and the nearby 'Cloisters'; and being mentored by the Primitive Expressionist Painter PETER DEAN (1934-93) who lived and worked during those years right across the hallway. The work of Robert Eustace, evokes a mysticism of memory and yearning for the transcendent.
'On Art and Space':
* "I am primarily interested in space.... or the charting of a deeply personal and resonant space, as it relates to mysticism and memory. In the ever changing realm of artistic creation, I am forever searching for a zone, an open space, a place of calm to call my own, an area open to imagination and revelation.
* I am likewise interested in following 'the ambient sound' that ever calls to me and informs my life - the place where the creative tension of self-doubt and searching, ultimately finds resolution in an all pervasive silence.
* Standing here at the end of time on the springboard of eternity; staring in the face of civilization - the sheer weight of all that has been said and done; the party over and only the crumbs remaining on the table.... I seek to capture the fragile sparkling of the last interstices as I reach in faith out to the void, create and pull something of substance back into the here and now".
Quote : 'On Art and Space'
from : LIFE THESIS ['ART : CHILDHOOD - MENTORING - CALLING - VOCATION'] * * a complete 56 page manuscript with images of art and extended footnotes * *
Copyright 2007+ Robert P. Eustace Read Less
"My current work in art is an ongoing series called 'AENIGMATE': Ikonic Mixed-Media Constructions. Currently emerging from this series is a related new project called 'TREE OF SOULS' for both Drawings and Ikonic Constructions, which I began to release in 2011. This body of collected images, likened to illuminated… Read More
"My current work in art is an ongoing series called 'AENIGMATE': Ikonic Mixed-Media Constructions. Currently emerging from this series is a related new project called 'TREE OF SOULS' for both Drawings and Ikonic Constructions, which I began to release in 2011. This body of collected images, likened to illuminated manuscript pages, reliquaries and ikons, stems from my interest in medieval, conceptual and narrative modes of expression. Various themes arise from my studies in art history, philosophy, alchemy, mysticism and the Bible, such as: the life of Mary - mother and child/ Christ's passion/ the spiritual-material collapse of existing structures/ the window as portal of mystery and grace/ sacred symmetry and space - ancient church floor plans, diagrams, labyrinths and gardens/ and the park (and specifically 'the tree') as a model or recurring echo of the paradise garden.
I am interested in the commingling and transformation of materials into seamless and convincing visual worlds or realities. These ikonic works inevitably will take on the character of centuries old ancient ritual objects, that were long buried in the ground and have now once more seen the light of day through careful archaeological excavation. These works also seem to be imbued with 'the patina of time', ie. due to the mildly corrosive chemical action of centuries of candle wax and soot as well as the collected oils from the human touch of pilgrim souls seeking to receive and transfer a type of blessing. These elements have long acted to obscure and dull the original clarity and brilliance of the pictorial details and finish. Yet, something far richer remains in its place.
Conversely, these works have also been likened to that of the modern highway billboard - with the long term effects of constant friction and wear caused by the natural elements of sun, wind, rain, snow, heat, cold, moisture, dryness... thus, breaking through the latest, freshest generation of surface information, while revealing previous underlying, now distorted layers.
The series title 'AENIGMATE' means: At the present time, being earthbound and limited in finitude - to see and ascertain only the dimmest of shadows of what truly is and what is to come; like looking through a dark glass. I seek to convey something of the 'mysterium tremendum' - or a visual approximation of the experience of awe, divine mystery and terrible beauty".
* (copyright 2012 - Robert P. Eustace) Read Less
