Sing to Charm the Spirit of the Deep Michele Gold

The composition presents a layered and densely textured visual field dominated by warm, earthy tones – ochre, burnt sienna, and rust – that evoke both a sense of antiquity and primal energy. A large, circular form, rendered in shades of orange and yellow, occupies the upper portion of the canvas, suggesting a sun or celestial body. Two dark shapes, likely whales or dolphins, breach this luminous sphere, their forms fluid and dynamic against the backdrop.
Below this prominent element, a central grouping of figures is discernible through an aperture-like framing. These individuals appear to be engaged in some ritualistic act; one figure extends a hand towards another, while others stand nearby, seemingly observing or participating. The figures are rendered with simplified forms and lack precise detail, contributing to the overall sense of mythic narrative rather than realistic depiction.
The lower portion of the painting is particularly complex. A jumble of fragmented imagery – what appear to be botanical elements, human faces in profile, symbolic objects resembling shells or celestial bodies – is interwoven within a chaotic arrangement. Text appears embedded within this section, partially obscured and integrated into the visual texture; it reads And sing to charm the spirit of the deep.
The painting’s subtexts seem to revolve around themes of connection with nature, ritualistic practice, and the power of sound or song to influence the natural world. The presence of marine life suggests a reverence for the ocean and its inhabitants, while the central figures actions imply an attempt at communication or appeasement. The fragmented imagery in the lower portion could represent the subconscious, the collective unconscious, or perhaps the remnants of forgotten traditions.
The artist’s technique – characterized by thick impasto, gestural brushstrokes, and a deliberate blurring of forms – contributes to the paintings dreamlike quality. It resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its symbolic language on an intuitive level. The overall effect is one of profound mystery and spiritual resonance, suggesting a dialogue between humanity and the elemental forces that shape our world.