Artist Statement
I am interested in the relationship between consciousness and the building blocks of reality -- the so-called “elements”. Many philosophies and spiritual traditions imply or state explicitly that the Universe is a projection of the infinitely conscious, omnipresent, omnipotent being. The Hermetic text known as “The Kybalion” states, "THE ALL IS MIND; The Universe is Mental." Quantum Theory, too, seems to be giving consideration to this concept. Physicist Max Planck, pioneer of quantum theory, famously stated, "I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness." A theory attributed to Empedocles of Acragas expounds that all matter is composed of various combinations of the four elements – earth, water, air, and fire, and is motivated by two forces – strife (dividing) and love (unifying). This idea expands into many dimensions of human study – mysticism, psychology, medicine, martial arts, etc.
My work explores consciousness and the elemental forces, inviting viewers to consider what elements really are as well as what one’s elemental makeup is. Reality is objective, yet individuals experience reality through an uncountable number of subjective perspectives. Each perspective is shaped by a lifetime of experiences, each consciousness composed of a distinct ratio of elements. Our internal worlds can be described as “grounded”, “watery”, “airy”, and “fiery”. Combinations of these conditions produce emotions, actions, and personalities which shape our view of existence, at times projecting total illusion, at other times receiving a glimpse of the occulted reality – that which lies beyond the lenses of our egos and habitualized perspectives. These pieces invite viewers to shift perspectives, to see what can emerge when we seek to expand our vision.
About Dexter Wayne
Dexter Wayne was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1980. The first decade of his life was marked by an unrooted life, moving homes, schools and states many times. The constant thread was an interest in the natural world and a desire to be close to it, to understand it, and to explore. Upon returning to Connecticut, he found himself living next to a sizable forest and near the shoreline, two places where he spent much of his time. This led to an affinity for Nature’s mysteries and furthered his inspiration towards discovery. His passion for art and music grew organically with this interest in Nature, as tools for exploration. He continued to pursue these passions through studies at Bennington College, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. Both the academic culture and geographic location of Bennington in the Green Mountains of Vermont nurtured his exploratory spirit. After graduation, he moved to New York City which seemed to be the next great mystery, albeit cloaked in concrete and steel. The movements of the city expressed a flowing, perhaps cosmic? energy. During this time art and music remained a constant, but the reality of survival overwhelmed these passions. Eventually, in 2012 the tug of Nature and space pulled Dexter out of NYC, all the way to Santa Fe, NM, where he lives and works today. The elements in the Southwest – the omnipresent stone, capricious waters, vortical and driving winds, and raging wildfires, are so exposed and wild, alive. The living elements captivated him. Today the elements have become the focus of his work, exploring the relationship between the elements and consciousness.
☀️ A Note About the Works on this Site…
Most of the pieces on this site are available for purchase and I am happy to discuss details with you! Works denoted with a 🔴 have found a home, though prints are an option in some cases. I am also available for commissions. Contact me via email with inquiries.
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