Telling Secrets
oil and acrylic on canvas

My most popular painting. I sell more prints of this painting than any of the others. People really feel a connection to this piece. Because of this, I feel I should give a brief breakdown of what is going on in the work:

The central figure is a sort of magician, or illusionist. The name of the work is Telling Secrets. When someone tells you a secret they are putting their trust in you. When you share that secret you break that trust.

When you break that trust you change. You become a different person. You are now a form of liar. The magician in this painting has broken that trust. He is transforming. He has grown more arms and hands. He has grown snakes. Coral snakes. The most deadly snake in the world. Even the snakes are fighting one another. Total conflict. All of this balanced on one fingertip sinking around the tip of a knife.

The four beings holding up the curtains were inspired by the Passion Play. Each being is showing a different emotion. Their reaction to the breaking of trust. Surprise. Lust. Happiness. Despair.

Is it so hard to keep a secret?

And just for your information, this painting was in the show "Brave Destiny" in New York. The largest show of living visionary artists.