SHE WROTE:
CHARLTON PALMER
I looked at your self portrait and was initially impressed by the artwork. After a while, though, I reflected on the imagery and was not sure how or why you chose the images for the portrait. So I did some research on symbolism as I thought that it was highly suggestive of your innate personality and self-awareness. In English lore, two crows represent Mirth. In addition, a crow stands for intelligence and watchfulness. It is interesting that you painted one on your left shoulder as it is also the left handed guardian and keeper of the sacred law and a bird on the shoulder is culturally seen as a sign of peace. Birds symbolize your goals, aspirations, and hopes and a flying bird sets the soul free giving you abilities beyond limitation and allows you to soar... I feel just by a quick discussion with you and also your response to Rev. Gomes that is part and parcel of your whole being. You seek spiritual truth.
In addition, the color black is associated with promise and is authoritative, powerful, mysterious, and evokes a sense of potential and possibility. It is all the more interesting that you have revealed that you have been attempting to make that transition from working in the corporate world into nurturing your artistic gifts. Black is a classic color for clothing as the wearer appears sophisticated complemented by the wearing of a tuxedo which is a symbol of celebration even hope and definitely elegance which you certainly project. As much as you may be uncomfortable with your name, it definitely suits the first impression image you project – an elegant, tall, handsome, young and witty man comfortable in his own skin, enough so to take that leap into the unknown and leave behind certain financial security for that of being a visual artist.
On the other hand, the color Orange is of the sacred chakra and will free inherent creativity. Native Americans associate the color with kinship. So that although your painting ascribes to a balance of values –meaning light against darks and complementary colors, it is highly symbolic and very revealing to the viewer who takes the extra time to reflect what you are saying in its imagery. Other items of clothing that are highly symbolic are the white glove and the black skullcap. The skullcap is seen as protection: a sacred cover for that which has been consecrated. It represents the spiritual and in the physical plane, is symbolic for commitment to education/training. It signifies the palm of God’s Hand and His protection. It also is seen as a symbol of being born with a caul, a rare occurrence that lore states brings luck and protection during change. In addition, the white glove marks special care or attention, i.e., clean actions. In the ritual of Free Masonry, it represents purity of heart and lifestyle. You have used white face make-up for a Clown and tears. The use of tears on a face represents a period of pain, suffering, and sorrow in your life.
However, traditionally the imagery of a clown shows the innate ability to laugh at one’s own expense. The Clown also known as the Coyote in Native American culture is that of trickster, shape-shifter, and transformer. He is gifted with ingenuity, skill, intelligence, resourcefulness and is playful. He takes time to laugh and is both a wanderer and a survivor. The art of transformation helps both himself and in turn, he extends that to others. If we follow the example of the coyote, we will learn to practice patience and move toward a goal at the most optimal time. Finally, the five pointed start symbolizes the feature of humanity in general as seen in DaVinci’s Vitruvian man which is harmony through conflict.
All in all, you are a very complex and gifted young man on a wondrous journey and I wish you well. I would recommend retaining just your first name for signing oil paintings and traditionally rendered paintings as it really is a strong name in its singular use. You may find it an excellent vehicle of recognition. Best wishes.
