One of our favorite painters and contributors to the site, Nelson Kelly, has just completed his newest piece of artwork.  This large scale painting took Nelson some time and an enormous amount of thought.  Hidden underneath the paint strokes is a meaning that may not be completely understood at first glance, but after a few words from the artist himself, become very apparent in its portrayal of what can be considered a scene of harmony amidst a chaotic existence.

“It’s based on the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet alef.  My friend David London studies ancient alchemy and has discovered a link between alef and the hand gestures made by the magician card in the tarot.  He feels this links the ancient Jews to modern magic.  On my further study of this subject I noticed that the devil card also makes the same hand gestures: right hand up palm out, left toward the ground.  That card features the devil with a male and female figure chained to the pedestal he stands on.  On further study, I saw that the lovers card mimics the devil, but with an angel suspended over two unbound humans.  I took this all as a study of love and magic and alchemy and decided to combine all images I see as related to the letter alef and create a harmonious statement.”

-Nelson Kelly