The allure of instant pleasure always appears one way…then ends in another. We all joke about addiction, but for those in one, it’s like existing in an ongoing cyclone of hell. Self-loathing, chaos, self-delusion and destructive consequences are the underbelly of indulgent vice. Living for excessive pleasure ushers in the opposite of happiness. It’s akin to being enticed and swallowed by a writhing, deceptive beast in the dark. Nothing but black flames and lonely chains are in store for unbridled self-indulgence.
The contrasting chess board and distant mountains indicate thoughtful, intentional life can lead to something better for the patient. The curvy chessboard speak to the unpredictable twists and turns that confront even the best living strategies. No one gets a free pass; and yet, there is hope for the diligent.
I’ve worked on this piece off and on for the last few months. It’s probably the first 100% digital work that started and ended on the iPad Pro. Many of my recent drawings start on paper, I then scan and finish them on my iPad.
