The Yogi - Limited-Edition
The Yogi
"There's a story attributed to Henry Miller, the writer, about a little boy in India who went up to a guru who was sitting and looking at something in his hand. The little boy went up and looked at it. He didn't quite understand what it was, so he asked the guru, "What is that?" "It's a cocoon," answered the guru, "Inside the cocoon is a butterfly. Soon the cocoon is going to split, and the butterfly will come out." "Could I have it?" asked the little boy. "Yes," said the guru, "but you must promise me that when the cocoon splits and the butterfly starts to come out and is beating it's wings to get out of the cocoon, you won't help it. It is important not to help the butterfly by breaking the cocoon apart. It must do it on it's own." The little boy promised, took the cocoon, and went home with it. He then sat and watched it. He saw it begin to vibrate and move and quiver, and finally the cocoon split in half. Inside was a beautiful damp butterfly, frantically beating its wings against the cocoon, trying to get out and not seeming to be able to do it. The little boy desperately wanted to help. Finally, he gave in, and pushed the two halves of the cocoon apart. The butterfly sprang out, but as soon as it got out, it fell to the ground and was dead. The little boy picked up the dead butterfly and in tears went back to the guru and showed it to him. "Little boy," said the guru, "You pushed open the cocoon, didn't you?" "Yes," said the little boy, "I did." The guru spoke to him gravely, "You don't understand. You didn't understand what you were doing. When the butterfly comes out of the cocoon, the only way he can strengthen it's wings is by beating them against the cocoon. It beats against the cocoon so it's muscles will grow strong. When you helped it, you prevented it from developing the muscles it would need to survive." - Robert Bissell
"Animals are good for thinking." Claude Levi-Strauss
Early tribal cultures believed the natural world to be the bridge connecting earth and spirit. Animals were regarded as powerful spiritual beings that could connect humans to unseen realms, the natural world, and each other. Along these lines, Robert Bissell creates and transports us to a completely different atmosphere from modern daily life and invites us to learn more about ourselves.
In his animal paintings, the world of animals is a mirror for human existence, self-definition and self-reflection. Yet, these are not mere children's tales. "Bissell's work disarms by narrating vitally grown-up and urgent allegories in the guise of child-like humor," William Zimmer, art critic for The New York Times warns.
Bissell's paintings explore the idea that animals have metaphysical importance to our own spiritual well-being. Lured into a realm devoid of humans, the animal characters require we consider our own condition and place in nature. While whimsical at first glance, there is underlying tension and precariousness beneath the images. Disarmed, we objectively consider ourselves without familiar references.
"His animal work is full of charged meaning, lore and touched by surrealism", said Suzanne Bellah, Director Carnegie Art Museum. Influenced by the surreal legacy of Magritte, he mixes scales and uses gigantism with a variety of textures and subtle color palettes.
These paintings are reflections on the environment, life, death, renewal and stages of transition. Departing from the safety of family, and making our way in the world--conjuring up something simultaneously real and unreal, the work appeals to the intellectual child in all of us.
Bissell grew up in Somerset, England, and retains in his love of art, a love of rural life, Celtic legends and panoramic landscapes. His keen interest in visuals began at an early age while documenting life around him through photographs. After studying graphic design and obtaining a Masters Degree from The Royal College of Art in London, Robert moved to San Francisco and began a successful career in retail advertising. After 15 years, he decided to devote all his time to painting. He currently lives in Northern California with his wife and their Springer Spaniel. Robert regularly exhibits in museums and galleries across the United States and Europe.
Mini - 15 x 16" - Limited-Edition of 100
Medium - 32 x 33" - Edition of 75
Large - 45 x 48" - Edition of 50
Rolled Canvas - ships in a tube ready to stretch and frame - use promo code 1870ROLLWITHIT for free shipping on your rolled canvas order.
Stretched Canvas - ships in a carton and is ready to frame.
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* LIMITED EDITION: Robert Bissell Canvas Prints are Limited Editions signed and numbered by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.
* QUALITY: Robert Bissell prints use the canvas giclée process, which utilizes museum-quality archival inks, canvas and supports. Additionally, a protective coating is applied to the surface of each canvas print.
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