COSMOGONIC CYCLE

Mixed Medium 16" X 22"

       When Ringstaff paints he is compelled to experiment with color and
this painting with its vivid reds, blues, yellows, purples, greens
shows his mastery as a colorist. Ringstaff often paints circles -
powerful symbols of the cycles of life. Mystical beliefs and myth find its way onto his canvas;
and arouse this philosopher artist to paint. In this painting, swirling worlds
with their streaming trails of consciousness reminds us of a dramatic
and individualistic universe with its overpowering religious needs.
Because Christianity is the experience the artist has lived, the Cross is front
and center in many of his paintings such as this. The Christian symbol,
a strong vertical and strong horizontal, brings balanced composition to the piece.
But Ringstaff who has studied world religions was also thinking of Shiva
who blinks worlds in and out of existence.
The Little Eye and the Big Eye are almost bulging off the canvas.
When Shiva blinks worlds disappear.