Encaustic Arts Magazine Winter 2011 | Page 20

Portfolio Rodney Thompson in ways that parallel primitive societies where the priesthood dazzles and provides in ways that the common people do not understand yet remain enthralled and faithful. It is the creators of our electronic wonders, the magical boxes that entertain and pacify the populace, insure domestic tranquility, and influence our thoughts and lives that we pay homage to through the money we earn with our labors. Computers, cell phones, music players, video games, digital televisions with hundreds of channels, and other devices of electronic wizardry have come to dominate our quest for status and happiness. As with ancient shamans and mystics, only they truly understand the magic in these devices while in our awe and ignorance we spend precious hours on the phone waiting for the tech support acolytes to confer upon us their benevolent wisdom. We revere and honor this Priesthood with our sacrifices and fealty. What do we sacrifice? We give up the hours we work to afford the products they create and the time we spend, our minds locked into the Wizard’s programs, instead of being mindfully aware of the beauty and wonder all around us in the natural world that is even more amazing and free. Breastplate #1 Encaustic, electronic parts, teabag paper, chopsticks, paper, twine. 23” x 21” 20 Fall www.EAINM.com Breastplate #4 Encaustic, electronic parts, chopsticks, teabag paper, cotton swabs, coffee filters, paper. 18” x 18”