The latest mixed media “Carbon 666” is named for the 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons in a Carbon atom, or C6 on the periodic table. What in the past was superstitiously and paradoxically considered an ominous number in some traditions, actually reflects the now more well understood magic of chemistry, though there is much more to learn, and is presented here as godly.
Fully upcycled, except for the gloss and gesso, “Carbon 666” is made of packaging materials from various shipments. The ‘canvas’ is made of Styrofoam, while the textured top is cardboard, accented with silver Amazon freezer bags. The black parts are charcoal – with a little bit of ash from matches – another form of Carbon in the vast array of organic molecules that it can create.
Perhaps obviously, the design is the basic layout of a Carbon atom, and it’s floating atop the substrate of the electromagnetic field. Light, the shiny silver, is part of the field, and moves like a wave. And the overall theme is to see the beauty of it, to understand rather than circulate silly or fearful superstitions.
“Bring the magic,” a collaged line, refers to the miracles of chemistry and cosmic benevolence that brought us here, and the continued voyage of all life. An interesting related concept here is hysteresis, “the dependence of the state of a system depending on its history.” (Wiki)
To better understand the elements is in a way understanding ourselves, and unlocks further knowledge, as everything evolves. And I find in science with its themes, patterns and geometries, a gateway to spirituality and reverence. I feel more cosmically connected when I reflect on these topics.
Carbon is one the oldest elements in the universe and an essential building block of life, and takes so many different forms, from stars to human beings. The allotropes of carbon range from diamond, to graphite to graphene and amorphous.
Carbon is a key player in the story of the universe. While hydrogen and helium were the first elements, carbon came into existence a bit later—produced in the cores of massive stars through nuclear fusion.
Widespread distribution by celestial bodies allowed carbon to become an essential building block for planets, life, and the vast complexity of chemistry we see today. It’s really quite poetic— carbon’s journey from the hearts of stars to becoming part of living beings like us. It’s a cosmic connection that makes stargazing feel deeply personal.
While there’s a bit much Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere from fossil fuel emissions (just stop burning it & plant more plants to use CD for photosynthesis!), “Carbon 666” expresses the divine design and remembering the importance of all elements, their meaningfulness and usefulness, as all materials being part of God. It’s amazing how we continue to interact in sculpting our surroundings.
The artwork is one-of-a-kind repurposing of materials and it’s available in the shop, as well as TurningArt and Saatchi Art. For further inquiry, please e-mail: sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com.