IN THE STUDIO, 1998, 48”x70”
This painting was completed the year I retired from teaching. It contains a self portrait on the left which is painting another self portrait while in a studio setting. I am surrounded by the symbols of free masonry as my father and grandfather were both masons. Behind the black portrait sits another canvas with my father (in sunglasses) my grandfather, and great grandfather to the far right. My father is more “real” in that his arms protrude into the space of the studio and cast a shadow. Out the window is a scene of phallic monoliths, one larger than the others and reflected in the pool. The two puppets, Cabiri, (protective spirits) are observers of the whole scene, along with the crow, which symbolizes, according to J.E Circlot, a new beginning, of solitude, and mystic powers.
James H. Vredevoogd holds a BA from Michigan State University and an MFA in painting from Cranbrook Academy of Art. His paintings are in the permanent collections of two museums, two universities, and various private collections. An Emeritus professor of Art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, he taught painting, drawing, and performance Art for thirty-two years.