"MEMINI" (I Remember) by Rob Moler (Original Painting)

I believe in the “magic” of objects. Objects, whether man-made or natural, have the power to transport us through time and space. Objects whisper words from cherished loved ones, dance to the tunes of faded youth, and echo the bittersweet of life experience. We feather our nests with these shiny things throughout the course of our lives. My compositions are slowly crafted to tell visual stories which are both personal and universal. Often my symbolism challenges the core beliefs found in the religious traditions of our western world as compared to an atheist perspective.

I began “The Latin Series” as an exercise in art therapy to help me reconcile the death of a beloved family member. Each painting began with my symbol of love, the iris, which is both perennial and fragile in nature. From this central focal point I worked outward, spending a great deal of time thinking about other objects or animals that might relate to each other in some way to express my thoughts on life, relationships, and loss. Latin titles were selected to give guidance to the viewer as to my thoughts and motivation.

I am drawn to surrealism as it depicts a world where time is meaningless and gravity does not rule. In my surreal landscapes, objects are possessed by the spirits of positive and negative emotions or are carried by my little hummingbird messengers to add further depth to the story. Hopefully my work will connect emotionally with viewers, encouraging them to unmask these objects to discover their spiritual core and find personal meaning within.

​Creating this painting was very therapeutic and I spent a great deal of time in front of the easel simply reflecting on the wonderful memories I had of her. Her love and appreciation of gardening was a consistent memory which has influenced my interest in gardening today. The iris bloom was chosen as a symbol of love based on her admiration for its simple beauty and its inviting fragrance. I also chose the iris as a love symbol due to its perennial presence, always there and always returning. This single iris bloom in this composition levitates in a surreal environment of memory, making its own unique presence known despite the stormy backdrop. I continue to carry her values and perspectives with me as I grow older. I will not let her be forgotten. I remember her because I choose to remember and in this cognitive choice she lives on.