This blog is a division of the CODEX ISOM a complete guide to the collected works and writings of Ronald D. Isom, art educator and artist. A study of the heart, soul and mind. Creating esoteric connections to the universe. Without symbols our lives would be as spiritually impoverished as sleep without dreams.
Monday, February 7, 2022
Friday, January 28, 2022
Altered book
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
The desire for repetition and order, forms an inherent part of my psyche. My recent work considers the creative application of repetitive processes, motifs and meticulous order. I am exploring and trying to understand why I am drawn to repeated, ritualized actions and to motifs which have become increasingly more obsessive.
“The creative habit is like a drug. The particular obsession changes, but the excitement, the thrill of your creation lasts.”(Henry Moore)
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Acrylic marker drawings.
Monday, January 17, 2022
Dans l'air fermée...and innocent parody.
Plein air painting seems to be the “ art du jour”. Plein air is a term derived from the French phrase en plein air, which literally means 'in the open air'. It's a familiar concept today, but in the late 1800s when the impressionists ventured out of their studios into nature to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject, it was quite revolutionary. However, it is not quite so revolutionary today.
My art is called “studio art” which is art produce in a studio setting. Studio art is not revolutionary today and it is a quaint reminder of an artist in his cluttered studio, lined with plaster busts and manikin models to help him in his academic studies.
I decided to describe my work as Dans l'air fermée. Dans l'air fermée is a French expression which means "in the closed air" and it is used to describe the act of painting/ drawing indoors. which is also called La peinture avec l'esprit ("painting with the mind” or what the minds’s eye actually sees”) This type of art, generally does not require a classical studio, photographs, copy devises etc. All you need is a computer, a few sharpies and the desire to draw objects, symbols and images from the subconscious mind.
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Earth poem
The Isom Asemic Code Cipher is a cryptogram code system. This form of cipher embodies geometric and organic shapes. Because it use basic shapes it is an economical and effective method of transmitting confidential information. These devices were often employed by the ancients or by the Medieval philosophers and alchemists. The mystics of the Middle Ages used a system of cryptography which concealed the secrets of the human soul. The Isom Asemic Code Cipher can only be decoded by individuals versed in the deep philosophic principles upon which many mystics based their theories of life. Much information relating to the invisible nature of man is hidden under what seems to be mere scribbles and unrecognizable organic shapes. Every student of symbolism and philosophy should be acquainted with the underlying principles of cryptography. This art furnishes a fascinating method of developing an acute mental awareness. Discrimination and observation are indispensable to the person seeking knowledge, and no study is equal to cryptography as a means of invigorating these powers
Atemporality
Today’s Hand Mind Internet Vocabulary: Atemporality
“The concept of internet-induced "atemporality" was coined by science fiction writer William Gibson, author of the cyber/adventure novel Neuromancer. Gibson reasoned that the internet made time disappear in a way, since all periods of history (or art history) are immediately available to anyone cruising the web.”
Doodling and sketching everyday
For most of my life I did not think of myself as creative at all. Then, many years ago, I started doodling and sketching everyday. I filled countless sketchbooks with scribbles and notes. Each day in class I worked alongside my students making art and after school I worked with students constructing sets for plays. I made art with my children and grandchildren. I made art that covered the walls in our homes. I collected junk and filled the garage and studios with art. My motivation was simply filling my life with art. I found myself in a role where I needed to be creative each day, developing new ideas for class projects and home projects. Creativity is important for many reasons. It is a path and process for not getting stuck in old habits and ineffective ways of seeing yourself and the world. Creativity can help with problem solving, with creating healthier relationships, and with having a healthier and happier life.
What I learned is that creativity isn’t something that you have or don’t have. It is something that you can nurture and develop.
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Friday, January 7, 2022
Covid Series print 2020
"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Imprinting
“With sons and fathers, there's an inexplicable connection and imprint that your father leaves on you.” Brad Pitt
I am not a psychologist but I play one in daily life. Observing human behavior is a cottage industry in the world of aging. There is no better way to observe how we have become who we are than by the observation of our children. Observing the imprinting of our offsprings behavior gives us clues to what was meaningful and sometimes what was detrimental. I am imprinted by my mom and dads child rearing techniques; some good and some problematic. I have the perfect case study in my youngest son Lowell. Moving to Webster Groves to be near him and my grandchildren was fortuitous in many ways. Getting a chance to see him make his way through raising a family and developing a career is a wonderful learning experience. I have also given thought to my other four children and they also provide examples of imprinting by my wife and I.
Small things that were not particularly traumatic seem to be imprinted, in some cases, more indelibly than major emotional events. In my case, my fathers harsh techniques and personal emotional problems did not take root as much as his love for building and inventing. Those traits served me well for seventy-five years. It is also evident in my son Lowell. I was not aware that he was observing my every move as tried to keep the family home repaired and constantly remodeling to improve our living conditions. Observing him rehabbing houses and raise his family I can see subtle reminders of our relationship. I often catch my self repeating one of my father’s aphorisms and it is astonishing to hear my children use the same worn out sayings.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Reflectaphors
Friday, December 24, 2021
New digital images
"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Sketches December 2021
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Saturday, December 11, 2021
New work
I turned 82 this year and keeping track of my daily drawings is somewhat problematic.