Temple Series - Red Sea
18" x 24" pastel on paper
© Marka L. Smith
Collection of Tom Smith, Jr.
The Temple Series emerged from the glyphs as they evolved
from flat, language-like graphics into dimensional forms within
a landscape or open space. Living in New Mexico with its architectural
style of rambling walls, stepped roof-lines and arched doorways
inspired my exploration into architecture. The Spanish style of walled
homes and enclosed cities with their arches, domes, and enclosed
courtyards developed as a result of the Moorish influence in the
AndalusÃa region of southern Spain. Some symbols are recurring in
my paintings as I am intrigued by their cross-cultural references.
In particular, the double or multiple X arranged vertically is depicted
in many forms of ethnographic art including Oriental rugs, West
African ceremonial beer jars, and Hawaiian petroglyphs. Their meaning
seems to be centered around the concept of generations of lineage.
Night Time in the Temple
24" x 30"pastel on paper
© Marka L. Smith
Collection of Tom Smith
