A Park at Twilight

Although the title of the painting refers to "a" park, this particular scene refers to a specific park that lies deeply in memories of my childhood. However, I wanted the painting to reflect a mood, a feeling, rather than a specific place or memory.

I'm told that some people are wary of night, even afraid of night. Perhaps this is true, but I remember that, even as a child, I opened my arms to darkness. I still do because night is a time for sleep and dreams. True, some dreams are nightmares, but we know that waking life is often filled with nightmares as well. So why be afraid of night?

Twilights are doors that open pathways into night. Years ago I created this painting to suggest such an opening. Now, years later, I'm still trying to create paintings that suggest a "great presence." I have found no paths in darkness. Eyes are of little use. I have faith in open arms.

You, Darkness
by Rainer Maria Rilke

You, darkness, that I come from
I love you more than all the fires
that fence in the world,
for the fire makes a circle of light for everyone
and then no one outside learns of you.

But the darkness pulls in everything-
shapes and fires, animals and myself,
how easily it gathers them! -
powers and people-

and it is possible a great presence is moving near me.

I have faith in nights.

For more thoughts, poems and images:
☛ My book, Double Vision and Waking Dreams
☛ My website, JohnMichaelKeating.com