Eye

This pattern of repeated eyes, which appears to spin endlessly in a vortex, is like an image from a dream or, perhaps, even a nightmare.  James Surls achieves the bold, graphic quality of this image by using the woodcut process to create a pared-down language of contrasts, in which the white line stands as the positive form against the dark brown background. He uses the eye as a motif to create abstract pattern and to allude to associations with the human eye. His meaning is purposely ambiguous. Does this vortex of eyes express all-seeing knowledge, insight or dark uncertainty? Surls' art often references American folk art and delves into the mystical aspects of nature.