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The literal black walls of this studio serve as the primary canvas for creation. All four walls are painted from floor to ceiling, along with the beams and piping. And chalk is used on every surface for drawing and writing.

The most valuable thing I've learned from years of working on a black canvas is that, in the most basic sense, composition is the balance of darkness and light. Neither one is more important than the other. They both serve the composition.

Of course, this is true for any color of surface; as well as being fairly obvious. But, for me, staring into a large black canvas has taken on a deeper spiritual dimension. When we close our eyes to meditate or pray and especially to sleep, that darkness has no beginning and no ending. It’s infinite just like the ultimate creative canvas that birthed the Universe and everything in it, including our dreams.

And in this framing, I've come to view life itself (or, perhaps, even all of Cosmic existence) is the quintessential composition that balances darkness and light throughout time and space.