THE CALL TO ADVENTURE | SAMUEL HOSKINS
The Call to Adventure Samuel Hoskins
September 6 – October 27, 2024 | CAMAS GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, September 6 FROM 5:30 – 7:30 P.M., WELCOME AND ARTIST INTRODUCTIONS AT 6:00 P.M.
Artist Statement
The Call to Adventure is an exploration of travel and discovery, both external and internal. It plays with the idea that paintings, much like humans, can act as vessels for higher truths and profound ideas. Through my personal experiences and expressions, I aim to reveal archetypal truths that are not easily contained within words.
Over the past year, I have found myself in a liminal space—no longer a student, yet uncertain of what the future holds. Liminal spaces are often uncomfortable, confusing, and challenging, but they are also filled with hope, possibility, and transformation. I believe that our lives are spent in this in-between state, navigating the tension between the past and the future.
Being present is a challenge for me. The past can be a prison, while the future, with its endless possibilities, can provoke anxiety. As Terence McKenna so aptly put it, “Don’t worry. You don’t know enough to worry. Worrying is absurd; who do you think you are? You don’t know enough to worry.”
Each painting represents a specific moment, even though there is no clear end goal. It’s not that there isn’t an end goal, but rather that it lies beyond our comprehension. We might catch glimpses of it, but we must embrace the journey itself with faith, trusting that the hero’s journey is not about the pile of gold beyond the dragon’s lair, but the transformation that takes place throughout the journey.
This show is a call to adventure, an invitation to embrace the uncertainty and possibilities of the liminal space. It is a journey through the landscapes of the mind and soul, where every painting serves as a guidepost, urging us to let go of our fears and step into the unknown with hope and courage.
ABOUT EACH WORK
The Meteorite
“The older man’s eyes lift to the heavens, searching for the star from which the meteorite descended. He understands that this small, glowing rock is not just a fragment of stone—it is a piece of the universe, a foreign idea that has journeyed far to reach them. What does it mean? What new truths or challenges does it bring?”
“The younger man, still close to the ground, can’t take his eyes off the meteorite. He senses the weight of its significance, yet he feels a twinge of unease. This is something from beyond, an idea that does not belong to their world but has arrived nonetheless. It is both a gift and a disruption, something that could reshape their understanding of everything.”
The Tower
“As they gather at the base of the ruins, the pilgrims are reminded that all things, no matter how grand, must eventually fall. Yet, in these remnants, they find a connection to the past, a continuity that stretches beyond their own lives. The tower, though broken, still stands as a beacon for those who seek to understand the cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal.”
Changing Times
“As the sky shifts and the meteors descend, the man reflects on the times that have passed and the times still to come. Change is inevitable, he knows, but with it comes the possibility of renewal, of new paths yet to be discovered. His gaze remains steady, filled with the wisdom of someone who has lived through many changing times and emerged with a deep understanding of the world’s endless cycles.”
The Climber
“With every ounce of strength, the climber presses on, the rock beneath their hands cold and unyielding. But it is not just the physical challenge that weighs on them—it’s the burden of the journey itself, the doubts that creep in with every step. Yet, there is no turning back. The climb is a commitment, a promise to oneself to keep going, no matter how steep the path.”
The climber’s journey is one of transformation, where each handhold, each foothold, brings them closer to a place of light. It is not the summit that matters most, but the resolve to reach it—to keep climbing, knowing that the effort itself is what will shape them.”
Psychopomp
“The man pauses, his thoughts heavy with the unknown, unaware that the real guide stands at his feet. The dog, small but resolute, is the psychopomp—a bridge between the worlds. It knows the terrain of the soul, where light meets shadow, where life transitions to death, and where the self is reborn.”
“The dog steps forward, leading the way into the darkness, its instincts attuned to the journey ahead. The man follows, perhaps unsure, but trusting in his companion’s silent wisdom. This is no ordinary path—they are entering the realms of the unconscious, where the psychopomp’s guidance is essential, and the journey promises transformation.”
Keepers of Tradition
“As they stand together, the keepers of tradition face a difficult question: How much of the past must be preserved, and how much must be sacrificed to make way for the new? The fire that clears the forest is both a destroyer and a giver of life—its flames remove the dead wood, but in doing so, they also make space for the forest to renew itself.”
Self Portrait with Prism
“As the light passes through the prism, it reveals the colors hidden within—much like how the human mind interprets the world. The figure, gazing toward the source of this light, is on a quest for a deeper understanding, aware that what he perceives is only a fraction of a greater, more unified truth.”
Daydreamer
“The cloud above, luminous and expansive, mirrors the vastness of imagination, where thoughts float freely, untethered by the constraints of reality.”
“In this quiet moment, the daydreamer is not bound by the earth but lifted by the currents of the mind. The sky becomes a canvas for thoughts, the cloud a manifestation of dreams yet to be realized. Here, in the solitude of the daydream, lies the true power of creation.”
Into the Storm
“The buffalo knows what we often forget—that running away only prolongs the inevitable. By charging into the storm, it shortens the battle, embracing the turmoil to find peace more quickly. The figure, though fearful, is drawn toward this same truth, feeling the pull of a wisdom that transcends instinct.”
“As the storm looms, the air thick with tension, there is a moment of decision. Do we cower and let the storm overtake us, or do we run toward it, knowing that the only way out is through? The buffalo and the figure are not just symbols of bravery, but of the understanding that within every storm lies the potential for renewal.”
Overflow
“In this barren landscape, the bowl and its flowing water become a symbol of life’s persistence. The water’s path is gentle, yet unceasing, a reminder that even the smallest actions can create ripples that extend beyond what we can see or know. The flow of water, like time, is eternal, moving forward even in the stillness of the moment.”
Patience
“The lightning strikes a distant point on the horizon, a flash of insight or perhaps a warning. The figure’s choice to stay grounded, to observe rather than plunge into the unknown, speaks to the wisdom of knowing when to explore and when to wait. The ocean will always be there, but the storm—like all storms—will pass. Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in patience, in waiting for the right moment to venture forth.”
Uncharted Waters
“In this moment of stillness, the wayfarer reflects on the journey thus far—the trials, the doubts, the endless questions that have haunted him. Yet, as he looks ahead, there’s a flicker of light on the water, a promise that the path he is on, though treacherous and uncertain, will lead to a place of clarity and transformation.”
“The cliffs on either side seem insurmountable, the cold biting at his skin. But he knows that to turn back now would be to surrender to the void of the past. The only way is forward, into the unknown, where the possibility of transformation awaits.”
The Call
“The old man walks with slow, deliberate steps, his cane supporting the weight of a life well-lived. Yet, there is no end in sight—only the path ahead, lit by the setting sun. He knows that even in the twilight of his years, there is still a journey to undertake, still a road to travel.”
“The shadows of the past lie behind him and the future is still full of possibilities. The journey may be slower now, but it is no less meaningful. For him, every step is a reminder that life’s journey never truly ends—it simply evolves, taking on new forms with each passing day, each setting sun.”
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