Water.
THE MAN SHALL BE JUDGED. THE MAN SHALL SUBMIT. HIS TONGUE SHALL FALL SILENTLY FROM HIS MOUTH. HIS MIREFUL HEART SHALL CRUMBLE. HIS LIMBS SHALL SPREAD SO WIDE THEY SNAP. THE SCLERA OF HIS EYES SHALL WITHER AND GO BLACK. HIS SKIN SHALL BURN AND SHRINK BENEATH THE STRENGTH OF THE SUN, FLAKING AND FALLING TO THE EARTH AS ASH. THE CLOTHING OF THE MAN SHALL BE SHREDDED AND TORN. ALL SHALL BE REMOVED AND DESTROYED. THE MAN SHALL SURRENDER ALL HE IMAGINED HIMSELF TO BE. THE MAN SHALL BECOME BUT DIRT BENEATH MY FEET. THIS EARTH SHALL GROW STRONG. THIS EARTH SHALL TAKE WHAT ONCE WAS, AND MAKE IT WHAT IT SHALL BE. SO BE IT.
Incantation. sumi ink, citrus oil, beeswax, mulberry paper, inkjet print, stained pine

Incantation Instructions

Sit before this altar, and think of a man who has done great harm to you or to others.

With your finger, anoint your forehead with the oil provided. Place the black rock in your hands.

Recite the statement in front of you.

Return the rock to the altar.

Altar. 24x24x24″ (approx.), oil blend, obsidian, candles, stained pine, found log
Detail of mixed media

Process

Some of the pieces in this series were assembled using a technique I developed through trial-and-error, involving layered paper rubbed with natural oils, mounted onto wooden panels.


Kay Belardinelli in the studio

Prints

Prints of Incantation are available for sale online.