America is a contextual idea for liberty and equality. There are however systems of interpretation that tend to oppress and suppress man and ones that aim at freeing him from all forms of bondage and oppression. A context which does not respect life is to me a "fear based" context that deep down believes "man is alone in the universe, helpless, hopeless and stuck in a vicious cycle of birth, youth, short-lived health, illnesses, accidents, decay and the inevitability of death and oblivion." We as Americans are taking a "lot of none-sense" from the new and improved versions of the "prophets of gloom and doom."

A harmonious painting to me is one in which fear has not penetrated; it is stable, clear and non-gaming. Universal thinking as a framework is a context which considers self as a fearless transparent being in a constant state of graceful and playful creativity.

I believe that man's spirit deserves to be acknowledged, honored and celebrated. Perhaps our great cave artists understood the need for beautiful and hopeful thinking in action. Perhaps we could start imagining that the Gods never really got angry with us; perhaps the underworld we thought they came from was just the fearful projections of our own inability, at the time, to stand for something better. This particular body of work represents my humble and patient dedication to what I believe to be the highest form of free creative thought: our free spirit in action.

Philippe Benichou
Topanga, CA
© 2003