Paintings by Don Karr: MIDDLE PILLAR WORK

A. BAW (Discovery)[18" x 20" - oil on canvas - 1982]

The kabbalist comes across a game which some children have drawn on the sidewalk. Its arrangement resembles the kabbalistic tree of life, which gives him pause.

BAW = the syllable intoned to locate in yesod

B. DAW (Resignation) [25" x 21" - oil on canvas - 1982]
(also called "Absorption")

In his altered state, the kabbalist becomes receptive to the voice of his celestial maggid (shown forming in the painting and on the wall).

DAW = the syllable intoned to locate in tiferet

C. MOY (Response) [29" x 28" - oil on canvas - 1982]
(also called "Operation")

Having received the message from his maggid, the kabbalist puts it into practice (in order to turn it into knowledge). In accord with the message, the kabbalist, has sacrificed the lower in order to raise his heart.

MOY = the syllable intoned to locate in (da'at)

 

D. DING (Realization) [29.5 x 29.5 - oil on canvas - 1982]
(also called "Eating Paint")

The kabbalist has been searching for the lost father letters. After trying some possible forms, he realizes that the truth is not in the form but the substance. So, instead of pursuing more father forms, he eats the paint .

DING = the syllable representing either

1) attainment ("ding" = the sound of a bell), or

2) failure ("ding" = nothing, as in "He don't know ding," or "I was left with ding").