For the past few hours I have been attempting to map out my ideas for my new painting. The subject matter is Quantum Mechanics. Physics, in itself, can be a very complex subject; however I am working simply from the principles and not the equations.
For an elementary understanding of what I am briefly about to touch on, here are three principles of physics and my extremely basic explanations of what they are.
General Relativity: to explain Heavy, large matter, ex. Stars. (Gravity & Electromagnetic force)Quantum Mechanics: to explain Tiny matter, ex. Atoms. (Electromagnetism, Strong & Weak nuclear forces)
String Theory: (newest) combines the two so that everything in the universe can be explained as being made up of the same thing.
If you recall from high school science, an atom is composed of a nucleus of protons and neutrons and has an orbiting field of electrons. General Relativity is unable to explain the orbiting electrons because at this scale, gravity is billions & billions of times weaker than electromagnetism. Instead physicists employ Quantum Mechanics which deals with electromagnetism, strong nuclear force (binds protons to neutrons) and weak nuclear force (allows neutrons to turn into protons, while giving off radioactivity).
How the world works at a subatomic level.
Everything is ruled by chance. There is no possible way to predict, for certain, the actual outcome, only the probability of what could be. Because there is no way to say which of the prospects will come to pass, physicists suggest that each possibility may therefore in actuality occur. This all takes place on such a miniscule scale that we will not be able to notice it.
It is in this sphere of thought that I am working to compose my painting. Instead of the subatomic scale, I am taking this principle and implementing it on the everyday level, the realm of circumstances that would be noticeable to us.
In following the vein of thought that each probability transpires, there are then infinite universes parallel to our own. Each then houses a possible occurrence that differs from the one that takes place in our universe. Therefore, in theory, these other universes are as real to their inhabitants as ours is to us.
This then comes back to one of my favorite concepts, Perception of Reality. Your own reality is based on your perception, etc.
After doing some more research and applying my own thoughts, I keep coming back to one simple problem. What to paint?
I technically, started this painting a few months back before I put it aside to finish working on my BFA pieces (that show ended last week). I stretched & gessoed the canvas as well as drew out the scene I was intending to portray. Now that I have a chance to work on it again I have decided to change the subject matter, which means that the only thing that I’m allowing to stay is a lone, seated figure.
I know that I want to work with the parallel universe theory, specifically with the multiple outcomes of one choice. I am just not sure what this choice should be. It could either be a prominent subject with influence or something that wields a grace in being mundane. The difficulty is visualizing which will have more of an impact for the subject matter. Is it the issue that is blatant or the one that is sumptuous for being so subtle?
Oh the possibilities…
NOVA : The Elegant Universe explains these principles brilliantly.
http://video.pbs.org/video/1512280538/ If you're interested