The Power of a Tiny Light
By Sharon Oakes | November 2, 2020
(This post refers to works by my late husband, Bill Oakes, a visionary, educator, and prolific painter.)
Halloween has come and gone but I’m still pondering how much scarier this year is than last year. The darkness enveloping everyone, due to the pandemic and multiple situations causing chaos, makes us all yearn for more light in our lives: more peace, beauty, freedom from fear… more love in the midst of so much hate.
Bill Oakes’ ink painting named “Pandemonium,” to me, captures some of the chaos we are experiencing.
Bill Oakes, “Pandemonium,” printer’s ink on paper 40″ x 26″ 2000
There’s so much going on! Look closely and some of the sections are frightening! Yet other views evoke beauty even in the midst of the turmoil!
Bill Oakes, detail 1 of “Pandemonium”
Bill Oakes, detail 2 of “Pandemonium”
But the real message of this painting is a frequent theme in Bill’s art, “The Power of a Tiny Light.” Light is a presence, a power—darkness is the absence of light. Just a little light can dispel darkness! I once read, “Light can fill a dark room, but darkness cannot fill a light room.” We must all do what we can to shed some light and hold on to light to get through this dark time… It was Bill’s vision and hope that each tiny light of awareness of the beauty, of the good that surrounds us, will also expand our capacity to love and be a light for others.
Copyright © 2020 Sharon Oakes
Bill Oakes was an innovative New England artist, illustrator, educator, inventor, children’s book author and publisher over the course of his 35-year career. He evolved from being an illustrator to an abstract artist. Bill was known for his incredible compassion, enthusiasm, resourcefullness, creativity and his openness to experimentation. As with much of his art Bill saw beauty in what was often overlooked or unusual – seeing and helping others see in new ways. Sadly, he passed away in October 2005; we trust he is doing and seeing glorious things elsewhere! His wife, Sharon, continues to make his art available online so others may benefit from his artistry and inspiring legacy.
Such a wonderful message. This image is incredibly full of mysterious findings. His wife is am incredible person to keep his art and memory alive!