24” x 36” painting • acrylic and ink • gloss varnish
All paintings are one of a kind, original work.
---
Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a skilled craftsman who had been imprisoned on the island of Crete. Daedalus was being punished for killing his nephew, Perdix out of jealousy. In order to escape the island, Daedalus fashioned a pair of wings for himself and his son out of wax and feathers.
Before they set off, Daedalus warned his son not to fly too high, as the heat of the sun would melt the wax and cause the wings to fall apart. Icarus became caught up in the thrill of flight and ignored his father's warning. He flew higher and higher until the heat of the sun melted the wax and his wings fell apart. Icarus plunged into the sea and drowned, and his body was never found.
Historically the story of Icarus is a cautionary tale about disobedience or pride, but in this piece, I see him as a thrill-seeker mesmerized by a need for independence.