William Sutherland's photos

Digital Art created from three photos: Crescent Moon, Irvington, NY (3 August 2008), Minaret, Queens, NY (8 August 2014) and Tulip, Mamaroneck, NY (12 April 2021). The Minaret, the tallest point of a Mosque serves as the place where a muezzin makes the call for prayer based on the command from the Prophet Mohammad – “Rise, O Bilal, and summon to prayer!” The shape, form, and color of a minaret also serve as strong symbols in Islam. The “cuboid” structure represents stability and equality based on the Qu’ranic verses (Apartments 49:13) – “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another,” (The Byzantines 30:22) “Among His signs is the creations of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors…” and (The Family of Imran 3:195) – “I will not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other.” The geometric form of the minaret also represents Islamic belief that God created order (e.g. the laws of physics that govern the universes in which “the sun, the moon, the stars… follow an unalterable law and do not deviate even slightly from their ordained course” and “matter, energy and life… obey laws by which they must grow or change, live or die”) and everything in His creation has a significant place in His “grand scheme.” The roof or dome points towards the sky symbolizing the “gate from heaven and earth” that marks the transition from temporary to eternity” to remind people based on the Qu’ranic verse (The Forgiver 40:39) – “…the life of this world is nothing but a passing enjoyment and indeed, the Hereafter is the abiding home.” It is because of this Islam declares, “When we are reduced to bones and ashes, will we… be raised as a new creation? ‘Yes, even if you become stones, or iron, or whatever you think is harder to bring to life…’ Who will bring us back to life? ‘The One Who created you the first time.’” [Qu’ran: The Night Journey 17:49-51] The white color of the minaret symbolizes “God’s Pure Light,” the “source of existence” and eternity that derives from God’s great love based on the fact that in Islam, God is known as al-Wadud or "He who loves." "Religion is love and love is religion" -- Islam: Imam al-Baqir (676-733 CE) “The Eternal… made all things in [l]ove. On [l]ove they all depend.” [Islam: Farid ud Din Attar, 12th Century CE Sufi poet] Because of this, a key principle of Islam is peace (also symbolized by the white color of the minaret) based on the Prophet Mohammad’s noble and compassionate example when his troops conquered Mecca on 11 December 629. Despite the ill-treatment he had received and attempts on his life, he gave that city’s residents that chance to determine their own fate – “O Quraysh, what do you think of the treatment… I should accord you?” And they said, “Mercy, O Prophet of God. We expect nothing but good from you.” Thereupon Mohammad declared, “…This day there is no reproof against you; go your way, for you are free.” [1] “God created a hundred portions of mercy. He placed one portion between His creation [so] they [could] have compassion on each other…” [Islam: Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim, Al-Tirmidhi, et al.] In Islam, the crescent moon serves as a powerful symbol of God’s greatness while the color “blue” (al-azraq) represents “the impenetrable depths of the universe” and the mystical nature of God, the Creator. At the same time, the color “green” represents life and paradise – “As you look, you will see… bliss and a great kingdom. Upon them will be cloaks of green silk…” [Qu’ran: Man 76:20-21] “And among His signs is that you see the earth barren, but when We send down water on it, it is stirred to life and growth. Verily, He Who gives it life… is able to give life to the dead. Indeed! He is able to do all things.” [Qu’ran: Elaborated 41:39] In addition, in Islam, the tulip not only symbolizes beauty, perfection, and paradise, it also resembles a dome and represents the Muslim written name for God – “Allah.” Last the Arabic cursive to the left declares “Salam!” or “Peace!” since it is the primary attribute of Islam – “Allah guides all who seek to please Him to the ways of peace…” [Qu’ran: The Table 5:16]. It is also fitting since on this evening of 12 April 2021, Muslims around the world Muslims enter into Ramadan , a holy month of prayer and fasting. Wishing every Muslim the best for a peaceful and spiritually uplifting holy month. ________ [1] Conquest of Mecca. Wikipedia. 5 April 2021. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conquest_of_Mecca#:~:text=The%20conquest%20of%20Mecca%20(Arabic,Muhammad%20and%20the%20Quraysh%20tribe . Additional Source: Wan Athirah binti Wan Ahmad Kamal. The Significance of the Minaret as the Symbol of the Official Religion. University Teknologi MARA (UiTM). 8 April 2021. www.academia.edu/8661994/The_Significance_of_the_Minaret_as_the_Symbol_of_the_Official_Religion

Created from Photograph taken at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY No one takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own accord. [John 10:18] By grace you have been saved. [Ephesians 2:8] …death shall be no more. [Revelation 21:4] The old has passed away; behold the new has come. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

Mamaroneck, NY This image represents an urban setting during the summer. The fragmented square pieces depict the different sections of a major metropolis and street grids with the broken fan blades and colors representing the comfort of green spaces (olive and green) as well as smog and the discomfort of a summer heat wave (reds, oranges and browns) due to population density and often oppressive temperatures. The tiny details represent the numerous buildings that comprise a city from an aerial perspective. The numerous circles represent the joy of cohesive unity and interconnectedness with the smiling face portraying summer joy.

Mamaroneck, NY Green is the color of chlorophyll, a key compound in the vast majority of plants. It is synonymous with positive terms such as clean, renewable and most importantly life including our lives. Without plants there would be no photosynthesis and little to no Oxygen. This fact has just been reinforced by a recent scientific study that indicates a billion years from now the Earth’s atmosphere will contain very little Oxygen as the sun ages and consequently becomes hotter. Because of this, the Earth’s CO2 (Carbon dioxide) levels will plunge as it absorbs the increased heat and breaks down. Photosynthesizing organisms (plants) will become extinct, reducing Oxygen levels by a million times while methane levels will soar by 10,000 fold. As a result complex life, including humans will become extinct leaving the planet in its dying days to anaerobic microbial life. Worse yet, when the process begins, it will unfold quickly over a 10,000 year period bringing the Earth back to its pre Oxidation period some 2.4 billion years ago. Thus, it is more important than ever to protect address climate change and protect our intricate and interconnected ecosystems to ensure this inevitable tragedy is not hastened. And if we can establish ecological harmony, prolong the planet’s life and extend our existence, we can buy time until technological advances allow us to create artificial biospheres to generate and maintain Oxygen and CO2 levels to ensure our survival and that of every complex aerobic life form or at least persevere until the very and inevitable end. If we can avoid prematurely hastening our extinction because of irresponsible actions and policy, we will have reason to smile. Perhaps then, the scary will not be so frightening! :) Because of this, I selected green and yellow colors to emphasize the importance of plant life, renewable clean energy, and our dependence on the Earth’s ecosystems that must be sustained for complex aerobic life like ours to continue. The pastel blues and dark purple represent clean water, also an essential ingredient for the continuity of life. The large red dot, which is intended to draw attention, represents future danger from continued unsustainable adverse climate change and the aging sun. While we cannot control the latter, we can have a positive impact on the former our planet and life do not have a premature end. Article Link: phys.org/news/2021-03-simulations-earth-oxygen-rich-atmosphere-billion.html

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Created to represent the dark winter of 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to record hospitalizations, numerous shutdowns, and most tragically of all – 1.05 million deaths worldwide and 248,000 deaths in the USA from 1 December 2020-27 February 2021 alone, figures that don't account for excess deaths related to COVID-19. This digital work of art was created using pandemic-related garbage (a discarded face mask and rubber glove) as well as various other pieces of garbage found over the last month that was placed over the darkest and dirtiest of snow I could find – so black in some places one wouldn’t recognize it as snow. The abundance of black and gray represents the darkness of this winter and the collective mourning the pandemic has brought. The white snowflake and splotch of white snow in the upper right corner represent hope, the flower symbolizes remembrance of all who lost their lives during this pandemic and the splash of reds serve a duo purpose. They both represent "toxic" snow since COVID-19 is clearly toxic to our well being, as well as health and life for we will overcome, we will prevail, and we will LIVE! COVID-19 Stats - Worldometers: www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Mamaroneck, NY

Created from photos taken in Greenwich, CT, Larchmont, NY, New Rochelle, NY and Jacksonville, FL. from 9 July 2019-15 December 2019.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: I created this abstract from a photo I took in a snowstorm that dumped 8 inches of snow. I used the official colors of 2021 yellow and gray to exude hope -- hope the pandemic will finally end. I titled this picture since it was based on snow and naked branches and used the yellow to represent spring brightness and blossoms that are sure to follow this dark COVID-19 winter as the world is renewed. The white splotches represent a new beginning. Original Photo:

Mamaroneck, NY With Ipernity's uploader working, this is a H (appy) FF ! Besides, here in the USA we need a reason to smile after the coup attemp and in spite of, threats of violence, civil war and the pandemic that's now worse than 9/11 every day.

Larchmont, NY Note: I selected the title 1-1_3-1-1-3 since often during times of repression people have to use symbols and numbers to protect their lives and to express the magnitude and gravity and global ramifications of a coup if it succeeded in the United States. In my photo, I used an image of the constitution with the preamble “We the People” since it is the fundamental basis of the American democracy and all free countries and Scrabble® letters to form my message and provide the code numbers – “No Coup” and two pawns, one black and one white to represent people of all races and genders. The pawns are fallen since a coup would be the death knell of the United States, the people, our inalienable rights including that to even exist, our dreams and ultimate control over our personal destiny. Sadly, today's events in the United States has compelled me to move this photo to the front of my photo stream. This is the first time Washington, D.C. has seen political violence since 1876, the first time since 1814 during the War of 1812, the Capitol was stormed, and the first time people have died in this violence -- one brave Capitol police officer among the five who died. Regardless of what happens now, one cannot say we had a peaceful transition of power when President-elect Biden is certified the winner tonight or early tomorrow and sworn in on 20 January 2021. Those who engaged in this political violence and stormed the Capitol are terrorists, insurrectionists, and traitors. It was a violent coup attempt to overturn the will of the people expressed in free and fair elections. There's no other way to put it. I condemn these despicable acts in the strongest terms. Long live the Constitution and democracy! They will prevail while those involved including President Trump will be forever viewed with shame as history has no reason to be kind to them... ever!

Larchmont, NY Created using Scrabble letters, superimposed numbers for the year, a face mask and the official colors of 2021 -- yellow and gray to symbolize the hope this new year brings with the advent of vaccines and the prospect it marks the beginning of the end of the horrific COVID-19 pandemic.

Larchmont, NY

Mamaroneck, NY Note: The soft colors represent harmony between technology – most notably Artificial Intelligence (AI) and humanity with the hope that technology improves standards of living through economic innovation, advancements in healthcare and solutions for climate change. The soft oranges and reds represent hope for a kinder, gentler and more loving world where people respect diversity in all its forms and put aside weapons of war and the primitive mindset that courage and valor are uniquely and solely synonymous with combat and warfare when in fact courage and valor are also synonymous with conscientious objection and the refusal to take up arms to preserve peace and the very trait that ought to differentiate intelligent forms of life, "human," in this instance from all other forms – acts too that entail great risk and sacrifice, often resulting in loss of property and quality of life through persecution and refugee status, loss of freedom through unjust imprisonment, loss of reputation through slanderous attacks and even loss of life itself through unconscionable acts of violence and "executions." The abstract patterns represent the unlimited possibilities of our dreams while the linear patterns represent software coding and innovation that bring technological advancement and scientific discovery to fruition. This work of art was created using a few simple discarded items – wooden boards, insulator, bolts, a hydraulic spacer ring, and torn rubber spacer ring.

Twin Pandemics: l. New York Public Library, New York, NY (17 September 2020); r. Africa Center, New York, NY (16 September 2020) Safe Spaces: Central Park, New York, NY (16 September 2020) _________ www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Larchmont, NY Note: Created from garbage and litter found on the street that included several checkers, some of which had been damaged by moving vehicles. The warm pastel colors are intended to present an atmosphere of comfort and calm. The olive and brown tones represent our interconnectedness to nature and each and every ecosystem on the planet. The abstract shapes and forms represent our indigenous stature with regard to the Earth based on our creation from “the dust of the ground” [Genesis 2:7] that is inclusive of each and every race and gender – “He gave you… diversity of tongues and colors” [Qu’ran: The Romans 30:22]. Because of this, it is imperative we protect our planet and its interconnected ecosystems and human rights for “What should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and serves its purpose well.” [Hopi (North American Indian) Proverb: Polingaysi Qoyawayma]. The joy arises when harmony between peoples and humanity and nature exist.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Composed from garbage consisting of discarded ductwork, bolts, the remains of a rubber spacer ring, and toy cars. The duct pipes and horizontal, vertical and curvy lines represent the highway and street grid and the endless possibilities that lie ahead contingent upon the road taken, the toy cars represent rush hour traffic while the duct work on the left resembles a muffler and tailpipe. The orangey-brown earthen tones represent the colors of the sky during the waning hours of the day while the traces of purple and blue represent the approaching dusk. The shades of gray represent an urban setting where traffic jams are most prevalent. Last, if we make a good choice for travel or have an easy rush hour commute, safe return to our families and loved ones and/or chance to wind down from the hectic activities of the day over dinner, a glass of wine, TV or hobby, as the face indicates – there is reason to smile!

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Circles was created using the contents of a discarded bag of plastic rings and other circular objects found in discarded garbage. Each and every circle, including those that are less visible (since sometimes the hidden, the unnoticed, the unappreciated and the unsung have the greatest beauty and the greatest contribution to offer!) – represent the infinite and eternity. It is up to each of us to create and define the indelible record of our existence for good before we pass onto eternity. The face represents joy from acts of kindness, deeds of good and most importantly love, the latter attribute that should be the center of every circle. This photograph is black and white since the circles and the face do not need color to stand out and express their message. Considering this photograph was taken during the waning days of summer here in Mamaroneck, NY, a coastal village on the Long Island Sound in the Northern Hemisphere, fragments of the lyrics of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit song, Circle in the Sand are fitting – “Walking through the summer’s end… Waves crash… Tide moves in, shivers in the salty air…” with fitting advice, also from the same song – “Don’t look back… Some things are forever…” Love is forever; therefore let us remember and cherish good times together with family and friends since our temporal existence here on Earth is so fragile and fleeting and let the inspirational quote below serve as a fitting example – “…love a little deeper, laugh a little louder, hold the ones you love a little tighter [b] ecause tomorrow is never promised.” [Anonymous]

Mamaroneck, NY Note: This abstract was created using discarded garbage and litter consisting of plastic debris, a rubber spacer ring, red foam heart, broken tiles and lima beans. When I created this work, I intended to break numerous rules, starting with the title Cela , inscribed on one of the broken tiles, which is derived from the French contraction Ce + là , which means “That.” In this case “That” is 1 John 4:8 and 16 – “God is Love.” Accordingly, the heart that represents God’s unconditional, unfailing and unending love based on Psalm 136:26: “Give thanks to God… for His steadfast love endures forever” was converted into a colorless heart because in reality His sacred heart is immaculate and pure and untarnished by even the slightest ill, evil and negativity, the black spacer ring that represents light and eternity maintained its color despite conventional views since black too as does every color, connotes brightness and goodness. The cross represents God’s great sacrifice that broke the chains of death while the widespread red represents God’s passion and love exhibited so clearly when He gave his life for each and every one of us and the power of the Holy Spirit that guides, inspires, purifies and sustains our existence – “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire…” [Acts 2:3] “to purify…” [Titus 2:14] and , based on Psalm 51:10 “create in [each of us] a clean heart." The faint wavy flows symbolize rebirth to eternity based on John 3:5 “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” All of us are body (75% of water) and soul! The lima beans represent seeds of faith based on the parable found in Luke 17:5-6: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’ and it will obey you” while the simplicity proclaims the words of Matthew 11:30 – “ [M] y yoke is easy and M y burden is light.” Finally, the face represents the blissful attainment of eternal life in the presence of God captured by Psalm 16:11: “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”