William Sutherland's photos

New York, NY Note: The statues feature Nike, the goddess of victory leading General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891), a highly successful, victorious military leader during the American Civil War (1861-1865) was designed and cast by American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907) in 1902. It stands just outside Central Park in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. Augustus Saint-Gaudens also designed the allegorical Liberty featured on U.S. double eagle $20 gold coins minted from 1907-1933.

Marble Sculpture by French artist François Auguste René Rodin (1840-1917), c. 1903, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jacksonville, FL. Note: “This sculpture depicts a dramatic moment from Greek mythology when one of the Danaids, the daughters of Danaos, collapses in despair… after being punished with the endless task of filling a bottomless barrel with water.” [1] After Aegyptus had seized the Egyptian throne from his twin brother Danaos, the latter agreed to betroth his 50 daughters to the former’s 50 sons for the sake of peace. However, instead of keeping with the agreement, Danaos fled with his daughters to Argos where the people made him king believing they had been sent by the gods because of his daughters’ indescribable beauty. Under his rule, Argos experienced an era of “peace and prosperity” [2] that was threatened when Aegyptus and his sons arrived upon learning Danaos and his daughters were there. Danaos in no position to wage war accepted Aegyptus’ terms to honor the agreement but warned him, “[a] t thine own peril touch them! ” to which Aegyptus responded – “[t] he prey is mine, unless force rend it from me. ” [3] Peace! For what Fate hath ordained will surely not tarry but come… Wide is the counsel of Zeus… Only I pray that whate’er, in the end, of this wedlock he doom…” [4] Consequently, Danaos who did not want his daughters despoiled by Aegyptus’ sons, lamented his decision and instructed them to kill their husbands after marrying them: “Bring down the curse of death, that dieth not…” [5] He provided each with a dagger to accomplish the task, to which they agreed if there was no other way: “Artemis, maiden most pure, look on us with… pity – Save us from forced embraces: such love hath no crown but… pain... Great Zeus, this wedlock turn from me… hold from my body the wedlock detested, the bridegroom abhorred!” [6] Accordingly, as their husbands slept on their wedding night, each of Danaos’ daughters having resolved – “Come what come may, ‘tis Fate’s decree…” [7] – when their prayers went unanswered, with the exception of Hypermnestra (who spared her husband Lynceus because “he had respected her virginity” [8] ) killed them according to plan. They then disposed of their husbands’ heads in a Lernaean marsh and buried their bodies in separate graves. To express the “emotional anguish” of the eternal punishment allotted to 49 of the Danaids, Rodin depicted one of the Danaids lying “huddled on the ground” filled with “physical contortions.” [9] She heaved from an outburst of violent weeping as she protested her fate and prayed for mercy upon learning of her punishment: “The exile that leaveth me pure… the doom is hard!” [10] _____ [1] Exhibit Display Tag. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Jacksonville, FL. 9 July 2019. [2] The Danaides. Paleothea. 28 January 2004. www.paleothea.com/Myths/Danaides.html [3] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html [4] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html [5] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html [6] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html [7] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html [8] Danaids. Greek Mythology Link. 1997. www.maicar.com/GML/DANAIDS.html [9] Exhibit Display Tag. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Jacksonville, FL. 9 July 2019. [10] Aeschylus. The Suppliants. 463 BC. classics.mit.edu/Aeschylus/suppliant.html Additional Sources: Campbell Bonner. A Study of the Danaid Myth. Harvard Studies in Classical Philology. Vol. 13. 1902. 132. www.jstor.org/stable/310344?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents Madeline Miller. Myth of the Week: The Danaids. February 2018. madelinemiller.com/myth-of-the-week-the-danaids

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jacksonville, FL. Info: Ramses II (1304 BC-1213 BC), also known as Ramses “The Great” ruled Egypt as a noble and great Pharaoh for 66 years and 2 months. Consistent with Egyptian polytheistic religious beliefs of the day, Ramses II was a strong advocate of Maat – “the rightful order of the universe established by the gods… that was crucial to human life and included [concepts] of truth, justice (focused on “increase[ing] life… prosperity and happiness” [1] ) and [tolerance].” [2] Consequently, women were permitted to participate in government and even “the humblest workers could seek redress at the highest court if they felt they were being treated unjustly.” [3] His reign marked the height of Egypt’s glory and power, in which he built more temples, monuments and statues than any other pharaoh. Following the Battle of Kadesh Ramses II played a leading role in crafting the world’s first peace treaty that established friendship and trade with the Hittites and led to the repatriation of political refugees. Despite claims, there is no historical evidence Ramses II was the pharaoh referred to in Exodus. Instead evidence indicates Thutmoses III (1481 BC-1425 BC) was likely the pharaoh during the plagues and Hebrew escape from Egypt led by Moses or perhaps Thutmoses II (1510 BC-1479 BC), based on “the fact he had a brief, prosperous reign and then a sudden collapse with no son to succeed him” and the presence of cysts on his mummified body, “possible evidence of plagues...” [4] Last, even though Ramses II had more than 200 wives and concubines, with marriage being a routine matter of civil law during his era, his genuine love for his first wife, Nefertari, whom he married just before becoming pharaoh is well known. He often addressed her as “Sweet of Love” and “My beloved.” When she died circa 1255 BC, he had the most beautiful tomb created for her – often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt” and had written in it, “… no one can rival her, for she is the most beautiful woman. Just by passing, she has stolen away my heart.” [5] __________ [1] Anna Mancini. Maat Revealed: Philosophy of Justice in Ancient Egypt. Buenos Books America. 2004. 79. [2] Egypt’s Golden Empire: Religion. PBS.org. 2006. www.pbs.org/empires/egypt/newkingdom/religion.html [3] Alex Warren. Ramses II. New Acropolis International Organization. 8 August 2014. library.acropolis.org/ramses-ii [4] Thutmose II Wikipedia. 31 May 2019. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thutmose_II [5] Ajadi. Ramses II and Nefertari: The Real African Love Story is the Everyday Valentine You Should Celebrate. Ohafrika. 2017. face2faceafrica.com/article/this-real-african-love-story-is-the-everyday-valentine-you-should-celebrate Additional Sources: Joshua J. Mark. Ramesses II. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 02 Sep 2009. Web. 31 Jul 2019. www.ancient.eu/Ramesses_II Thutmoses III Pharaoh of Exodus. 2 August 2019. www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-date-1440bc.htm

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jacksonville, FL Note: l. Diana of the Hunt sculpted by Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973) depicts the Roman goddess of women and patroness of the hunt. The “lithe figure of the goddess stretches upward after shooting an arrow toward her celestial attribute, the moon.” [1] r. Palm trees and a flowering bush. [1] Diana of the Hunt. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. 27 July 2019. gardens.cummermuseum.org/diana-of-the-hunt

Jacksonville, FL Note: Beach landscape and Seagull photographed on July 7, 2019; Shells photographed on July 8, 2019 Above the Clouds , Photographed over New Jersey on July 7, 2019

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Summer sun was created from randomly discarded garbage. Other than the face, red and white disks, and spacer ring, the metal spikes and wire were in photographed as they were found since they had the “perfect” random pattern. The brilliant red disk represents the hot summer sun that can be downright scorching at times. The digital splattered paint adds to the abstract nature of the composition and creates the appearance of clouds ineffectively shrouding out part of the summer sun. It is the focal point since the sun is what defines the summer season. The large disk and spacer ring represent continuity since summer is part of the continuous cycle of seasons. The wire heat distortions in air patterns while the spikes symbolize the randomness of each summer such that each summer is unique. The colors and textures represent the land and water that encompass the Earth. The smiling face represents the joy of everyone who enjoys this season – sailing, sunbathing, swimming, or even watching summer sports such as baseball.

Created utilizing free clipart, public domain clipart and the mosque outline image purchased from Shutterstock. The ribbon heart symbolizing love between peoples of different faiths -- all children of the same, one God as well as God's eternal love for all of us, regardless of our faith, was added since it resembles Arabic calligraphy with its distinct, rich, cursive form. The Arabic statement directly under the mosque's outline reads: "We are one with God!" A cross and Star of David were imposed on the mosque's minaret to symbolize religious unity which I am a strong believer in and hope one day will be achieved. I also avoided the use of color so as not to distract from the distinct message and used simplicity since simplicity can often be equated with beauty. Last but not least, I condemn this barbaric unspeakable act of evil in the strongest of terms and pray for the innocent victims and their families.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: The various shades of blue represent the color of the ocean. The shapes represent ocean flora are are depicted in the colors of seaweed so that the presence of life often not seen can stand out. The circle representing continuity is vibrant so the message is clear that it is imperative we protect the world's ecosystems and their rich, diverse abundance of life. The vertical lines represent the world's coasts that can be found in the north, south, east and west while the curve on the right represents an incoming wave and the white-gray section that encompasses the "incoming wave" as well as the jagged white-gray areas on the bottom represent the ocean spray and foam that is generated by the energy of each incoming wave. The smiling face represents happiness when a homeostatic balance is maintained in the oceans around the world such that all forms of life, plant and animal alike, from the largest whales to the smallest of microorganisms, can flourish.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: This image was created using vibrant red colors, and garbage featuring hearts. Each piece of garbage featuring a heart was replicated so that no heart is solitary and alone since love relies on another to love. The numerous spacer rings represent eternal love and the face represents happiness since when there is true love, happiness is perfected and blissful. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Larchmont, NY Note: This photo was edited to appear depressing, grimy, and as ugly as possible with the exception of the teddy bear since this is the mood when playgrounds are empty because children who by right should have been born, were not. I created this photo composition to protest passage of the Reproductive Healthcare Act in New York since unborn infants are no longer protected in the third trimester. Abortions can now be performed in New York up to the point of birth. Worse yet, Governor Northam of Virginia believes in post-birth abortions in which a baby's life can be terminated after birth. Actually, even though politicians here in NY won't admit it, this may already be the case since abortion clinics have no obligation to document any live births or measures taken to save these babies. Thus they can kill them with impunity while the official record will indicate no such birth ever occurred! This should be a concern for everyone since it has nothing to do with protecting a woman's health. The question is, now that abortions can be performed up to the moment of birth in New York, Va. Governor Northam proposes post-birth abortions, where will it end? Will people of faith and those who simply disagree with the so-called "Progressive" agenda or dare be different eventually also be fair game for their lives to be terminated? Is the world per se laying the foundation for another round of genocide? This was the motivation for the below poem: Abortion’s Babies Blessed are the persecuted… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [1] – The spirit of Herod lives – innocents are slaughtered without remorse or concern – Genocidal crimes against woman and child and all of humankind alike. In New York, they lit Freedom Tower in pink to celebrate passage of the Reproductive Healthcare Act – a wolf in sheep’s clothing, infanticide in disguise, A Nazi inspiration – It might as well have been blood red for the three thousand victims of September 11th murdered at the site and the thousands of infants massacred daily By a callous world that mocks the limitless potential And precious worth of each and every unborn life. Through no fault or choice of their own, like Christ himself, They are despised and forsaken… pierced and crushed [2] – They are crucified by a cruel, uncaring and sick world – They are innocent sheep led to the slaughter in a silent, unseen Holocaust – What have I done to you? How have I offended you? [3] Their soft whimpers and cries go unheard by closed, indifferent ears, As stone frozen hearts, antithetical to love, are unmoved By their undeserved horrific plight. Isaiah’s prophetic words resound loudly in this lost, depraved world – Evil is good and good is evil, darkness is light and light is darkness! [4] Human sacrifice lives! The blood of innocent infants is offered daily To satisfy evil’s unquenchable, monstrous craving – we are Satan’s slaves! They say it is about women’s rights and her body, but what about the rights of the baby? What about the baby’s body? Does anyone care in this apathetic twisted world? In reality, this daily slaughter is a heinous deed, not to protect the future As the wicked proclaim – For playgrounds lie empty as still swings drift limply in the melancholy breeze, Cribs remain deathly quiet and nurseries are but joyless expanses – Mournful testaments to an extinguished future that could have been. When will these blood offerings end and the world be free of evil’s oppressive yoke? Will cold hearts ever warm to love, closed minds accept wisdom’s consoling embrace And blind eyes rediscover light, goodness and hope So we, a pitiful planet may find our way and salvage the future? One can only hope and pray for it cannot happen soon enough, But without God, it simply will not! © 2019 ____________ [1] Matthew 5:10 [2] Isaiah 53 [3] Good Friday Reproaches (Improperia) [4] Inspired by Isaiah 5:20 Created from purchased images from Shutterstock.com. What if... What if Mary had allowed herself to be ruled by fear and had allowed social standards to influence her decision-making? What if Mary out of shame – since virgins simply do not conceive or give birth under conventional wisdom – had chosen to have an abortion so the world would judge her favorably? There would be no joy in the world and the crèche would lie empty. There would be no guiding star and no three kings – just the grim reaper. Angelic choirs would sing mournful funeral hymns, while she without a doubt would weep with regret as salvation fled the Earth, darkness extinguished the last remnant of light and death ruled for eternity. Abortion's Nativity created from purchased images from Shutterstock.com and public domain images from openclipart.org.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Zebras with their black and white stripes represent harmony, unity and balance in the African ecosystem. The coil represents journey and changes in life as we all make such a journey during our existence experiencing many changes that are comprised by our daily activities (reinforced by the scattered lottery tickets). The turquoise splotches represent watering holes that African wildlife must utilize to survive as well as life itself and freedom. The zebra is located by one of these watering holes such that all of the attributes of this digital work of art are compressed into a tiny area. The spacer rings represent continuity as the seasons alternate between dry and wet, cold and hot in much of sub-Saharan Africa where wildlife such as zebras inhabit. The happy face exhibits the emotions and feelings of visualizing, documenting and experiencing the African ecosystem and its rich treasures when these wildlife refuges are preserved and wildlife is protected from poachers and senseless development.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Winter Contemplation consists of various colors conducive to the season. The grays represent the leaden sky that is prevalent before snowstorms as well as the absence of colors because of the absence of lush vegetation. The dark black from the top left corner to the bottom right corner represents gravel that is covered in snow (the white color of the broken glass in the upper portion and dirt in the lower portion creating dominance). A gray snowflake is barely visible at the top center of the arrangement to attest to the fact that snow cover is composed of millions of these tiny, intricate and delicate flakes. The large black circle represents negative space to symbolize the absence of spring, summer, and autumn, which are integral parts of the Earth’s seasonal cycle as well as the ineffective winter sun. The spacer rings represent the continuity of the seasons. The pale pink and red colors represent tepid warmth while the light blue color portrays winter cold and the season’s refreshing air. The smiling face depicts joy since it can be found in every season as we appreciate their unique characteristics the infinite preciousness of life.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: The colors represent a fresh start, renewal, tranquility, friendship and love (turquoise), light, purity and goodness as life is precious and good in spite of challenges and other hardships that may arise (white), as well as stability and eternity (blue). The circles represent continuity in which the past, present and future are inextricably linked as well as perpetuity reinforcing the eternal message of the blue shades, the broken shards (other than the triangles) represent our imperfections which are cleansed by the soothing turquoise shades that offer a new start at the beginning of the year. The triangular shards reinforce the inextricable link between periods of time and the stability offered by the blue shades; they also represent air and water that are essential for all forms of life. Finally the smiling face represents joy for each new year brings new hope and new dreams and each day of life with breath ought be a day of joy filled with friendship, love and treasured relationships.

Note: Kousa Dogwood Blossoms photographed in Irvington, NY on October 28, 2018 and Jack O' Lanterns photographed in Mamaroneck, NY on October 26, 2018. Article: www.ipernity.com/blog/285927/4711958

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Indian Summer is unseasonably warm weather that occurs during autumn to give the false pretense of hot summer days ahead. The flower represents summer warmth. However the flower's color is orange indicative of autumn. The falling leaves also indicate it is autumn. The background colors give way to winter grays and whites. It also consists of falling snow flakes (the small white specks as well as the large broken pieces of pottery) and abstract houses (right side) where people enjoy the ambient warmth of shelter during the coldest, snowiest winter days.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: This abstract was created from garbage consisting overwhelmingly of discarded computer boards. The ribbon and cord represent water currents and the discarded computer fans represent wind or breezes., The CDs represent continuity and dreams. Digital images may be uploaded from CDs and dreams come from within our minds. Both have endless possibilities, the former with regard to creating a virtual world based on creativity, the latter with regard to the real world that we can make a better place with determination and effort. The swan represents the manifestation of one such digital image while the happy face represents accomplishment from our dreams.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: This abstract represents the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang that started everything in the universe. The various shades of orange and yellow represent warmth and heat, the blues and purples represent cold, the green and blue orb represents the Earth (the blue water, the green land with its vegetation) while the circular grill represents our sun. All the different broken pieces represent the expansion of the universe as debris including stellar dust, ice, and organic compounds from the Big Bang expanded in all directions. The tiny white shards represent the countless stars that make up our universe and the face represents life. LOVE AND ENERGY FOR PAM'S RECOVERY PAM JOHNSON www.ipernity.com/home/pamj

Mamaroneck, NY Note: The title comes from a discarded coffee cup whose powerful message takes the title of John Lennon’s hit song, All You Need is Love. It was performed on live television when the BBC linked five continents together for the first time in 1967 using various satellites for the One World broadcast. The Beatles performed this epic song at the conclusion of the broadcast that reached 350 million households in what is described as “the greatest single moment in the history of popular music.” [1] The lyrics are timeless and universally inspirational – “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done… No one… that can’t be saved… You can learn how to be you… All you need is love.” Dreams and aspirations are not impossible and individuality is something to be treasured. And yes, love is all we need based on the words of 12th Century CE Sufi Poet Farid ud Din Attar – “On [l] ove [we] all depend.” This abstract uses vibrant reds and oranges to symbolize the power of love, discarded garbage including a cup that makes up the title, an unused soggy Valentine’s Day heart that symbolizes love itself, a circle to depict the continuous eternal nature of love and the fact we are one world and one human race and a broken plastic casing that resembles a staircase to transcend violence, hate and all the evils that remain all too common. Finally, the abstract includes a signature happy face since love is the origin of the universes and life, the sole necessity of our sustenance, the ultimate driving force of good, and the only example of unbroken, lasting perfection in an imperfect, transient and broken world. _____ [1] All You Need is Love History DKR Products. 5 August 2018. www.beatlesebooks.com/all-you-need-is-love