Aperture (meaning the opening where light gets let in) is a reference to the f-stop value in photography, and dates back to well before modern photography to late Middle Ages (has also been used in reference to microscopes and telescopes). The actual etymology of aperture aligns more with the notion of discovery or revelation, which is pretty a cool thought in relation to this cave painting… Aperture could reference both the opening that lets the light in, and the discovery of something secret, like an unexplored cave.

I have painted other caves before, as some of you may know, but this one has a purposeful portal shaped frame and canvas. These have been crafted out of maple ply sourced here on Oahu.

I enjoy these “cave paintings”. There’s something in the multiple soft layers that adds a sense of peace or comfort… and from the viewer’s perspective you are inside the cave, which could be synonymous to a home or sanctuary.