ABOUT symbolism in this art
SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANING
Jonathan Biddlecombe works in the
Naive Art in Mosaic style and
Representational Art style and incorporates iconic symbolism in his paintings.
This art is reminiscent of medieval construction of using flattened space together with mosaic patterns reminding one of Roman mosaics from the same period. This links the art to Jewish history and days of the Temple. The simplistic figures set within the Niave styled buildings and landscapes evoke a sense of childhood wonder, memory and longing of the 'days of old'. This art reminds one of Chagall's dreamlike figures and landscapes that express his memories of childhood. Remembering the past, yet hope for the future, is at the heart of the Jewish psyche and this art is in step with ideology.
The Naive art style evokes echoes of one's childhood memories, while this child-like style points to the idea and reminds us that we are all children in the eyes of God.
Squares & Rectangles
These are often used in the border of the paintings. They represent the walls of Jerusalem, walls of a city, and also explain that each stone is like a person, each person is important in the big picture and in unity, something greater can be achieved.
Vines & Fruit
The vines represent ideologies, themes, and structures that are set in place to better the life of humans and the world, while the fruit signify; the fruit of our labor, blessings, and positive thoughts and words.
Sun, Moon and Stars
In many of the paintings the sun and moon are depicted together in the sky. Without light there is darkness, yet without darkness there is light. These concepts play into the idea of positive and negative and the tension between the two in this world and in daily life. The stars are symbols of promises that are given to us in the Bible. The scriptures tell us that Israel will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore, so too will be the blessings from GOD to us.
Wheat & Grapes
These are symbols basic to Biblical understanding. They are also the essence to life, ie our food and drink... our daily bread.
Shofar or Ram's Horn
Used as a symbol of proclamation.
Menorah
A symbol of GOD's light and His light in humans that need to be shared with others.
Star of David
Represents the Nation of Israel, and those who follow GOD and His ways.
Human Figures
These are always used in a joyful way and are depicted dancing. They tell of the scripture: 'Behold how good and pleasant it is when humankind dwell together in unity.'
Birds
These are fun symbols and signify freedom, newness, new direction, peace and stability.
Hebrew
Hebrew letters, words or scriptures are used in some of the paintings as numbers, a title of the painting, or even a section of scripture that is woven into the creative work.
Rainbows
Rainbows and rainbow-like skies are used to create movement in the background, however, they also are symbols of new direction, GOD's covenant with humankind, and spiritual unity.
Six-Pointed Leaf
The six-pointed leaf occurs in the borders in the corners. They are symbols of the unseen angelic forces that are around about us sent from GOD to protect us.
