This isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last, that I paint something inspired by Greek mythology. Pan has always fascinated me, perhaps because he feels like the most mortal of the mythical creatures. His music was said to be so enchanting that it could stir emotions in both gods and mortals—a powerful gift. Maybe that’s why Pan is also known as the god of wild, untamed nature. I like to think this, too, comes from his music, as if it opens a portal within us to our own primal, untamed side—one that can lead to panic when we’re not used to acknowledging that this wild side is also natural and part of who we are. In essence, Pan represents a duality of nature—both beautiful and terrifying, calm and chaotic. How human is that?
By placing Pan beneath symbols of peace and spirituality, like the white dove, this painting poses a question: Do we follow our higher ideals, or are we driven by the wild, untamed energy that lies beneath the surface?