To Offer a Bull in the Hopes We Can Eat... The Details.

A few closer looks at my most recent piece...

To Offer a Bull in the Hopes We Can Eat 
38x52"
Ink, Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Canvas

A couple clues to what you're seeing...the bull that takes up the majority of the piece (but with a human face) represents the self...the sacrificer, or, as we delve deeper, the sacrifice itself.

You see homes, prayers, books, chalices, meals...all within or around the bull, symbols of the treasures being offered.

Below, you see a small plot of greyish grass, hands outstretched, plates bare, cups turned over...

The bull with all its possessions and offerings, full of life and vibrancy is leaving the ground, gently floating away from the outstretched arms. But what could this mean?

Are the arms reaching toward their own sacrifice, grasping at the last comforts of its presence or toward the deity or ruler above in praise?

Is the sacrifice the objects these people possess or, due to the relative importance of these objects to their ability to live, of the people themselves?

Is the sacrifice for the betterment of the community, or does the sacrifice itself create a constant need of outside support? 

Are you, ultimately, sacrificing yourself for the betterment of yourself?

How does an omnipotent ruler really justify the temporary suffering of his people for, what amounts to, "acknowledgement of greatness"?

Is a sacrifice any better than actually helping those around you directly, or maybe, should the dedication of ones service to another be sacrifice enough?