The Path of Unseen Returns

Ecclesiastes 11:1 begins with the wisdom of generosity:  "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." This verse is illustrated in the rippling waves of the ocean, representing acts of kindness, generosity, and patience. Like the bread cast upon the water, our actions—whether good or bad—often return to us in unexpected ways. This serves as a reminder in life that what we give out, we will eventually receive, even if the timing is uncertain.  

In Ecclesiastes 11:2,  "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth," the verse emphasizes the importance of sharing and being prepared. The lone figure in the image is a symbol of every human who walks through life, uncertain of what the future holds. The tree with many branches and roots is a metaphor for the connections we cultivate in life, encouraging us to give abundantly, as we never know when disaster may strike. In today’s interconnected world, this teaching finds resonance in the value of charity, community, and mutual support.  

Ecclesiastes 11:3 reflects the inevitability of natural processes:  "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be." The verse serves as a reminder that some events in life are beyond our control—storms will come, trees will fall, and we must accept the course of nature. The artwork reflects this in its serene, yet powerful depiction of nature, showing that life’s outcomes are sometimes dictated by forces greater than us.  

The verse  "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4) speaks to the dangers of overthinking or waiting for perfect conditions before acting. The figure in the image may represent someone who, despite the vast expanse ahead of him, is reminded not to wait for ideal circumstances to move forward. In real life, this can serve as a reminder that fear, doubt, or hesitation can prevent us from taking action and achieving our goals.  

Finally, Ecclesiastes 11:5 acknowledges the mysteries of life:  "As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all." This line speaks to the divine mysteries that govern our existence—how life is created, how events unfold, and how the unseen forces shape the world. In the artwork, the merging of sky, water, and land reflects this unity of the physical and spiritual, showing that some of life’s greatest processes are beyond our comprehension.  

Through these verses, the artwork explores themes of generosity, acceptance of life’s unpredictability, and the importance of faith in the unseen. The journey we all take is one of uncertainty, but with trust in a greater design, we can find peace in the mysteries of life, knowing that, in time, all things will come full circle.