"Turtles all the way down"

Acrylic on Canvas, 4ft x 4ft

This painting, Turtles All the Way Down, was inspired by a moment during a college spring break trip. As I observed people passionately debating religion and faith, I was struck by the realization that, when it comes to matters of belief, no one truly knows the answers. No one can prove what the afterlife looks like, whether there is a god, or even the true nature of existence itself.

Inspired by an ancient Chinese myth that the world rests on the back of a giant turtle (sometimes supported by elephants), I had this thought: If no one can prove anything, why not entertain the idea that the world is being carried on the back of a turtle? The concept of something as profound as the entire world resting on such a mythical creature seemed to capture the essence of our human condition—full of uncertainty and mystery.

Through this piece, I invite viewers to reflect on the nature of belief and the limits of human knowledge. It's a reminder that we may never have all the answers, but in that uncertainty, there’s room for imagination, humility, and open-mindedness. Who’s to say the world isn’t on the back of a turtle? After all, no one can prove otherwise.