At the request of First Lady Donna Edwards, contemplation and work began on a Magnolia painting to hang in the “Magnolia Room” of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. As the Edwards have long been collectors of RC Davis’ work, the artist was honored to have been chosen to create this one-of-a-kind artwork and hoped to excel.

 The Magnolia Room is brightly lit on the East Wing of the Mansion and seemed to require something of a decorative, contemporary flavor…something to symbolize the importance and status of the (political) wall upon which it would hang. As Gov. John Bel Edwards had taken art lessons in his youth, the artist elicited his symbolic hand in the work, and indeed it was the Governor who applied the only pure white tint in the work. Prose to elucidate the symbolism was also composed and inscribed on the back of the work, with the Governor’s approval, making the piece historically unique and significant. A highly-collectible, limited edition reproduction, with the signatures of both Gov. John Bel Edwards and RC Davis, is being offered to collectors who desired to support the Governor’s Mansion Preservation  Foundation and collect this extraordinary Louisiana artwork.

The theoretical, scientific essay entitled “The Fermi Paradox” says there are 10,000 stars for every single grain of sand on every beach on planet Earth. The scope and time-lapse of our expanding Universe is incomprehensible, and the essay questions why – given the overwhelming odds and probability of other life forms being present – there are none currently known. It posits the idea of a “Great Filter” that may end the forward evolution of complex life forms who still being ruled by instinctual, biological traits, cannot wisely control the technology they acquire. We are very…special. Enter Politics.

Excerpts from the Prose on the back of “The Governor’s Magnolia”:

“It was politics that put Jesus on the cross, and given the extremely powerful knowledge and technologies that we are on the verge of acquiring…”

“The Magnolia in full bloom symbolizes both the idea of beauty, and the beauty and power of truth. The looming Louisiana State Capitol – with periods of shadow and light – is ever-present, symbolizing and celebrating those who publicly serve our collective task toward the discovery of truth. The buds symbolize tomorrow’s potential. And of course, the Love-Bug…elaboration unnecessary. “

“God speed us toward our lofty and worthy goal of Greater Love.”

– RC Davis