Sixteen Candles 1992

Charles Bell made "Sixteen Candles" with paint, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. I can imagine him carefully layering the colors to capture the essence of these glass spheres, almost like building them from scratch. Think about the patience it takes to achieve that hyperreal effect, each marble reflecting light and color in its own unique way. Look at how the paint has been applied in layers to get that sheen! It makes you wonder about the hours Bell must have spent studying these objects. Bell's work resonates with artists like Vija Celmins, who also find beauty in the everyday. It’s all about slowing down, noticing the details, and celebrating the quiet moments. Painting offers us this unique opportunity to see the world anew, transforming the mundane into something magical. And who doesn’t want a little magic in their day?