Candle Stand c. 1938

This is Rex F. Bush's "Candle Stand" painting. The candle stand is an object of illumination and domesticity, its presence suggesting a symbolic interplay between light and shadow. Notice its singular pillar supporting the flat surface, a structure that echoes ancient columns, bearing not the weight of a temple roof but the gentle glow of candlelight. The tripod base with ornate feet resembles stylized waves or flames, bringing to mind the cyclical nature of fire, destruction, and rebirth. I am reminded of similar motifs of support and illumination in various epochs, from Minoan libation tables to Gothic candelabras. The candle stand is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a vessel of light. It reminds us of the deep, subconscious human need to ward off darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Like a lighthouse, the candle stand symbolizes hope and guidance. It represents the human spirit's cyclical progression through history, continually resurfacing with new meanings and interpretations.