Spartacus has no soul.  It resides in the heart of another. —Batiatus If there are no gods there is nothing to shape what happens in our lives; then there is no meaning to any of it. I cannot believe the gods would lead me to you, to bless me with such love, only to make me bear witness to your suffering. No!... there is a deeper purpose to the path you have been set upon, one that has yet to reveal itself. —Sura Sura spoke often to me of the gods.  She believed in them.  I never truly have ... and I have suffered much for it. But, no longer!  From this point forward I give myself over to her beliefs.  I embrace my fate. And if this is my fate ... if this is truly the path the gods have set me upon ... then they will not see me fall. —Spartacus

This month's Curtain Call showcases the primary focus of creative expression for the past few weeks: the inspirational sources for Spartacus. Traditionally we have thought of Spartacus in a male dominated context.  This is natural when considering gladiators and conflict.  There is more to the motives of Spartacus, however, than red blood and Testosterone.  I have endeavored to get below the surface of Spartacus lore and convey in portrayals the aspects of heart and soul that drove the man into the pages of history.  No surprise then, when seeking inspiration, the result would be warm and feminine. Even when channeled towards others it is feminine spirit and transformative love that lead Spartacus on to triumph. It is through the love of Naevia that Crixus, long a primary foe, comes to the realization:  "In another life, we might have been brothers."  If you are guy who has ever felt an unexpressed affinity for a rival or opponent then you feel those words cut right to your core. Crixus and Spartacus must join together; only through what they both learn within love can this happen.  As Spartacus says: "Either we come to common ground and fight as one ... or we die as two."   I won't speak for you, but that inspires me. I wanted to produce a work that exemplified this positive inspiring force in the life of Spartacus.  The Curtain Call seemed the ideal form to contain and display that expression. Keep your own fires burning bright! With warmest regard, Terry     The images below will take you to the Curtain Call originals.