This painting is set behind the Ballinglen Arts Foundation with a view looking down to the Bay.  Although there has never been, or will be I imagine, a trampoline at the center I conjured up this figure composition based on the many trampolines dotting the landscape of Northwest Mayo, sometimes in the most remote locations imaginable to a visitor.  The sense of freedom and the sensation of weightlessness intrigued me.  I then had to fix the central figure at the moment just before descent.   A visitor to my studio at the time mentioned the "Ascension of Mary".  I felt stupid at the time because it somehow had not crossed my mind that, of course, the image could be interpreted in this way.  I decided that was fine.  When people see images of people in paintings it makes them reflect on their own experiences.  I want my paintings to have that effect on others.  I did not intend for the painting to be seen through a religious lens, but that is always up to the viewer.  My only intent was for the painting to elicit a response.  Hopefully it will be a strong and meaningful experience for the viewer.          - Randall Exon