High Hopes

Here Victor uses his primary symbol, the ladder or staircase, which represents the evolution of consciousness, from the material plane at the base of the steps, to higher and higher levels of awareness. The boats at the level of the base of the steps follow the laws of the material plane reality.

At the summit of the staircase (indicated by the railing, near the center of the painting) is a plateau of higher consciousness. The man who is traveling at this level controls his reality. The boat does what he wants it to, rather than obeying the usual physical laws. His hopes and dreams are as high as he wishes them to be, and they are under his control.

"High Hopes" relates to Victor's painting "Father of the Apple".