Alchemy is invoked to emphasize transformation, the breathing act, and labyrinths as a means of symbolizing their physical properties. Alchemy has three modes of content, viz. 1) physical: to be in rhythmic motion, e.g. either breathe or die, 2) volitional: oscillation between desire to create (expiration) or to be immortal (inspiration), 3) spiritual: derives from breathing (latin = spiritus) and no religion, philosophy or ideology can exist devoid of the notion of spirit. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

Laffoley contributes an essay about the meaning of his new work. "The Alchemy of Breathing," a print commissioned by Marvin Sackner for "The Beauty in Breathing" exhibition (American Lung Association in 1992 in Miami Beach) is depicted in this catalogue. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.