Madonna/Whore
Create a lenticular effect where the madonna is in white and the whore is a negative of that same image.
Madonna whore complex: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna–whore_complex
https://www.artrepublic.com/articles/389-looking-at-the-lenticular-illusion.html/
Madonna whore complex: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna–whore_complex
https://www.artrepublic.com/articles/389-looking-at-the-lenticular-illusion.html/
Cartomancy: Four Queens
This one has a lot of possibilities! Needs to have all four queens, probably on 24x36 canvas each. Ideal proportion for a playing card is 2.5x3.5, so there would need to be a band on top of two and on bottom of two and they could hang in square formation.
Could be celebrity, but perhaps more effective if just interesting faces. Consider some of the flappers.
Also consider the four women in bras as four queens.
This is one I have been playing around with. saved as flapper card prototype
Queen of Clubs: Represents a charismatic woman who is in a position of power. Perhaps smoking flapper?
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Queen of Hearts: Represents a female lover or fantasy, which may be an indication of marriage – also may represent a mother or a pregnant woman. Could be Myrna Darby.
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Queen of Spades: Represents a cruel woman who is extremely manipulative and malicious. Could be woman on the train drinking coffee.
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Queen of Diamonds: Represents a sophisticated woman who loves to party and gossip. Another flapper. Brilliant flapper would be perfect.
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Maybe Armored Madonna or Medieval Madonna
Inspired by a suit of armor.
Mirrored Madonna
Maybe Meta Madonna
Perhaps something to do with Shady Business. Her image reflected of her looking at her image.
Willowy Blond
Perhaps a china doll mannequin with a blond wig. She could be standing looking at a framed image of herself. Use the gold frame from Roger. Make the frame first?
Ideas for Madonna show
Consider titling the show "Quite Contrary." So, the reason for focusing on the Madonna idea is to explore the complex symbolism associated with the elevated mother figure. What it means to be female. An exploration of the complex symbolism associated with the elevated mother figure.
The Chicken or the Egg? or Which of these things is not like the others?
The Chicken or the Egg?
The Gibson girl was the feminine ideal from the 1890s to the early 1900s. They considered themselves to be rather highly evolved and intellectual, and yet… they bound their bodies to achieve an unnaturally small waist, which came to be known as the wasp waist. So, were they so self aware (aka narcissistic) to the point that they were unaware of the world around them? This idea has been churning in my mind, along with the gargoyles of Riga, Latvia, which are prime examples of Art Nouveau architectural decorations, a time period which coincided with the rise of the Gibson girl. Keep in mind that gargoyles were designed to ward off evil and provide protection to the home and garden. So I put the Gibson girl snuggled up with the gargoyle in an attempt to show that even though she considered herself to be evolved, she still found herself unable to turn away from the perceived protection of her spiritual past. And then, probably beca I was impacted by the recent interest in UFOs and Area 51, I couldn’t help but put the flying saucer overhead, mostly because I noted initially the resemblance of the UFO to the woman’s hat! Could this style of haberdashery have been somehow weirdly inspired by alien craft? And I could only imagine what an alien would think of a woman who intentionally distorted her body to the point that she no longer looked entirely human! The woman pictured in the painting is real life actress, Marie-Louise Derval. The portrait was created on pages from a contemporary Science Fiction short story titled, “In a Wide Sky, Hidden.”
The Gibson girl was the feminine ideal from the 1890s to the early 1900s. They considered themselves to be rather highly evolved and intellectual, and yet… they bound their bodies to achieve an unnaturally small waist, which came to be known as the wasp waist. So, were they so self aware (aka narcissistic) to the point that they were unaware of the world around them? This idea has been churning in my mind, along with the gargoyles of Riga, Latvia, which are prime examples of Art Nouveau architectural decorations, a time period which coincided with the rise of the Gibson girl. Keep in mind that gargoyles were designed to ward off evil and provide protection to the home and garden. So I put the Gibson girl snuggled up with the gargoyle in an attempt to show that even though she considered herself to be evolved, she still found herself unable to turn away from the perceived protection of her spiritual past. And then, probably beca I was impacted by the recent interest in UFOs and Area 51, I couldn’t help but put the flying saucer overhead, mostly because I noted initially the resemblance of the UFO to the woman’s hat! Could this style of haberdashery have been somehow weirdly inspired by alien craft? And I could only imagine what an alien would think of a woman who intentionally distorted her body to the point that she no longer looked entirely human! The woman pictured in the painting is real life actress, Marie-Louise Derval. The portrait was created on pages from a contemporary Science Fiction short story titled, “In a Wide Sky, Hidden.”
New Mid Mod Mad on 30x40
Background needs something subtle, or not, that can make it more interesting and still allow for shadows to fall from the clock onto it.
This will replace the one I sold.
This will replace the one I sold.
Illustrated Madonna
Lady Oracle OR Illuminated Madonna
Based on a portrait of Viola Davis, I envision this to have a night sky motif with visible and identifiable constellations surrounding her and covering her clothing, so only her face and hands are realistic. What would be her aura? Perhaps the moon?
Or perhaps I could utilize one of the windows from this painting by Waterhouse, Consulting the Oracle. The arch could encircle her head...
And I really like this one of her using the K2 art effect filter. I have included the windows cropped in natural colors and with K2 filter.
If I go with Illuminated, I could perhaps employ some foil techniques...
Or perhaps I could utilize one of the windows from this painting by Waterhouse, Consulting the Oracle. The arch could encircle her head...
And I really like this one of her using the K2 art effect filter. I have included the windows cropped in natural colors and with K2 filter.
If I go with Illuminated, I could perhaps employ some foil techniques...
Acting is not rocket science, but it is an art form. What you are doing is illuminating humanity. Or not.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/viola_davis
Vanity destroys your work. That's the one thing you have to let go of as an actor. I don't care how sexy or beautiful any woman is. At the end of the day, she has to take her makeup off. At the end of the day, she's more than just pretty. Viola Davis
OR maybe this is the best. Life effect filter. Cropped 30x48 which is available at Michaels. Ordered metallic paint at Amazon.
AND I could definitely work in some starry night magic!
These images are all saved under Forsberg.
Painting in this style might require pencil eraser stamping, and maybe some brush spattering.
Virgin of the Locks
A play on Da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks, aka Madonna of the Rocks, this one needs locks and chains added. Perhaps in a circle around the window or a lock in the center of each wallpaper design square.
She was the dearest girl!
So...this one may have gone in a very unexpected direction! This started with a portrait of Doris Eaton Travis who was the oldest living Ziegfeld girl. All of the stories I read about her said she was the "dearest girl." Currently undecided about style, but leaning toward the brown one because it looks sort of like leather. Will be on 30x40.
Not happy with one. Freaking out with Frida!
I absolutely had to have a Frida entry in the Madonna series, simply because she is such an influence on this work. Her use of symbolism appeals to me greatly. It all started with a photo of Frida wearing a man's suit. This is the only photo of her dressed this way I have ever seen. It was a short leap to add a jungle background, an aura of multi-colored flowers, and a gratuitous wrapping of thorns. I then applied a "Frida" filter to the photo collage. Oh, and added a human heart. I think I will keep some of the realistic colors in the flowers though. Note how I connected the heart directly to the thorns. This is because I think she sort of fed on her pain to inspire her work.
Yes, it is in fact another series within a series!
These will be created with a variety of punched out flowers from magazines. Vintage flower girls... (probably 30x30 so they will fit together in a square) These are both portraits of Doris Eaton Travis.
Hot Mama!
This painting was inspired by memories of time spent at the beauty parlor with my grandmother when I was a small child. Every Saturday morning, she was the first one in the door of the turquoise tinted salon where she would spend the next two hours being shampooed, curled, brushed out, styled and shellacked. This left her with a somewhat curly, somewhat fluffy coiffure that was very much at risk in the elements of nature.
The background refers in a subtle way to the notion that women who put themselves through this routine became like hothouse flowers. The popcorn box hints at the potential for transformation, but even that seems to be somewhat like forcing a flower to bloom in an artificial way. The flames indicate that things could go horribly wrong. And this woman looks like she is about to pop! The electric coil that forms her halo represents industry, science and progress--all components of the beauty business. It also gives a nod to the stereotypical domestic goddess that had been the ideal in the not so distant past. And as the neon icon at the apex of the painting reveals, this whole idea of pursuing beauty is revealed as in fact the pursuit of love. |
More Madness with a vintage Gypsy! Mystical Madonna
I am tentatively calling this one "Gypsy Regina." I am going with the composition of the first image. I like the star and moon imagery with its nod to mysticism and connections to nature. And the dartboard is there because the Gypsies have historically been targeted as being disreputable. Some of the blacks will be more blue, as seen in the second image. Perhaps this is the one that needs a black bird on it? It could sit on the moon.
I'm getting Medieval on it!
Illuminated Madonna:
recall Open Culture video on illuminated texts
light bulbs
gold leaf
bound edges
3d applique employing beads, trim, cardboard, etc. and tin foil burnished and stained.
recall Open Culture video on illuminated texts
light bulbs
gold leaf
bound edges
3d applique employing beads, trim, cardboard, etc. and tin foil burnished and stained.
Madonna Madness!
I have been working on a new series of Madonna paintings. Here are the first three:
Since I have sold two, I will redo them.
The word Madonna means "My Lady" in Italian.
Renaissance Madonna
Madonna Mignon (delicate young girl) Maybe AV?
Steampunk Madonna
Brainstorming for more:
Modern Mermaid Madonna (I will post a sketch below.)
Melodic Madonna (Manami Ito, one-armed violinist) consider doing this is an abstracted style, perhaps cubism...
Madonna of the Stacks (woman reading) inspired by Madonna of the rocks
Madonna of the Locks based on Brilliant flapper
Magical Madonna (wizard/witch/gypsy) ORACLE
Metaphysical Madonna?
Medicinal Madonna (wine label?)
My Mad Self Madonna (shark selfie)
Mater of Roses (my mother) square format, 4x4 maybe, influenced by Klimt, tons of roses--order silk rosettes from WISH
Woman sitting under vintage hairdryer? Because I like the aura around her head.
Woman reading in a bar
Woman with hand over mouth (title? significance?) silenced
Madonna of the Meadows, fairy? with butterflies and bees, lush garden, maybe a garden statue? Lightning bug aura!!!!
Madonna Most Likely (Malala)
Our Lady of Ladders (business woman climbing ladder of success)
Elaborate mannequin
Harriet Tubman (photo from Ed McCain)
Madonna as Madonna (cone shaped bra)
Domestic Madonna (woman in apron)
Medieval Madonna or Byzantine Madonna with lots of gold, maybe mosaics
Steampunk Madonna
Egyptian Madonna
Elements to consider:
Salmon
Bees
Cubism
Fireflies
Hour glass
Fairy wings
Black bird or crow
Madonna Madonna Madonna! (instead of Marsha, etc.)
Here are a couple of sketches for the mermaid painting: The first one is my working photo collage. The second is more the way it will look with regard to color, except I want to keep the reds and pink vibrant. AND the mermaid tale will go up to her waist. I just didn't want to take the time to draw it here... Continue down the page for a full explication of the mermaid painting.
Fish or Cut Bait! This is Aquatic Madonna
We have all had times in our lives when we realized we were at a turning point and must make a decision that would be irreversible. These feelings of pressure, excitement, fear, adventure? All are expressed through Mermaid Madonna, and her ambivalence is evident when we examine her surroundings. First of all, where is she? The five portholes visible running across the top third of the canvas tell us that she is submerged underwater. This is a transitional place for her because though her feet are dry, she is definitely immersing herself in the ocean. She just isn’t quite ready to give up those heels as a trade-off for unfurling her tail! Another clue that she has not committed to a permanent life under the sea is the diving helmet near her tail. This is a subtle reminder of the effects of too much baggage which occurs when one refuses to let go by making the tough decisions.
So really, what is a mermaid? In folklore a mermaid has the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. She is beautiful and she is vain, often depicted combing her long flowing hair and gazing into a mirror. A mermaid’s purpose is to lure sailors and she is therefore forced to rely on beauty and charm. But what if a mermaid had no need of sailors? What if her goals were other? This mythical woman is a shape-shifter! A transmogrifier! But does she rely on divine intervention or the use of magic? She is a modern fantasy. She is the endgame of pop culture. But she is not a werewolf, and she is not a vampire! You may fear that her purpose is punitive, but this mermaid is not trying to drown you or drink your blood!
And you know, as sea travel historically became less dangerous, so did mermaids! With fewer and fewer tragedies happening to sailors and ships, mermaids slowly evolved into less threatening creatures. A more romantic view of the mermaid was introduced during the 18th century with the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid.” Since then, mermaids have been perceived more often as secretive and good-natured creatures that have a natural curiosity about life above the sea. In fact shape-shifting is often used as a plot device wherein a female form is perceived as being a threat, when really she has merely set out on a nontraditional path.
The aura surrounding the mermaid’s head is a porthole, or a portal--also known as the end of a tunnel, and in most cases, a means of entering another realm. Classically speaking this hints at travel to the land of enlightenment.
The background of the painting is a stylized shell pattern of repeated scallops. Scallops are generally considered to be free-living and active. The scallop shell has become symbolic of a journey, particularly a spiritual journey. For example, the scallop design symbolizes the many starting points from which pilgrims begin their journeys, and their commonality is symbolized by the fact that they are all drawn to a single point at the base of the shell. This has become such an accepted idea that scallops are still used today in their physical form as indicators or guiding marks that a pilgrim is on the correct path.
Scallop shells have also been used to symbolize the feminine principle which is seen as protective and nurturing. Many paintings of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility, employ a scallop shell this way. Alternatively, the scallop shell is said to resemble the setting sun and encourages the viewer to consider the passage of time.
Complex spiral shells such as the conch can be seen as representing security or protection. This indicates that someone is not showing her true self or real feelings. She is protecting herself from getting hurt, and is also reclusive and emotionally closed off. Our mermaid is sitting in a conch shell, but she appears to be emerging from it, not withdrawing into it.
Many of my Madonna paintings feature a string of pearls. In this painting, however, the image of the pearl is a little more in your face. There is only one pearl, signifying the importance of unity of thought and devotion to a singular path. And of course, it emphasizes the idea of growth under pressure. Sometimes we have to be forced into an uncomfortable situation in order to eventually move forward.
As previously referenced, this painting offers a series of five portholes. The number five is often referred to as the link between heaven and earth. It refers to the five senses, and unlike even numbers, it is somewhat unstable, hinting at change and the need to alter your course.
It is common to see round windows in vessels that are subject to stress, and the reason is to avoid weak points which are often found at square corners where cracks can form and develop. An Oculus, or circular window, has been observed in Classical architecture since the 16th century. They are often called by their French name, “oeil de boeuf” or “bull’s eye.” This implies that they function as a type of target or guiding force, which serves to focus the attention of the viewer.
Most of the five portholes offer views of placid sea water and calmly swimming, if somewhat curious, fish. The fifth one, however, has been pierced by a shark. Sharks are commonly symbolic of anger, hostility and fierceness. If one identifies with this creature, she may be undergoing a long and difficult emotional period and may be seen to be an emotional threat to herself or to others. Perhaps she is struggling with her individuality and independence, especially in some aspect of her relationships. A shark can also represent one who is greedy and unscrupulous. This kind of person goes after what she wants with no regard to the well-being and sensitivity of others. Because of all of these negative connotations, I hesitate to admit that I am the self proclaimed “Art Shark.” Certain aspects of this description do indeed fit me. I like to think, however, that I am more aligned with the relentlessly hard working aspects of the shark than the greedy grasping traits! Of course, due to the phallic nature of the encroaching shark, perhaps the mermaid does not identify with it, but instead fears it.
In the shark’s mouth the viewer will find an alarm clock. I put this here because I have an ongoing adversarial relationship with the concept of time. I also wanted to underscore the idea that the mermaid is subjected to the ticking clock with regard to her need to make a choice about her destiny. The fact that this is an alarm clock is significant. Perhaps the mermaid is alarmed and concerned that she is being forced to make a decision, and therefore feels as though her time is running out. Note that the time on the clock is set at 10:10. This is, interestingly enough, the time that most clocks are set at when they are being sold because it gives the illusion of two upraised hands, hopefully an uplifting bit of symbolism.
The porthole nearest the head of the mermaid forms a halo around her head and is surrounded by eleven red starfish. These famous five-pronged fish are usually associated with a period of healing and regeneration. Alternatively, they suggest that the mermaid has many options to weigh and decisions to make. Stars in general can signify a desire for fame and fortune. Since we have already discussed time, it is no coincidence that there are eleven stars. It is the eleventh hour and this girl must make a choice before her time runs out.
The third porthole features a close-up view of a blue iris. You could say in effect that this is the third eye. This traditionally refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. People who claim to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. The presence of the eye in the third opening suggests that the mermaid needs to look within and on a higher plane to find her answers.
The view of the ocean through the portholes allows the viewer to peer into the emotions and feelings of the painting’s subject. The ocean is generally indicative of spiritual refreshment, tranquility and renewal. It universally leaves one feeling empowered and unhindered, as though one has a positive outlook on life and is not limited by anything. Sailing across the ocean typically signifies new found freedom and independence.
The cumbersome diving helmet in the bottom right of the painting maintains an ominous presence. If the mermaid chooses to remain human, this is the only way she will be able to function underwater. Subconsciously, when one considers diving in general, she is trying to get to the bottom of a current situation or the root of her problems or feelings. It seem significant then that the mermaid’s tale is somewhat obscuring the helmet.
The porthole directly over the head of the mermaid features a golden fish. This functions almost like a glowing crown, and it symbolizes riches, natural healing, illumination and spirituality. That the fish is nearest to the subject is perhaps a positive signifier that the mermaid will surely gain access to these concepts and abilities.
At the base of the painting, there rests a pair of red shoes. In general, shoes represent one’s approach to life--their path. Wearing shoes indicates that one is well-grounded or down to earth. It represents her convictions about her beliefs. If you are changing your shoes, this refers to your changing roles-you are taking a new approach to life. But if you set your shoes aside or forget them, it suggests that you are leaving behind your inhibitions, or perhaps that you are refusing to conform to some idea or attitude. That the shoes are red like the stars forces a connection or comparison. If the stars represent the woman’s spiritual life, the shoes can be seen to exist entirely on the physical plane. They seem to be cast aside, but not completely shunned. Will the mermaid turn away from her earthly, human body, or does the presence of the shoes signify that she is conflicted and and hesitant to do so?
The empty electrical socket at the bottom left indicates perhaps that not all assets are being utilized. Or maybe it is warning that there is a distinct division, a wall if you will, between the world of water and the world of dry land. In other words, there is no going back once the decision has been made.
So really, what is a mermaid? In folklore a mermaid has the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. She is beautiful and she is vain, often depicted combing her long flowing hair and gazing into a mirror. A mermaid’s purpose is to lure sailors and she is therefore forced to rely on beauty and charm. But what if a mermaid had no need of sailors? What if her goals were other? This mythical woman is a shape-shifter! A transmogrifier! But does she rely on divine intervention or the use of magic? She is a modern fantasy. She is the endgame of pop culture. But she is not a werewolf, and she is not a vampire! You may fear that her purpose is punitive, but this mermaid is not trying to drown you or drink your blood!
And you know, as sea travel historically became less dangerous, so did mermaids! With fewer and fewer tragedies happening to sailors and ships, mermaids slowly evolved into less threatening creatures. A more romantic view of the mermaid was introduced during the 18th century with the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid.” Since then, mermaids have been perceived more often as secretive and good-natured creatures that have a natural curiosity about life above the sea. In fact shape-shifting is often used as a plot device wherein a female form is perceived as being a threat, when really she has merely set out on a nontraditional path.
The aura surrounding the mermaid’s head is a porthole, or a portal--also known as the end of a tunnel, and in most cases, a means of entering another realm. Classically speaking this hints at travel to the land of enlightenment.
The background of the painting is a stylized shell pattern of repeated scallops. Scallops are generally considered to be free-living and active. The scallop shell has become symbolic of a journey, particularly a spiritual journey. For example, the scallop design symbolizes the many starting points from which pilgrims begin their journeys, and their commonality is symbolized by the fact that they are all drawn to a single point at the base of the shell. This has become such an accepted idea that scallops are still used today in their physical form as indicators or guiding marks that a pilgrim is on the correct path.
Scallop shells have also been used to symbolize the feminine principle which is seen as protective and nurturing. Many paintings of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility, employ a scallop shell this way. Alternatively, the scallop shell is said to resemble the setting sun and encourages the viewer to consider the passage of time.
Complex spiral shells such as the conch can be seen as representing security or protection. This indicates that someone is not showing her true self or real feelings. She is protecting herself from getting hurt, and is also reclusive and emotionally closed off. Our mermaid is sitting in a conch shell, but she appears to be emerging from it, not withdrawing into it.
Many of my Madonna paintings feature a string of pearls. In this painting, however, the image of the pearl is a little more in your face. There is only one pearl, signifying the importance of unity of thought and devotion to a singular path. And of course, it emphasizes the idea of growth under pressure. Sometimes we have to be forced into an uncomfortable situation in order to eventually move forward.
As previously referenced, this painting offers a series of five portholes. The number five is often referred to as the link between heaven and earth. It refers to the five senses, and unlike even numbers, it is somewhat unstable, hinting at change and the need to alter your course.
It is common to see round windows in vessels that are subject to stress, and the reason is to avoid weak points which are often found at square corners where cracks can form and develop. An Oculus, or circular window, has been observed in Classical architecture since the 16th century. They are often called by their French name, “oeil de boeuf” or “bull’s eye.” This implies that they function as a type of target or guiding force, which serves to focus the attention of the viewer.
Most of the five portholes offer views of placid sea water and calmly swimming, if somewhat curious, fish. The fifth one, however, has been pierced by a shark. Sharks are commonly symbolic of anger, hostility and fierceness. If one identifies with this creature, she may be undergoing a long and difficult emotional period and may be seen to be an emotional threat to herself or to others. Perhaps she is struggling with her individuality and independence, especially in some aspect of her relationships. A shark can also represent one who is greedy and unscrupulous. This kind of person goes after what she wants with no regard to the well-being and sensitivity of others. Because of all of these negative connotations, I hesitate to admit that I am the self proclaimed “Art Shark.” Certain aspects of this description do indeed fit me. I like to think, however, that I am more aligned with the relentlessly hard working aspects of the shark than the greedy grasping traits! Of course, due to the phallic nature of the encroaching shark, perhaps the mermaid does not identify with it, but instead fears it.
In the shark’s mouth the viewer will find an alarm clock. I put this here because I have an ongoing adversarial relationship with the concept of time. I also wanted to underscore the idea that the mermaid is subjected to the ticking clock with regard to her need to make a choice about her destiny. The fact that this is an alarm clock is significant. Perhaps the mermaid is alarmed and concerned that she is being forced to make a decision, and therefore feels as though her time is running out. Note that the time on the clock is set at 10:10. This is, interestingly enough, the time that most clocks are set at when they are being sold because it gives the illusion of two upraised hands, hopefully an uplifting bit of symbolism.
The porthole nearest the head of the mermaid forms a halo around her head and is surrounded by eleven red starfish. These famous five-pronged fish are usually associated with a period of healing and regeneration. Alternatively, they suggest that the mermaid has many options to weigh and decisions to make. Stars in general can signify a desire for fame and fortune. Since we have already discussed time, it is no coincidence that there are eleven stars. It is the eleventh hour and this girl must make a choice before her time runs out.
The third porthole features a close-up view of a blue iris. You could say in effect that this is the third eye. This traditionally refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. People who claim to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. The presence of the eye in the third opening suggests that the mermaid needs to look within and on a higher plane to find her answers.
The view of the ocean through the portholes allows the viewer to peer into the emotions and feelings of the painting’s subject. The ocean is generally indicative of spiritual refreshment, tranquility and renewal. It universally leaves one feeling empowered and unhindered, as though one has a positive outlook on life and is not limited by anything. Sailing across the ocean typically signifies new found freedom and independence.
The cumbersome diving helmet in the bottom right of the painting maintains an ominous presence. If the mermaid chooses to remain human, this is the only way she will be able to function underwater. Subconsciously, when one considers diving in general, she is trying to get to the bottom of a current situation or the root of her problems or feelings. It seem significant then that the mermaid’s tale is somewhat obscuring the helmet.
The porthole directly over the head of the mermaid features a golden fish. This functions almost like a glowing crown, and it symbolizes riches, natural healing, illumination and spirituality. That the fish is nearest to the subject is perhaps a positive signifier that the mermaid will surely gain access to these concepts and abilities.
At the base of the painting, there rests a pair of red shoes. In general, shoes represent one’s approach to life--their path. Wearing shoes indicates that one is well-grounded or down to earth. It represents her convictions about her beliefs. If you are changing your shoes, this refers to your changing roles-you are taking a new approach to life. But if you set your shoes aside or forget them, it suggests that you are leaving behind your inhibitions, or perhaps that you are refusing to conform to some idea or attitude. That the shoes are red like the stars forces a connection or comparison. If the stars represent the woman’s spiritual life, the shoes can be seen to exist entirely on the physical plane. They seem to be cast aside, but not completely shunned. Will the mermaid turn away from her earthly, human body, or does the presence of the shoes signify that she is conflicted and and hesitant to do so?
The empty electrical socket at the bottom left indicates perhaps that not all assets are being utilized. Or maybe it is warning that there is a distinct division, a wall if you will, between the world of water and the world of dry land. In other words, there is no going back once the decision has been made.
It is series-within-a-series time! Why Cry?!?!
In addition: I have an idea to do a series within a series, "Why Cry?"
This will be a set of four (24"x36") pieces in the style of Lichtenstein. Inspired by attractive women crying and asking why? When I have seen these crying ladies in the past, my first thought has always been, "Probably because of some man." They seem rather shallow. But what if I "gave them something to cry about?" Something real and serious? And I came up with a series of weeping Madonnas who were asking, "Why?" I came up with these four sketches, each measuring 16" x 20". They will be cartoon-like with bright colors and the same "Why?" caption. |
Madonna Most Likely: Malala Yousafzai
Note: The wolf in background represents the teacher, pathfinder, sharing of knowledge, and never ending journey. It is no coincidence that the bullet is aimed at it. The aura behind her head is the Nobel Prize. Since this does not show up, I might emboss it onto the golden apple.
Most of these paintings start out as photo collages that are then morphed into more abstracted pieces.
Most of these paintings start out as photo collages that are then morphed into more abstracted pieces.