Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Circus Freak

"We're not the pretty dogs.
The preened, puffed and witty dogs.
We're not the privileged elite.
We are the gritty dogs,
the sewer and the city dogs.
And we roam free on our feet."
 
David Smith White
"The Underdogs"
 
 
"Circus Freak"
18" x 29" acrylic and plaster on board
$450



Saturday, August 17, 2013

Unwind

"My heart is so tired"
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
 
 
 
"Unwind" #1
24" x 24"
acrylic and paper on board
 
 

 
"Unwind" #2
24" x 24"
acrylic and paper on board




 
"Unwind" #3
24" x 24"
acrylic and paper on board
 
 
 
Last year I painted this series as a reflection on being overwhelmed, heartbroken and tired; on how important it is to take time for renewal, to unwind, to wake up and start again.
 
The original versions of these paintings had keys inserted into the women's back. I had intended for the keys to symbolize the process of winding down at the end of a long day. Unfortunately, time and again the paintings were misinterpreted as misogynistic, and my heart broke each time. I really wanted to stand behind the message of these paintings while still celebrating women. Last week I finally decided to paint over the keys and send these paintings back out into the world with a lighter heart.