Delphic Sibyl as Fairie, From Sistine Chapel

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Sensual Fluidity - upcoming show

      I am in a show with Leigh Blackistone entitled Sensual Fluidity. We both have nature inspired works led by our own voices. I am thrilled with the chance to be showing with Leigh. Her oil paintings truly show a luscious side of nature.  The opening is Friday, May 18 at 6pm. The show is at PAMPAS restaurant, 10970 State Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, Ga 30022.
       I am continuing my exploration of the idea of drawing with collage, using pencil to canvas, and including my paper leaves and found objects. There is a wonderful feeling drawing on a surface and feeling the tactile nature of the texture I am applying to the surface. It is the most direct form of sculpture I can think of. That touch of my fingers to the surface I am working with is sensual. I consider my leaves sculpture; cutting, folding and painting paper.
       The idea of the Green Man is one I am intrigued with. The imagery pops up in many cultures, but the idea seems most persistent with male or animal figures. I have not found many female images prevalent in the green man imagery. I am content for the moment to borrow from classic painters. The portrayal of facial features is a primary inspiration. I have borrowed from Durer, Michelangelo, Monet, Degas, and Lautrec. I also have looked at Avedon's photographs as a window into portraying the human face and body. Sometimes what is unattractive in a classical sense of beauty is the most haunting and mystifying.
       Masks come into play for me with the idea of becoming something else; transforming into something that we are not, with the idea of covering the face. Playful disguise is the way I see it. I see a link of the symbol of the green man and the mask; sending a message of abundance of the harvest in an incarnation of man with leaves and vines extending out of the mouth, nose and sometimes eyes. Horrific in a sense, mystical and joyful depending on the depiction. I love the idea of creating masks out of my leaf sculptures and returning to a sense of play; something that we do not allow ourselves enough of.
       The interplay of fabric and fibers are a new direction for me. I like the idea of the fluidity of silk merged with the heavier texture of felted wool. The interplay of the two can create another workable medium for me. It presents new avenues for me to use, such as drawing with the sewing machine. I am using the first pieces I have created as sketches for further exploration of the medium.
   
      

Mother Nature


The madonna image is one from a Durer painting. I decided to use old master paintings as references for portraits with collage. I am exploring the idea of drawing with objects as well as with rendering in pencil.
This image is a precursor to the final one. I am exploring ideas of the Green Man. There were usually only male  or animal imagery in the green man tradition; I am inserting women in the role.