"No Silent Springs" (Rachel Carson)"

“But man is a part of nature, 

and his war against nature 

is inevitably a war against himself....”

― Rachel Carson

My tribute to Rachel Carson and her book, 'Silent Spring'

"No Silent Springs

(Rachel Carson)"

I recently watched the PBS 'American Experience episode' regarding the author and naturalist, Rachel Carson, about her life's work.  While I knew a little about her background, the documentary went into great detail and was very educational.  I learned much from watching it, and also found myself highly moved. 

Oils on a 7x9 wood plaque

In an era when Nature was seen as a thing necessary for Mankind to dominate, exploit, intercept and control, Rachel Carson's message firmly challenged that prevailing Mid-Century notion.  While the attitudes of the time reflected a belief that humans were somehow separate and apart from the natural world, Carson argued instead that mankind is actually an integral part of the dynamism of Nature, and that our human activities potentially have more far-reaching repercussions and impacts than we might even be aware of.  Her book, 'Silent Spring', specifically questioned the widespread use of chemical pesticides, while calling attention to the negative impacts such wholesale application had upon the environment and animal life -- and ultimately, upon ourselves.   'Silent Spring' became a best seller and brought much public awareness to the concept of environmental conservation.  Her influential writings and moving testimonies helped awaken a global cause, and are generally credited with giving rise and advancement to our modern environmental movement.

I was able to use a small wooden plaque purchased 2nd-hand from our local I.D.E.A. Store

As such, when looking for a subject to paint for this month's EBSQ "Awakening" online exhibit, Rachel Carson came to mind immediately.  Her influence awakened an entire generation. The title of the book, 'Silent Spring', refers to the scenario of an absence of song birds, as they perish en mass from heavy pesticide exposure. Robins in particular are susceptible to the effects of industrial chemicals and pesticides building up in the food chain -- so a robin seemed a likely symbol.  There is also the matter of Rachel Carson having died relatively young (in her 50's) from aggressive breast cancer.  As a survivor of breast cancer myself, I hated to learn about how she likely suffered in her illness. Oncology treatments were rudimentary at best back then, harsh and commonly ineffective, and doctors often patronizing.   We'll never know if Rachel Carson's own cancer was in any way environmentally triggered.  But what if is was...?  Then somehow her message feels even all-the-more weighty to me. 

On my easel in progress....

And so, while I'm entering this piece into the March EBSQ "Awareness" online art exhibit, I was also able to hang it in a local, themed art show this month, entitled "Resist".  What comes to mind when you think of Resistance....?  Rachel Carson did go on to experience a lot of negative fall-out from her writings and opinions -- many folks, including those in the farming industry and other corporate interests, looked to discredit her work and smear her reputation.   They resisted her environmental message -- while she in turn intrepidly resisted their public pressure and attempts to keep her quiet.....

Here's a photo of my entry, "No Silent Springs (Rachel Carson)" hanging in the local "Resist" show....

My Rachel Carson tribute hanging in the Resist show at our local Independent Media Center

RIP, Rachel Carson.  

Here's to no silent springs.

My White/Orwell Tribute for EBSQ's February Online Exhibit: 'Opposites'

"Animal Web": oils upon a 10x12 handmade canvas using a re-purposed frame

Yesterday was the last day of the month of February, which meant the deadline for the EBSQ online exhibit, "Opposites".  I entered last night with this little piece, a tribute to two much beloved pig story authors, EB White, and George Orwell.  I've entitled it, "Animal Web", and it is my interpretation of the theme, 'Opposites'....

EB White and George Orwell, With Their Pigs.

The following is my entry's artist statement over at EBSQ:

"Animal Web: A Tribute To Authors,

EB White and George Orwell":

My entry for the February 2017 EBSQ online "Opposites" exhibit features a whimsical little fantasy piece painted in loving tribute to two of my favorite authors:  EB White, of 'Charlotte's Web', and George Orwell, of "Animal Farm".  Both authors were talented, highly esteemed, caucasion, of similar age (born only a few years apart), and writers of fiction. Both wrote sweeping, captivating tales regarding farms -- specifically featuring complex and endearing characters who happened to be pigs.  However, the similarities between the two men and their fiction likely mostly ends there -- and not only because one was American and the other British.  Both used their porcine protagonists to weaves two very different tales indeed.  EB White's beloved "Charlotte's Web" narrates the story of unity, cooperation, and friendship -- plus what I always personally interpreted as strong, optimistic message as to the value of Nature, and of animals, and of anti-cruelty in general.  And all within the sweet setting of a peacefully idyllic, mid-century farmstead.   George Orwell's "Animal Farm", however, though also set against the backdrop of a picturesque farmstead, spins a very opposing narrative.  Orwell used his setting and plot to outline an allegorical and cautionary story about the rise of Soviet communism and of the brutal dictatorship of Joseph Stalin.  His pigs are far from sweet, passive characters -- they are highly manipulative creatures who get up to some very nasty things.  The intimidate and oppress their fellow farm-mates ("All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others").  They threaten and cajole, assail and even engage in violence -- a much darker yarn for sure.   "Charlotte's Web" and "Animal Farm", two classic and much beloved modern-day fables about intrepid pigs living on farms, that really couldn't be more 'opposite'....

(Note:  In the spirit of creative re-use, this painting support was hand-fashioned using a re-purposed old 10x12 wood frame. I like to upcycle previously used second-hand materials that might otherwise make their way to the landfill into my creative process in lieu of new purchases whenever applicable)....

This is my 2nd in a series of tributes to George Orwell.  You can find my previous piece here...

Side View

This painting will soon be making it's way across the country as a fun project commissioned by a White and Orwell fan.  Very thankful for lots of freelance work at present, with more to write about soon....

UPDATE~UPDATE



Happy to say my little "Animal Web" tribute painting here won 'Member's Mention" (2nd Place) in the EBSQ 'Opposites' online  -- thanks so much to my voters...! 

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My Kafka Tribute for EBSQ's January Exhibit Theme: 'Metamorphosis'

"I cannot make you understand.

I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me.

I cannot even explain it to myself..."

~Franz Kafka, "The Metamorphosis"

I entered the EBSQ "Metamorphosis" exhibit with this little tribute portrait of Franz Kafka -- because please, "Metamorphosis"...?
 .

What else could it possibly be but Kafka...?

.

'Metamorphosis' In-Progress Photo

The following is my statement over at EBSQ:

 .

 

My entry for the "Metamorphosis" exhibit features a small portrait painted in tribute to Mr. Franz Kafka, author of the 1915 novella, "The Metamorphosis".  Mr. Kafka gazes steadily out to us, his head held protectively within the pinchers of an extraordinary fantasy insect. 

When contemplating a subject for this month's theme, but of course this classic tome was one of the first things to come to mind.  For many of us, myself included, "The Metamorphosis" was required reading in school -- a tale of woe about a young man who unwillingly and inexplicably metamorphosizes into a huge and fearsome-looking insect, and how this unusual and unfortunate circumstance negatively impacts his life, as well as the lives of his family, who go on to ultimately reject him in his given state.  Throughout his long and drawn-out ordeal, the young man/insect is stuck within his house, unable to leave the four walls of his room for fear of public reaction to his condition. Hence I felt this little segment of found, wooden picket fencing that I used for my painting support an especially good fit for this project, being as that it is rather "house shaped" at that.  And while I don't want to include any spoilers of the story here to those who haven't read it, suffice it to say the protagonist does not come to a good end by the last chapter of the book, hence we have as part of the insect's body a wee painted skull. 

So let this be a warning to all, shall we....?  Please try not to transform randomly while sleeping into big creepy insects, if you can at all avoid it.....

.......

. 


UPDATE ~UPDATE

Happy to say that my entry won "Member's Choice" (1st Place) in the 'Metamorphosis' show, yay!  This involves a cash prize -- thanks so much, EBSQ...!   (Plus I have plans to hang this locally, at a cafe here in town that has put out the call for original art).  

My Entry, 'Percy Shelley: On a Faded Violet,' For EBSQ "State Flowers" Show

"Percy Shelley:

On a Faded Violet"

"Percy Shelley: On a Faded Violet" acrylics on 9 x 6 Oval Plaque

Another show, another entry.  This time, it was the August '15, EBSQ 'State Flowers' exhibit.  EBSQ, the online art community I've long been a member of, once hosted several themed shows each month.  But starting in January '15, this was reduced to a single monthly theme.  August's theme was 'State and National Flowers' -- a throwback to when there was a different flower theme every month, which EBSQ hosted for a decade and which was popular with botanical and still-life artists.  I'm neither of those per se, so if I was going to participate last month, I was going to have to make this single August EBSQ theme work for me....

Side View

The following is my artist statement....:

This painting,"Percy Shelley: On a Faded Violet", is my entry for the EBSQ August 2015 "State Flowers" exhibit.

I've lived in two states in my lifetime, Illinois and Wisconsin.  It just so happens that the official flower for both states... is the Violet.  Even though show participants could have painted any flower associated with any state for this exhibit regardless where they live, I took this wee coincidence as a sign that I had best paint a violet in some fashion or another....

And so naturally, as those familiar with my work know I am want to do (because I am an admitted geekish book-nerd), I looked for inspiration amongst one of my favorite sources:  Classic Western Poetry.  Thanks to the help of a good friend, I found it in this little poem, written as it was in 1818 by one of England's most renowned poets of the Romantic era, Percy Bysshe Shelley...:


On a Faded Violet,
by Percy Bysshe Shelley


The odour from the flower is gone

Which like the kisses breather on me;

The colour from the flower is flown

Which glowed of thee and only thee!


A shrivelled, lifeless, vacant form,

It lies on my abandoned breast;

And mocks the heart, which yet is warm

With cold and silent rest.


I weep -- my tears revive it not;

I sigh -- it breathes no more on me:

Its must and uncomplaining lot

Is such as mine should be.


............ 

Being as that Mr. Shelley is best known for his lengthy, verbose Epic Poetry, this wee rhyme might be considered down-right succinct in comparison.  Short yet sweet (or bittersweet in this case), I was moved by the romance and poignancy of Shelley's few, carefully chosen lines (all the more so in light of Shelley's own highly unconventional and complicated personal life....!).  As such I chose to paint a portrait in tribute to this master poet, with a sad, drooping blossom perched dispiritedly upon his collar, and deep melancholy in his eyes.  Though the flower may be faded, I made up for its lack of color by painting the background a brilliant violet hue (one of my favorite colors which sadly I don't often find myself occasion to use), while adding in script the first line of the poem around the edge of the painting.

This piece, "Percy Shelley: "On a Faded Violet...", is my latest in a long series of painted odes in personal tribute to my favorite literary authors and poets....

...................

***Edit~Edit~Edit***

This piece is actually the 2nd in a wee series of tributes to the Shelley's, my first being a fanciful portrait of Percy's wife, 

Mary Shelley....:

"The Monster's Bath", my little painted tribute to both Mary Shelley, and Mary Cassatt

As regular readers might recall, this one was painted for the October 2014 Nibblefest Art Contest theme, "Monsters" (and was a tribute to TWO historical Mary's I much admire:  

Mary Shelley, and Mary Cassatt).  

And so, having 'done' Mary S., I guess it seemed timely to, in turn, 'do' Percy S. ...:

My entry, "Percy Shelley: On a Faded Violet"

To see my entry as all as the EBSQ "State and National Flowers" entries in the show, click here (mine being on the 2nd page)....

"West Wibbley World": My Entry for the 15th Annual "Ripped Off" EBSQ Exhibit

Last month I entered the annual EBSQ "Ripped Off" exhibit....:

My "West Wibbley World", painted on a 5 x7 painted, found wood plaque

EBSQ's "Ripped Off" show (2015 marking its 15th year) is always a fun one.  Obviously, under ordinary circumstances, blatantly copying or 'ripping off' another artist's work, would be a huge no-no.  But for the "Ripped Off" show, copying is not only sanctioned, it's actually encouraged (with permission of course)! Artists partner up in order to go through each other's portfolios, picking a piece for re-interpreting and putting one's own spin on it (read the show prospectus here).... 

For some reason it's been many a year since I've participated in "Ripped Off".  Four of them to be precise (since I last entered in 2011), and so it seemed high time to take part again.  With luck I managed this round to get partnered up with my good buddy, Vicky Knowles, artist extraordinaire, and inventor of the highly imaginative "Wibbley World', with its cast of assorted unique and freaky-cute characters, like the fellow below, named 'Lunchbox"....:

One of Vicky Knowles' best known Wibbles, the character of 'Lunchbox'

The following was my entry's artist statement...:




"WEST WIBBLEY WORLD"....:
 

"Where Nothing Bad Ever Happens... Happens... Happens... Happens...."...


As a long-time admirer of Vicky Knowles's art and the genius that is her wonderful cast of unique and highly distinctive "Wibbley World" characters, I was delighted indeed for the opportunity to partner up with her for this 'Ripped Off" show..... 

Folks familiar with my artwork know how I like to ruminate upon a theme and interpret how it relates to me personally.  I typically turn a concept over and over in my head until an idea speaks to me -- and often while trying to find some twist of word or visual pun to sort through whenever I can.   In the case of Vicky's art, I meditated for some time on the concept of 'Wibbley World'.  What kept coming into mind for me..., was "WestWorld", the vintage, '70's-era Sci-fi film, written and directed by Michael Crichton, about a pricey adult theme park populated by robots, wherein vacationing guests get to act out their cowboy fantasies in an old, Wild West setting.  Complete with shoot-outs, bank robberies, bar brawls and saloon girls, everything is fun and games -- that is, until the technology goes a little haywire (of course).  Then all hell breaks loose -- specifically in the guise of one particularly menacing, black-hatted robot cowboy, as embodied by the legendary actor, Yul Brynner.  Nothing (and I mean nothin') can stop him once his programming goes rogue. 

It's a film that used to come on TV from time to time in my youth, and I can still remember how it made quite the impression on me as a kid....(Check out the original movie trailer HERE)

And so, I decided to merge the two Worlds, 'West' AND 'Wibbley', ....into one, creating a little personal tribute to both.  Thus, please allow me to present to you, "West WIBBLEY World"... "Where Nothing Bad Ever Happens... Happens.... Happens... Happens".  (Note this is the official phrase of "Wibbley World" (without the repeats of course), which you'll notice is actually really rather hauntingly similar to the "WestWord" slogan:  "Where nothing can possibly go wrong.... Go wrong....  Go wrong.... Go wrong....").

We have featured here one of Vicky's most familiar, beloved Wibbles, known as 'Lunchbox' (her character painted in my own more 'contrast-y' artistic style).  Lunchbox is perhaps a trifle, wee bit alarming here, because his faceplate is lifting off just enough to expose all his colorful mechanical circuitry and wiring underneath, much like in the official "WestWorld" movie poster (included in my detail photos).  As such, it appears our "WestWibbleyWorld" Lunchbox may well actually be a robotic version of himself.  Nevertheless, you'll notice that he still has his precious lunch-pail, and his trusty diaper -- and so at the end of the day, does it really matter...???  Not if it's the alternate reality of "Wibbley World" -- or heck even the alternate-ALTERNATE reality of "WESTWibbleyWorld"...!  (Because when we're talking WIBBLES..., it's all good!)   


**A great big THANKS to Vicky Knowles for granting me permission to play around with her Wibbles -- and all in good fun....!  Please be sure to visit her website here: http://wibbleyworld.com/

"West Wibbley World" Side View #1

"West Wibbley World" Side View #2

"WestWorld" Movie Poster #1

"WestWorld" Movie Poster #2

...........................


And..., I'm happy to be able to say my entry won 'Member's Choice'  (1st Place, with a cash prize!) in the contest -- a big thanks so much to EBSQ and all who voted for me...!

'West Wibbley World' wins 'Member's Choice' (1st Place) in EBSQ's contest...!

My Entry for EBSQ's February 'What a Doll' Show: 'Beryl Moon'

Meet 

"Beryl Moon"

"Beryl Moon", a sculpted Art Doll created from re-purposed objects

Last month, EBSQ, the online art community I've long been a member of, hosted their monthly art exhibit, with the theme for February being, "What a Doll".  This was my entry: "Beryl Moon", an Art Doll sculpted using paper mache plus a whole host of all-recycled materials 

(click here to see my entry in the exhibit).....

"The Moon Was But a Chin of Gold", by Emily Dickinson

I painted and finished her as inspired by the following poem, by Emily Dickinson:

The Moon was but a Chin of Gold
A Night or two ago—
And now she turns Her perfect Face
Upon the World below—

Her Forehead is of Amplest Blonde—
Her Cheek—a Beryl hewn—
Her Eye unto the Summer Dew
The likest I have known—

Her Lips of Amber never part—
But what must be the smile
Upon Her Friend she could confer
Were such Her Silver Will—

And what a privilege to be
But the remotest Star—
For Certainty She take Her Way
Beside Your Palace Door—

Her Bonnet is the Firmament—
The Universe—Her Shoe—
The Stars—the Trinkets at Her Belt—
Her Dimities—of Blue—

"Beryl Moon", a view from behind

She was actually a long time coming, my "Beryl Moon", because I initially began her many moons (ha-ha) ago, only to set her aside for some reason (ADHD mostly, I suppose), abandoned and unfinished.   Started as part of a project to rescue the dead, mangled barbies left behind after my daughter's childhood, it was my intention to breath new life into these hopelessly broken objects so as to keep them out of the waste stream, where they were surely destined.  And I did get a reasonably good and interesting start on a few of them, before I became distracted by something else and rudely shoved them all onto the back-burner (story of my life?)....

An in-progress project I call the "Dead Barbies Society" -- its mission being to turn useless broken junk into Art, people!  ART...!

However, this one in particular was the furthest along....: 

....thus she was the one I grabbed when I decided I needed something to enter into the EBSQ "Doll" show last month...:

And so I got her finished, finally....! 

The following is cut and pasted from my artist/entry statement (because I'm lazy like that):

Buried deep inside 'Beryl Moon', under Celluclay (a commercial paper clay product) and layers of paper mache, is a wee 'injured' action figure, but a few inches tall, and missing an arm. Spared from a landfill life, he now provides some inner armature for this Art Doll, though little of him is actually recognizable anymore, given that an entirely new being was sculpted over and around his original form, using re-purposed items (including but not limited to: a plastic cup, multiple plastic cup lids, and newspaper), for a complete and thorough transformation. A whole new, crescent-moon shaped head was sculpted from Celluclay and attached (the head of the original figure/doll ends somewhere deep within in the present neck/chest area), along with a newly sculpted arm, and new hands. In addition to gaining inches in height (now standing about a foot tall), "he' also became a 'she', complete with a newly sculpted bosom, as well as a big, bustled and flowing skirt of Stars -- using as my inspiration the poem, "The Moon Was But a Chin of Gold", by the wonderful and talented poet, Emily Dickinson....: 

"....now she turns Her perfect Face
Upon the World below—...."

And so there you have it, my "What a Doll" show entry.  

Which..., I'm happy to be able to report tied for "Member's Mention" (2nd Place) in the show...!  Thanks so much, EBSQ...!

My Entry for EBSQ's January 'Winter Landscapes' Exhibit, 'Dust of Snow' (Robert Frost)

"Dust of Snow"

 

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued. 

~Robert Frost

'Dust of Snow', Acrylics on 6"x16" found wood....

Such reads the poem that helped inspire my EBSQ's January "Winter Landscapes" online art exhibit entry...(to view my entry on EBSQ, click here)

For their 2015 exhibit schedule, EBSQ, (the online community of self-represting artists I've long been a member of), has reduced their monthly themes from two or three options to choose from, to one theme per month.  I do understand why -- to streamline for one thing, while helping to keep entries up by funneling them into one monthly show as opposed to spreading entries across several shows.  I get it, though I must admit I did like having options.  Nevertheless, the way things are, is the way things are.  I can certainly work with a single theme if need be..., and so we have here my entry for EBSQ's only January theme, "Winter Landscapes"....:

My "Winter Landscape"-themed entry, entitled 'Dust of Snow (Robert Frost)'.....

Anyone familiar with my artwork must surely know my ongoing fascination with people.  I adore nature, things, animals and critters of all ilk, and I'll paint that too sometimes.  And yet, almost always, my most preferred subject matter of all typically filters down to People.   Famous people, strangers, family, friends -- doesn't matter really, when it comes to my subjects, I usually find myself  defaulting to that ever familiar map of the human face.  And so, upon contemplating my entry for a "Landscape" show, I knew it would HAVE to involve a person one way or another.....

There is a wee back-story behind the planning of this painting.  In a way, this entry came to be as actually a sort of collaboration between a couple of folks.....  

A number of months ago, a FB friend posted a new picture as her profile photo, one that I found myself really taken with.  An attractive lady (with amazing bone structure) to be sure -- and yet there was more to it than that.  I was quite struck by the photo overall...the angle of the shot, the tilt of the head, the striking countenance, the classic proportions, the expressive eyes.  As a visual person, I found it all particularly arresting.  I asked my friend if she might give me permission to paint her photo -- not knowing at the time exactly how or when, only that I simply wanted to.... someday. 

And then I have another friend with whom I correspond, who has an interest in the reading and writing of poetry.  We were discussing potential themes for February's Nibblefest Art Contest theme of 'Black and White', when she mentioned her research into info regarding crows for a poem she is in the process of writing.   She brought up the universal symbolism of crows, as well as the mythology involving the colors of Black and White as representing life and death .  She sent me the following passage that she had found somewhere...:

"....In Irish mythology, crows are associated with Morrigan, the goddess of war and death.

The god Bran the Blessed – whose name means "crow" or "raven" — is associated with corvids and death; tradition holds that Bran's severed head is buried under the Tower of London, facing France — a possible genesis for the practice of keeping ravens in the Tower, said to protect the fortunes of Britain. In Cornish folklore, crows — magpiesparticularly — are associated with death and the "otherworld", and proscribes respectful greeting. The origin of "counting crows" as augury is British; however, the British version rather is to "count magpies" — their black and white pied colouring alluding to the realms of the living and dead...."

Plenty of food for thought...!  Fascinating indeed, and so I was ruminating upon all this for Nibblfest..., when it was also time to begin thinking about my 'Winter Landscapes' entry.  After a few snow storms in my neck of the woods, the views outside my window are all about "winter landscapes' right now (with it snowing yet more as I type).  Plenty of white, plenty of snow, ice, and frost.  Well, 'snow' and 'frost' got me to thinking of 'Robert Frost'..., plus 'crows', and 'black and white'.  It wasn't long before I was struck with the recollection of a few winter verses by this most esteemed poet.  Sure enough, a quick search had me finding exactly what I was looking for..., the poem, 'Dust of Snow", by Robert Frost (and really could his name be more perfect for a subject of "Winter Landscapes", lol???), and I was set.  It was then that my friend's FB pic popped into mind, and that's when it all gelled -- I knew exaclty where I was going, with the piece practically painting itself (always lovely when that happens -- very zen!).  So here's a big thanks to my fellow 'collaborators', L. and V., for providing me with such great inspiration.....

Now, not to bore anyone to death, I do have just one last little tidbit of random aside here.  As stated, my painting support for this piece is found wood. I do enjoy working with unusual canvas sizes, which this certainly is, being as that it is approximately 6" by 16".  I like how weirdo proportions can challenge me to play with compositions, while forcing me to think outside the box.  As for this chunk of found wood, let me explain exactly how I came to 'find' it.  I'd been holding onto it for some time -- ever since dumpster diving it from a neighbor's home renovation project many moons ago (shocking, no?).  It sits directly behind our lot, an old house that's probably closing in on a 100 years (if not already).  A stately, large Craftsman, it had seen insult after injury and then some over the years, thanks to the fact I live in a university town, with a high student population and the many urban planning pressures that come with trying to house them all.  The home had been subdivided and re-subdivied into who knows how many individual apartments (I think it was something like 7 by the end, including roomers in the attic and basement).  Let's face it, students don't exactly have the reputation for being the most conscientious of renters.  Then add to that a few absentee landlords and you can imagine the state of the house after a few unfriendly decades.  Ugh, so derelict and run down (like, even more so that my own, and that's saying something)...!  Happily, another neighbor, with an eye to the interests of the neighborhood, and the resources to get things done, bought the house and completely rehabbed it, into what is today a lovely vintage, American Foursquare, single family showplace.  While this work was underway, I had quietly helped myself to a few of the chunks of wood I spied sticking out of the dumpster that was parked behind my house for months (hopefully no one would have minded!).  Perhaps it from the original construction of the house (?) -- if so it would be near a century old or more.  I like thinking of the long gone tree it potentially came from.   In any case, I may be practical to a fault at times, but I knew it could come in handy on day (plus it just goes to show how 'making something from nothing' never, NEVER fails to tickle me.  To no end!).....

To see ALL the EBSQ 'Winter Landscape' entries, click here..... 

"I Heard a Fly Buzz....": Emily Dickison Tribute Portrait (Ties for 2nd Place in EBSQ "Celebrating Fan Art" Exhibit)

"I Heard a Fly Buzz...."

"I Heard a Fly Buzz..." 

How do I always get so behind in here....?!?  

Last month, in September, the online community of self-representing artists, EBSQ, hosted a themed art exhibit, entitled 'Celebrating Fan Art'.   While I figured the prospectus was probably primarily geared toward subject matter from more recent pop culture, I decided instead to make my entry yet another ode (because you can never have too many odes, amiright?) to that one-of-a-kind lady poet born 184 years ago (but who's counting?) -- the late, great Emily Dickinson....

The following is my artist statement:

 ..........

When reflecting upon this month's EBSQ exhibit theme, "Celebrating Fan Art", I thought about all the innumerable and diverse popular cultural, social and artistic influences, present and past, that have impacted me in one way or another throughout the course of my life.  Narrowing such a number down to one posed a big challenge -- however, being as that it so happens that the last several consecutive painting projects of mine lately have depicted male figures, I decided to at least concentrate on a woman, if only for a refreshing change of pace (no offense to men).  There are any number of amazing female cultural icons of whom I am a fan and believe deserving of tributes....but finally, the familiar first lines of an old poem, by a certain enigmatic classic American writer, came to mind....:

".....I heard a Fly buzz - when I died -

The Stillness in the Room

Was like the Stillness in the Air -

Between the Heaves of Storm...."

And so begins one of Emily Dickinson's most notable pieces, "I Heard a Fly Buzz...."..... 

I recall my first taste of Dickinson, coming across this particular poem in English class all the way back to middle school or so.  I remember the struggle at the time to understand the meaning that might lie behind those few short lines of carefully chosen words.   What did the author mean...?  A Fly.  Somebody's death.  Buzzing.  ???   But I was intrigued, and my interest piqued enough in that classroom all those years ago, that I, as have so many others, went on to become a fan of her unique, unconventional writing style.....

An expressive composer of over 1700 poems, Emily Dickinson never actually received wide recognition within her lifetime.  She was undoubtedly an introvert -- something I can surely relate to.  An intensely private person, she instead became known more for her near reclusiveness in her later years and her penchant for wearing all white than she ever did for her writing. It was only after her death, when her secret stash of writings was discovered by a relative, that the astonishing scope of her work was finally revealed.

Emily Dickinson never married nor had children, but we can all agree she gave birth to a legacy of another kind: an incredible body of poetic verse, that continues to speak to us today nearly two centuries later. Thus I portray Miss Dickinson in this, my tribute portrait, in a dress of white, along with a friendly fly to keep her company....

(This is my 2nd in a series of tribute paintings to the great American poet, Emily Dickinson.  The first is here)

................... 


 

"I Heard a Fly Buzz...." -- A view to the side

And, I'm pleased and happy to say my entry, "I Heard a Fly Buzz...." tied for "Member's Mention" (or, 2nd Place) in the show!  (And there were more than four entries this time around, lol ;-) )  Thanks so much, EBSQ....!

"I Heard a Fly Buzz...":  Emily Dickinson Tribute (4 x 6 Oval)

"If I Had a Hammer....": Pete Seeger Tribute, for EBSQ's August 'Toolbox'-themed Art Exhibit

8 x 10 Portrait of the folk legend, Pete Seeger, in tribute to his classic song

"If I Had a Hammer....."

EBSQ, the internet community of self-representing artists of which I have been a long-time member, features monthly, themed online art exhibits.  One of the shows this past August had the theme "Toolbox".  This was my entry (as can be seen here).

The following was my artist statement:

 

My entry for the EBSQ 'Toolbox' exhibit features a tribute portrait of the late American folk musician, Pete Seeger (1919- 2014).   

When reflecting upon the theme 'Toolbox', the first tool to come to mind was 'hammer'.   Thinking about hammers had the classic vintage folk tune, "If I Had a Hammer", popping into my head.  Written by Pete Seeger in 1949 in support of the progressive movement, the song has endured through the decades, recorded as it has been by numerous fellow musicians, and taken up as a freedom song during the American Civil Rights Movement.  I myself have many fond recollections of "If I Had a Hammer" over the course of my life -- singing it round the campfire as a young girl with my scout troupe, and then later to my own two children when they were small.  I always appreciated the simple melody and uplifting lyrics.  For my entry, I painted a portrait of the young Pete Seeger, who was 30 at the time he wrote "If I Had a Hammer" (after a lifetime of musical achievement and acclaim, Mr. Seeger passed away just this past January at the age of 95).  A prolific composer and performer, the "tool" of Mr. Seeger's trade was his guitar, with which he was often photographed playing.  I swapped out the one tool for another in this tribute to Pete Singer and his timeless classic.... 

If I had a hammer, 

I'd hammer in the morning,

I'd hammer in the evening,

All over this land.

I'd hammer out danger.

I'd hammer out a warning.

I'd hammer out love, between

My brothers and my sisters,

All over this land.

..............

"If I Had a Hammer...",  First Place Tie.....

There were but a total of four entries in the Toolbox show, still I'm very happy to say I tied for 1st Place....!   I got to split the $100 cash award prize with my fellow winner, April Trice -- $50 for each of us, how lovely!  Thanks to any who voted for me -- and many thanks to EBSQ....!

..................

(And now...., just a side note to add here, for interest and posterity.  As we all know by now (because I harp on it constantly in here), I no longer purchase new art supplies (aside from a few notable exceptions like paint and brushes) if I can in any way avoid it.  It's my own little, personal attempt to resist adding to our society's problems with over-consumption and the dreaded Affluenza  (and yes, I realize my small actions in this regard aren't likely to save the world any time soon, but can at least sleep at night in regards to my own personal artistic pursuits).  This personal moratorium includes the purchase of canvases, or even purchasing the ingredients to stretch my own canvases (too lazy to do that anyway)....because I often come across perfectly suitable alternatives when I happen to be out and about (tag sales, thrift stores, and the like (with a big emphasis this time on "the like")).  As a result, my paintings are typically created upon found wood or wooden plaques, or even supports I make myself using 2nd-hand picture frames.  I've amassed a decent hoard of these painting supports by now -- out of which the one for this entry was fished.  It's actually just a regular, gallery stretched, 8 x 10 store-bought canvas, but how it came to be mine is the more interesting part....

Years ago, when my husband and two very small children and I first moved back here to my hometown, we chanced upon a home to rent with which we fell in love.  With so many of the features we wanted in a house, we felt we had really hit the jack-pot -- cozy and old and with loads of character, a decent location, decent size (and nice to stretch out after apartment dwelling), nice yard, near the things we liked to walk to, and, most importantly, all at a reasonable rate.  We lived there for a time, until ready to purchase a house of our own.  And so we eventually moved out -- still, I always kept a very special place in my heart for our sweet old rental....

After we resettled, our cute little rental, which we were so happy with and had such good memories of,...turned into a something more of a haunted house.  It was within several years that we noticed it looking pretty beat up.  A few more years, and it was clearly run down.  Trashed even.  Hoarders, or something, had taken over, with piles of useless junk overflowing the driveway and yard, windows broken and patched with duct tape, chunks of stucco missing and shingles falling off.  What the heck happened?  Sometimes we would walk or drive by, and just pause to take in the mess that had become what had been a big part of our lives.  Where we'd had parties and celebrations, and heck, just lived. We couldn't image who could have done this to 'our' house -- much less that our old landlord would have ever allowed such a thing....!  That mystery was never solved.

Fast forward to just over a year ago, when my daughter and I were bike riding, cruising through our old neighborhood.  Passing our old house, it was clear by now it was completely empty and utterly abandoned, trashed beyond repair, and even slated for demolition.  We parked our bikes in the alleyway behind the house, and looked and looked.  She was young when we'd moved out (4 years old maybe?), but my daughter could still conjure up lots of memories.  We climbed through the gaping holes in the fence into the yard to get a closer look, pointing out nostalgic landmarks we once used to enjoy ourselves -- the patio, the outdoor brick fireplace (or, the place where it once stood anyway), the swing set, all while taking care not to trip all over the assorted junk and crap strewn about posing a booby trap.  We got a little closer, and closer still....until we were pretty much standing right next to it, staring at the gaping back door.  I'm sure you can guess what came next of course.   "Oh no, they didn't", you might be asking.  But yes, we did.  How could we not?  Our poor old house!  *OUR* house.  I know, I know -- risky, plus it was trespassing.  But I wanted to see it one last time before she was demolished for good....

Well, suffice it to say, time had not been kind.  Not easy to see the house that I'd loved so much, and held such fond memories of just 10 years before, in such state of wreck and ruin.  Still I'm glad my daughter and I had our chance to say goodbye.  And it was in there, amidst all the shattered glass and beer bottle caps (gazillions of them) all over the floor, that I stumbled upon this little, 8 x 10 canvas.   There was paint on it, but to call it a "painting" would be way too much of an exaggeration.  Just some color splashed around, and what looked possibly like some Chinese characters, although it could have just been some sort of attempt at 'abstract' something or other.  But, I took it home with me.  And when it came time to paint my little tribute to Pete Seeger here, I sanded it a bit, gessoed it, sanded it again -- and voila, good as new.  Was it stealing?  Technically, I suppose -- though guess what?   I can't say I feel much like a thief.

The house was pushed over and hauled off to the landfill just a few weeks later.  One thing I do know though...I sang this song many times over to my two young kids during countless bath times/bedtimes/naptimes, in that old house.....)