Saturday, October 18, 2008

Horse Race


I've already made up my mind about this election and no one can sway me. But it's altogether too close for my comfort. It's a horse race! And that's what this painting is all about...

You have the decision as to what direction the country will take...

...and you have issues over a woman's body and her private choices...

(Yes, that actually is supposed to be a small female torso in the photo above.)

In all, it's a fine mess. Typical of American politics since the country's inception. I even left visible the raggedy edges of the French paper I use and the tattered threads of the small American flag I found on the street (I seem to remember it was after July 4th) and collaged onto this painting. I even liked the rough wood of the deck on which I photographed it.

The cast shapes are made of paper, from the same molds in which I made the gel medium forms. It works almost as well, except that the paper wants to relax back into lumpiness, unlike the gel. This gives the painting s a very rough, ungraceful look, which I think is well suited to the subject.

Vote early, vote often!

Acrylic paint on paper, cotton, silk, tobacco and postage stamp. 25 x 32 cm.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great pictorial metaphore! I love how you expressed the wounded and messed up world that this election is taking place in.

Anonymous said...

turning earth all  around
with turbulent winds
and things you have found
theres no one like you
when your subjects touch down
they land on your   canvas
with glorious crowns
Ive watched you for years
 turning colors around
your brand of knowing
so free and so sound
I never walked away
without knowing 
your love
for holding up people
for a close look at love
your paintings will always
be here in my heart
and the colors you bring
to the table of life

you are fighting for people
with your signature blend
your hearty world of colors 
reminds me again
your paintings will always
be here in my heart
and the world you bring in
to your beautiful art
your peace is engaging
and your wars are profound
you can shake up the satans
in politics town
you can love like a woman
you can lift up the down
youre the master of color
and you spin it around
I never walked away
without knowing 
your love
for holding up people
for a close look at love