Sunday, November 9, 2014

suegillrose.com










November 10, 2014


Many thanks to Marilyn Webberley, good friend and fabulous artist, for inviting me to join the “blog tour”. She is talented in so many areas, and has a new book, “Boxes and Wraps”, that is now available on Amazon.

1. At present I am working on a series of “Holy Fools.”. Such individuals were known as “holy fools”and “blessed fools.” The term “blessed” connotes both feeble mindedness and innocence in the eyes of God. Both eastern and western literature give reference to the “holy fool”, I.e., St. Simeon or Smerdyakov in the “The Brothers Karamazov. They are also known as “hayokaor “kohare” in Native American culture. The “holy fool” mocks and denounces the world, and the world, in turn, reviles the fool. I enjoy working in a series, and particularly delight in doing research. For the past several years I have been taking a weekly history class. Am now studying “Greek and Roman History”, hence the “Holy Fool.” Have just started this series, and do not yet have images.

My first series, “Southern Reflections”, was begun after I moved from Louisiana to the Seattle area.
There are certain traditions that reflect the southern culture, and I tried to capture these in my work—as well as have a little fun with them.




CHURCH LADIES



LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT


I recently finished studying “History of the Middle East”, and in conjunction with my Bible studies, the Genesis series was completed.. This work resulted in a solo show at the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture. The following image was a large anchor piece for the exhibit, “The Twelve Tribes of Israel.” The center figure is Jacob, surrounded by the Seal of Israel, his two wives, Rachel and Leah are in the upper corners, and the concubine wives, Bilhah and Zilpah are in the lower corners. Each of Jacob's twelve sons are represented by the interior figures. They have a band of color on their wrist which matches the stole of their respective mothers. I really enjoyed doing the historical research that led up to this project.

TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL

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NOAH, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE


Another series of work is from the International District here in Seattle. I particularly enjoy learning about other cultures. The Wing Luke Asian Museum is one of my favorites, as is “Bon Odori”, the annual Japanese Street Festival, and “Dragonfest, celebrating Chinese New Year.



DON"T TELL





BON ODORI

2. Some critics have stated that my work is too illustrative, but others have reviewed it as complexity reduced to its core elements. Others have said that it is “simple and direct”. While I can, and occasionally, do more representational work, I am more interested in “telling a story.” I am particularly drawn to the use of pattern and color. (I recently discovered—better late than never—that my style has changed very little from when I first began to draw). I also would like the viewer to have a little “chuckle” when they view the work.

BASKET WEAVER

THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER

3. I enjoy being a perpetual student, and spend as much, or more time doing research as I do in actual painting. I am particularly drawn to the work of Jonathan Green of South Carolina, and the late 5 Cents Jones  of Eagle Chute, Louisiana. While some may consider my work “naïve” or “primitive,
I have had too much education and training to neatly fit into that particular category. Like most other artists, there are periods of “yin and yang”, but once an idea comes to mind, many hours are spent in contemplation before the pencil touches the paper. Three to five images must be envisioned before the actual research begins. Many hours are spent just “googling” references. My continuing classes are vital to my inspirations, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Milly Thompson, whose thorough knowledge of history makes all this possible.

JOY









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