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 “hayoka”
or “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
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LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT
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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.
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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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