omewhere! Here, I'm showing a metaphoric birth and realization of an idea. I like the concept of wonderful things arising from a fertile mental ground.......
The little owl works through the night - just like so many artists we know! It's a good time to get things done, whether it be capturing those pesky mice or creating a work of art. The only interruptions are the voices calling quietly in the night....
combined two of my favorite themes: dreams and houses. It seems that my themes are evolving - so much so that I wonder about the beginnings of an idea and why it must be forever changing! Perhaps, like a dream, there is no telling which way it will go. There is no such thing as control.
been a busy two weeks with the ACC San Francisco show and some delightful after show visitors. I'm just now catching my breath and ready to get back to more regular posting! Today's mask is based on a piece that I made a few years ago. This version is smaller than the original....and that is a trend in my studio right now. I've been making some smaller (more affordable) works in the hope that they might be a bit easier on the pocketbook. I'm still making the larger masks, but I find myself spending more and more time on each piece. I was able to finish a few for this last show and I'll be revealing them soon.
Being an animal lover has led me to contemplate my own animal instincts. I know they exist, but I can't always put my finger on them. Since I believe that we have evolved from the animal kingdom, I think that we must have inherited quite a lot of genetic material from them. And then, when I look at groups of people interacting - I can't help but notice the herding instincts, the dominant male/female, the mating displays and so many more behaviors that we have in common.
was thinking about the Redwood Highway in Northern California. It's a beautiful drive with trees all along the road...but behind this thin wall of trees, much of the area has been clear cut by logging companies. Our senses are fooled by the facade and I wanted this mask to be an allegory to remind myself that all is not what it seems.
of age in the 60's is showing. I never was quite that "merry" but many of the concepts intrigued me and have stayed with me over the years. I like to think of the prankster as something that sneeks up from behind the persona and delivers a much needed dose of surprise and wonder. It is not so easy to dismiss the prankster because you never know when he/she will appear. The message is: it's important to keep an open mind.
ea of having someone or some thing being the lookout. Here, I was thinking about how a flock of birds or animals are warned of danger by one of the group. The bird, for me, represents my own instincts always on the lookout.
u're under the influence, even a mask won't help! Although, depending on what that "influence" is, it might make you feel a little less obvious. I've always had trouble blending in with society and perhaps that is because my influences are just a wee bit disturbing for some. In any case, I have learned to be a little less obviously "out there" and the masks have been therapeutic in that respect.
, I love plays on words and phrases. Even though many times they are cliches, they have become a part of our tradition and I respect that.
a rose - and roses are sweet....this is about as "girly" as my work gets! There are times when I just can't resist doing something pretty and flowery. I also rely heavily on literary references, so it was natural to combine the two in this mask.
relative of "Birdgirl"....perhaps a cousin or a sister. I can't seem to resist the birds showing up in my work - maybe because they represent, for me, the ultimate freedom.
