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Thursday, April 27, 2006

A Painting

After looking at Anne Siems' work (thank you, Ulla, for the link!), I was inspired to do some real painting. Her paintings are gorgeous and thought-provoking, and it makes me feel guilty for doing collage instead of painting! I do use paint when I do collage, but it's usually just as a background or to add accents, not to paint the main imagery. And I love the look of pieces that have both collage elements and focal painted elements.

So anyway, here is what I came up with. The face is mine (those of you who know me can tell me whether I've succeeded in doing an accurate representation- I've looked at it for too long to know if it really looks like me or not! I think the eyes are probably too big...). After spending so much time on the face, I didn't feel like trying to do a realistic body, so I cheated and did this "cocoon" sort of body, encased in a wire "cage" with a collaged bird inside. Being a former art therapist, I'm well aware of all the messages my unconscious is probably trying to divulge with this imagery! Do I feel caged? Trapped? Or am I enveloped in a cocoon, on the verge of becoming a butterfly? I prefer not to think about it too much at this point. And, see? There is an opening in the "cage", and the bird is free to fly away, so I take some comfort in that fact!

As is with most of my work, I'm still trying to decide if I like it. I have a real hard time mixing collage with realistic painting. Which is why every time I get an inkling to do some real painting in my work, it's usually a one-time thing, because I struggle so much incorporating it with collage elements. But I did like doing the self-portrait. I used to do self-portraits all the time in college. So maybe I'll continue to play around with that concept...

In case you haven't figured it out, this piece and the piece from yesterday are both in my new tall, skinny journal. Both pieces so far have had my own image in them (yesterday's had a photo). Maybe I'll make that a "rule" for this new journal- each page must have my image. I don't know- maybe, maybe not.

Anyway, this post is too long to include "Corners of My Home", so I'll post that tomorrow!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love how you critique your work for us. I personally like it a lot, you look swaddled (like a baby).

Tara's Art Camp said...

I think this is wonderful! Good job stretching out after our talk the other day. Stay on this, and I think you'll be happy with the results. I just love this piece. When you collage and draw on the same piece it so calls your name.
You're on to something. Keep making more.

Tara

Erika Tysse said...

This a fantastic! I am jealous! I could never do as anything as realistic as that! great to see another side of you and your art.

Anonymous said...

You are sooo good painter!
This looks wonderful.

Anonymous said...

You have to do more painting! I really love this, and yes, it does look like you. I really, really love the lined paper you used as well as the cage. Paint, paint, paint--you're so good at it.

Anonymous said...

ooooh, i really really do love this. everything in it. the look, the feel, the colours. <3

Anonymous said...

Corey, this is marvelous, I wish I had an ounce of your go-for-it ability!!! I love the self-portrait,( you look a little pensive though...) And the cage - what an inspiration! And those pinky colors - like an old rose in bloom...

You know, I think I read somewhere that Anne lives in Seattle! She also shows at the 'Grover/Thurston Gallery', heres the link: http://www.groverthurston.com/ I would LOVE to go to this gallery sometime, I like almost every one of their artists! Keep going girl, I expect to see your work in the gallery soon!!!

etre-soi said...

wish I could paint as good as you, it's lovely.

Anonymous said...

Oh me oh my, you can PAINT too? Sheesh Corey, just another aspect of your work for me to love. I really really like this and think your self portrait of your face is amazing. I knew instantly it was you. I did immediately (and have previously) start thinking of why you use cages etc. so much...lol Do you have issues? (Don't we all...!)
The somber browns of this probably made me think of more of a "cage like" feeling. It's very moody and lovely. Plus! Been meaning to tell you forever that I LOVE your swap work!!! Can't wait to see it in person!
Yippee!!

Rosa said...

I love it! It is beautiful. You are way to hard on yourself, par for the course, I suppose. But, it is very lovely and you should be proud! I know your journal is going to be wonderful when you look back on it 50 years from now!

Anonymous said...

Your painting is just as your other artwork, wonderful and inspiring...
Tammie
http://myartsoulwings.typepad.com/my_art_soul_wings/