Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Brangelina Mere Mortals
Brangelina Mere Mortals
We will all die,
sooner or later.
So seize the day.
So seize the day.
POP Religion
pop art
pop up gallery
popsicle
poppa
pop up toaster
pop tart
pop tart
pop, pop, fizz, fizz
pop gun
pop gun
pop, pop, bang, bang
pop goes the weasel
pop U lar
pop U lated
pop up book
pop ideology
pop dogma
pop sin
pope
pop on ice
pop sin
pope
pop on ice
pop rocks
pop rx
pop corn
pop fever
pop riffing
pop riffing
Brought to you by the More Guts Than Brains Coalition.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Tripolo Gallery, POP Religion Show
Tripolo Gallery
POP Religion Art Show
Save the date: Opening, this Saturday, August 9, 6pm-9pm. Paintings will be on view for several weeks.
323 North Columbia Street, Covington, LA, 70433.
Phone 985-789-4073.
Phone 985-789-4073.
I am so pleased that the wonderful and gracious Donna Duffy is showing my paintings from the "POP Religion Series" in her beautiful Tripolo Gallery. I hope that you will take this opportunity to see my work looking good in this gorgeous setting. The gallery is in the charming old town section of Covington with coffee house, restaurants, fine shopping and lots of art nearby.
The list of paintings to be shown is still in the decision making process. We will surely hang, "Jagger Devil", as it is an exciting attention grabber. I know that you want to see it as a painting, looking so much more vibrant than its appearance on your computer. "Marilyn Aphrodite" will be flirting off the wall. "Belushi Bacchus" will be leering his crocked smile. "Baby God Crying", will be screaming his head off.
Also, I want to show a few works from the "Radiance Series", just recently painted. I have been trying to put into words what this series is "about". An artist verbalizing what images are "about" is treading a slippery slope, that might be better avoided, however, people ask, and it seems that words must be produced. I wish that the images would visually communicate, almost psychically transport, from my mind to your mind, but not everyone is fluent in the language of images. Words help to bridge the gap.
The "Radiance Series", are pictures of women's faces, but they are not portraits, they are studies of psychological or spiritual states or moods. I think that three of the paintings tell a story of emotional growth. "Pensive", shows a deep contemplative state. "Dragonfly Woman", is awakening to expanded consciousness. And "Endurance Fluid", is experiencing the consciousness state of nirvana. So, these three will make a nice exhibit trio.
I am not re-posting these pictures, you can just scroll back to the two most previous entries to see them.
I hope to see you at the opening, but if you cant make that, the paintings will be hanging for a few weeks and you can pop in to take a look.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Radiance, art series
RADIANCE
Janet Boyd Art
a series of fine art paintings
completed in the last six month
Endurance Gold
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Glowing. Grateful. Spirit nourished.
Pensive
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Thoughtful. Introspective. Seeing. Understanding. Deep. Glowing.
Endurance Infinity
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Transcendence. She is merged with all that is.
Endurance Fluid
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Zen flowing. Illuminated.
Elizabarbie
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Who gets more media? Who is bigger? Elizabeth I, Queen of England, or Barbie?
Dragonfly Woman
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Awakening from a drowsy, dragonfly, wisteria dream.
Cardinal Woman
24"x16", acrylic on board, 2014
Beneath our surface appearances we carry the seeds of mortal decay. Depressing thought, yet the knowledge of death imparts intensity to life. Knowing that life will not last forever makes each day precious. Carpe Diem. Seize the day!
INTIMATIONS Of IMMORTALITY
William WordsworthThursday, July 10, 2014
POP Religion
POP Religion
The series "POP Religion" came about in a natural flowing process . Artistic, intuitive research into myth and spirituality over a time period of several years (I may even say, several decades, or a lifetime), has inspired me to create this series. Led by my Muse I witnessed the evolution of a cohesive/confused concept that has kept me painting, creating with enthusiasm. It has been a revolution in my mind expressed and communicated with paintings. The images display a sincere/ironic vibe.
POP Religion, the concept, in 25 words or less:
This series is artistic research into the human need to believe in something, anything. It is a quirky personal pantheon of reverent/irreverent images. POP Religion believes in Gods, Goddesses, Celebrities, Royalty, Art, and QUESTioning.
These writers on myth theory have influenced my thought processes; Joseph Campbell, Sir James Frazier, and Carl Jung.
Cardinal Woman
Acrylic on canvas, 20"x16", 2014
Digital painting, 23M flat file, 2023
Hey yall, we are not going to live forever. In the words of Gauguin, "Where did we come from. Why are we here. Where are we going?" You wont find any answers here, just some confounded meandering.
Saint Louis Cathedral
acrylic on canvas, 36"x48", 2006
This painting, was created seven years ago. It was made at a time when I was exploring the textures of acrylic impasto. I am using it now to introduce POP Religion
Holy Ghosts hover in the alcoves of a woozy church. Maybe, it is better not to enter. Are you brave? I don't know, it is all so confusing. This is not a real church it is a painting. POP Religion is not a real religion, or is it? Is it a hoax, a joke or a concept?
Belushi Bacchus
oil and acrylic on canvas, 36"x48", 2012
Bacchus is the god of Mardi Gras. He reigns over hedonistic abandon. Woohoo, he is the party god. His revelers act out impulses beyond the borders of social constraint.
Bacchus, (Dionysus to the Greeks), is the protector of those who do not fit into conventional society. He symbolizes chaos and danger, the escape from human reason. Bacchus worshipers seek a place beyond the borders of the known and civilized. His is a freedom, mystery religion.
Bacchus, (Dionysus to the Greeks), is the protector of those who do not fit into conventional society. He symbolizes chaos and danger, the escape from human reason. Bacchus worshipers seek a place beyond the borders of the known and civilized. His is a freedom, mystery religion.
Prometheus in his Sean Connery Incarnation
Acrylic on canvas, 48"x36", 2014
Digital painting and Epson print, 17M flat, 2013
details
Prometheus brought fire to humans when they were shivering and ignorant cavemen. The big honcho of Elysian Fields, Zeus, CEO of the heavens, wanted to keep fire, (a metaphor for intelligence) for himself alone. Prometheus stole fire from Zeus, so he was punished with eternal suffering. This Promethean savior of humankind was chained to a rock, an eagle attacked and ate his liver everyday. Overnight his liver grew back, only to be eaten again.
Recently Prometheus has been reincarnated as Sean Connery. After enduring the sadistic punishments of Zeus, this is like a vacation incarnation for him. He enjoys being 007 and a movie star.
Recently Prometheus has been reincarnated as Sean Connery. After enduring the sadistic punishments of Zeus, this is like a vacation incarnation for him. He enjoys being 007 and a movie star.
Marilyn Aphrodite
acrylic on canvas, 24"x24", 6/2013
Marilyn Monroe is the reincarnation of the Greco-Roman goddess Aphrodite/Venus. She celebrates the sensuous symphony of physicality. Marilyn has captured popular imagination since 1952, in my opinion that qualifies her for goddess status.
Oprah Cleopatra
digital print
detail
Breaking news!!! Hot flash!!!
It has been discovered that Oprah is the reincarnation of Cleopatra!
Cleo had grown bored of everlasting languid lounging on the loveseat in LalaLand. So she reinvented, reimagined and reincarnated herself as the Queen of Television.
It has been discovered that Oprah is the reincarnation of Cleopatra!
Cleo had grown bored of everlasting languid lounging on the loveseat in LalaLand. So she reinvented, reimagined and reincarnated herself as the Queen of Television.
This important event has been verified by Archie Long, an archeologist in Egypt who is an old and dear paramour of Oprah's. Upon close examination of the famous Cleopatra Odalisque Statue of Giza, he found a gluteal area tattoo with phallic symbolism. He was surprised and excited to find the unusual ink that matches the exact tattoo and placement he fondly remembers stroking on Oprah's caramel skin. The tattoos match perfectly, it can not be a coincidence. They prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the TV Queen was previously the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen.
Tune in to award winning program TELL IT LIKE IT IS, tonight on the Irreverent Channel. Clark Kent presents an in depth interview with the renowned archeologist Archie Long. This amazing, ground breaking discovery will change your life. Don't miss it. Tonight, channel 9393.
John Lennon Jesus
Digital painting and Epson print, 22M flat, 2013
Love one another. All you need is love. Love your neighbor as yourself. Give peace a chance.
Mary, Queen of All
mixed media on canvas, 24"x18", 2010
details
Mary, Queen of All
This vibrant picture speaks of compassionate love. A collage of pictures of a variety of women form the familiar Mary image. Janis Joplin appears in the heart center. Compassionate goddesses are worshiped historically world wide. These forgiving, supportive myths speak to a deep need for the enveloping arms of perfect motherly love.
The artistic process for this picture started with my collection of original digital female figure paintings, created over several years. The layout was plotted digitally and puzzle like sections were printed and cut out using archival Epson ink and paper. The cut out collage elements were then embedded into layers of acrylic paint. Golden brand acrylics were used to create a pearly glowing halo.
Baby God Crying
oil, acrylic on canvas, 36"x48', 2013
Artist have continually mined the rich vein of the artist giants that came before. In this painting I "mash-up" a thirteenth century Mary picture with a realistic Jesus, throwing a tantrum.
Mary and Krishna
oil, acrylic on canvas, 36"x48", 2013
Yashoda and Jesus
oil, acrylic on canvas, 36"x48", 2013
"Mary and Krishna" and "Yashoda and Jesus", are companion paintings, titled together as "Switched at Birth". These paintings illustrate the similarities in religions world wide. Birth of a savior stories contain universal elements. They teach us that people everywhere seek the sweetness of protection and compassion.
For more info about these pictures and the similarities of Jesus and Krishna myths, see my blog entry for June, entitled, "Mary and Krishna, Yashoda and Jesus".
Jagger Devil
acrylic on canvas, 24"x24", 7/2013
The devil is a convenient repository for all that is judged as negatives. He is the basement closet where badness is locked up. With a devil thought concept evil is nicely organized into one hated mind space. With a devil for scapegoat humans can imagine that negativity is isolated from their everyday existence. No pantheon is complete without a dumping spot for evil.
Bleeding Jesus
acrylic on board, 16"x20", 2011
The Christian myth of Jesus fulfills a chasm of human needs. Here is a god that can save us from ourselves. Humans are driven more by primitive emotions than by reason. Emotion trumps reason. Human behavior is frequently self defeating and socially counterproductive. Jesus suffered for our sins. He offers redemption. I don't know about you, but I need to be saved from a lot of my stupid mistakes, my past actions. Redemption myths offer hope that we may be "more better" in the future. Hope that our regrets may be washed away with blood and we will be sin free, white as snow. Well, it is nice to think so, except for all the blood, which is gory.
The Source of Water
Acrylic on canvas, 24"x18", 2008
The metaphor images of woman/water has historically reoccurred in art. Vemeer painted "Woman with a Water Jug, in 1660. In 1856 Ingres painted woman as a spring, bringing forth water, he was inspired by an earlier painter. Woman and water as the source and spark of life, weaves through art history as a iconic thread of human existence.
Water is more necessary for life than food. A person can live for weeks without food, without water he may survive at most a few days. We are at least 80% water. Before entering this earth through the woman birth canal we float in a watery womb.
Water reflects light. It is also transparent, revealing another layer, a fluid realm beneath the surface.
The pairing of woman and water celebrates the amazing fertility of life.
Phoenix Flying
Digital painting and Epson print, 21M flat, 2013
The mythical Phoenix bird is the original come-back-kid. She lives and soars for 1000 years. At the end of the millennium she crashes and burns. The Phoenix dies by fire every 1000 years, then she rises from the ashes, reborn, to live and soar another 1000 years. This myth fulfills our need to be reassured that we can rise from the ashes of our stupidity (personal stupidity and racial stupidity) and finally get our shit together.
Gidget, Gadget and Gizmo
Digital painting, Epson print, 18M flat, 2013
This is just a funny little picture at the end
A few notes:
This blog entry was updated September, 2014
These writers on myth theory have had influence on my thought processes; Joseph Campbell, Sir James Frazier, and Carl Jung.
Many visual references have contributed to this series, too many to name.
My posts are unedited, any misconduct is my error, mine alone.
I rely on Wikipedia for reference.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Yashoda and Jesus
Mary and Krishna
Oil on canvas, 48"x36", 2012
Antenna Gallery, Mixed Messages
These two paintings will be in the Press Street's Antenna Gallery, Mixed Messages exhibition. Opening Saturday June 7, 5pm to 9pm. On view through July 1. Gallery hours 12 noon to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday. Call 504-298-3161 before arrival. Address: 3718 Saint Claude Avenue, New Orleans, La. Hope to see you there!
SWITCHED AT BIRTH is a pair of paintings,
MARY WITH KRISHNA and YASHODA WITH JESUS
These two paintings are from the series, "POP Religion". POP Religion explores the myths that humans live by with irreverence/reverence and with humor.
In this pair of paintings the babies are switched between the two mothers. The Caucasian mother holds the blue skinned baby, and the blue Indian mother holds the pink baby. The Christian Mother Mary is holding the Hindu Baby God Krishna. The Hindu nurture Mother Yashoda is holding the Christian Baby God Jesus.
The inspiration for these pictures is the similarities between the births, myths and teachings of Krishna and Jesus. Similarities between Christianity and Hinduism.
Both Krishna and Jesus were divinely conceived, brought to earth via miraculous insemination. God planted holy sperm seeds in the human mothers' wombs.
Krishna was born in a prison, Jesus was born in a barn (manger means a feeder for livestock). So they were both born in lowly, unlikely places.
Both Krishna and Jesus were hybrid human and immortal Gods.
As Gods incarnate in human bodies, both were the chosen Saviors of flawed and suffering humans. Both Gods were dedicated to saving humans from themselves.
Both Krishna and Jesus were humble and lead simple ascetic lives. Both associated with downtrodden people.
Both healed the sick and raised the dead.
Both taught tolerance, mercy and kindness; compassionate love.
There are many similarities in their lives, leading some scholars to theorize that the two myths stemmed from the one same story, and the differences in the myths are explained by their word of mouth retelling over time and traveling over a geographical area.
Other scholars, like Carl Jung postulate that the many similarities in not just these two myths but in many myths worldwide and over historical centuries is a result of an oversoul or spiritual connection between all humans everywhere and for all times.
Another factor in the similarities of world wide myths is the universality of the human dilemma. In the words of artist Gauguin, "Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?" We cant stand not knowing.
POP Religion is influenced by the writings of Joseph Campbell, Sir James Frazier, Carl Jung and by historical visual depictions of world wide myths. The seriousness of these influences is balanced by humor. Because if we cant laugh at ourselves, then we are really in trouble.
Note: the "Yashoda and Jesus" picture here is the digital image that I used as preliminary study for the canvas painting. The painting is different, the figures are similar but the background of the canvas picture is of clouds.
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