"Mariam with Cardinal"

Mariam with Cardinal

digital, archival prints, 7/2021

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First, I did the woman's smiling face with dramatic light and shade.  I thought, "It needs a bird", so I added the cardinal.  As I was working I was reminded of an experience that occurred in 2002.  I had bought my forever home property, in the deep country of Washington Parish, LA.  While the house was being built by family and friends we camped out by the creek.  

I was cooking for a group, so set up an outdoor kitchen.  A bird built a nest in the kitchen area, she was not bothered by my presence as she flew back and forth to feed her new hatchlings.  At one point she was sitting on the edge of her nest staring at me.  I stared back.  When she blinked her eyes, I blinked my eyes.  I waited a few moments and blinked again, she blinked back.  This exchange went on for several minutes before she flew off for more baby food.  I know, maybe it was just coincidence that she blinked in reaction to my blinks.  But, I believe that we were communicating.  That we were having a friendly conversation.  

I was reminded of this and so painted eye contact between the woman and bird in this picture. 

"Feminine"

 Feminine

Digital painting, archival print, 6/2021

I have been creating similar feminine images to this since the 90's.  This one is a bit suggestive.  I worked and played with in photoshop until this image showed up.  I like it.  Hope that you like it.

Angelina, Layered Headshots

 

Angelina 1

Digital painting, archival prints

Angelina 2

Digital painting, archival prints

Angelina 3

Digital painting, archival prints

Here are three versions of "Angelina, Layered Headshots", my latest photoshop paintings.  My goal was to create the woman's face with layers from my previously created Geometrix series images.  I used the cascade of marbles that I had created for the "I Still Have All My Marbles" picture.  And, two other files of images of half circle and diamond shapes.  

I think that they are beautiful.  I aspire to create beauty, because beauty makes us happy.

I Still Have All My Marbles,2

 Yes, I still have most of my marbles, contrary to what some people think.  Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I dont.

I Still Have My Marbles

 

I Still have My Marbles

Digital painting, 6/12/21

Archival ink jet print

Well, most of them, anyway.  This is kind off like a selfie, haha.  I envisioned my skull as an ancient crystal skull filled with marbles, and made a picture of my imaginary self.

Marbles Tumble

Archival inkjet print, digital painting

I had fun painting these tumbling marbles.  I hope that they make you smile.

Temporal Bone Skullpture

 

Temporal Bone

Acrylic skullpture,   

The temporal bone is one of the bones that suture together to make the upside down bowl that contains our brains.   We are very proud of the, grey wrinkled jelly substance protected by the firm bowl.  We think that it makes us rational, smart.  The rational area of the brain is the frontal lobe, but it is greatly effected and affected by  the limbic system.  That primitive area is responsible for our emotions, emotions often overrule rationality.  The limbic system is in the center of the brain and is the center of our life.  Strong emotions veto rationality.  The limbic system is our built in trickster character.  The Cheshire Cat is curled up cozy in the middle of a muddle of miles of jelly wiring.  

Comment from KNOW BUDDY:  Janet, what the duck are you doing?  Making vast generalizations about neuroanatomy. You have only rudimentary knowledge of these matters.  You are making it up as you go along.  Please, keep your ignorance to yourself.

This skullpture started as an anatomical model for anatomy study.  The model was cast from an actual cadaver.  There are three areas of design, created with acrylic paint.  The face is black with interference colors and silver for highlights.  The right side of the head is thick translucent painted roses on a black ground.  Contrasting with the black ground, the left side of the head is patterned with metallic gold and a beigey  gold flat paint.  The base of the support is an antique rescued wood block.

Influences and inspiration are too numerous to list.  "Day of the Dead", sugar skulls and pOp art, are at the top of the list.

The name "Temporal Bone", references not only part of the skull, but also, makes a hint about time.  Skulls remind us that time is passing, make the most of every day, no matter what the Cheshire Cat throws at you.  

Dear KNOW BUDDY, Please keep your ignorance to yourself.

Flower Breeze

 Flower Breeze

archival digital print,5/18/21

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