“Athena” Mixed Media on Canvas
“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” – Les Brown
2016 was an abundantly rich year for me. It was full of love, traveling, hiking, music and new experiences. But, my priorities in 2016 didn’t allow sufficient time for my creative work. My goal for 2017 is to try a lot of new things artistically, and paint as much as I possibly can. I’d like to commit more time to art journaling, collaging, and focusing on the following themes:
[HerStory / Women in History, Mythology, Art ] We have inherited a history that has taught us that only men have shaped the world we live in. We learn about the great composers, artists, architects, leaders, inventors, gurus, authors, etc… and they are, with very few exceptions, always men. Who are the women who have shaped our world? I want to create a series that honors their legacy and teaches me and my audience who they were.
[Flesh] How being naked, in contexts that are not sexual, is transformative and healthy.
[The Resistance] Using art to voice my outrage and rejection of political systems and figures that are unified in their hate against minorities. I seek to be part of the Resistance, by painting politically-charged, feminist, pro-LGBTQ, pro-immigrant, pro-Muslim, pro-POC art that inspires positive action.
[Travel Portraits] I love to travel. I aim to bridge my passion for travel and culture with that of painting. Having spent the last few months living in Cologne, Germany, I’d like to paint portraits around the theme: Jede Jeck is Anders (Every Fool is Different). In learning about Cologne, it seems ostensibly that the Kölner philosophy and outlook of Jede Jeck is Anders is prevalent and widely celebrated. The phrase suggests open-mindedness and a recognition that each individual is different and has the right to be. In a city that is proudly 10% LGBT and 10% Muslim, I’m interested in understanding how the average Kölner/Kölnerin interprets the phrase Jede Jeck is Anders and explore the themes of diversity, inclusivity, separation, tolerance and fear. I propose to begin the project by interviewing residents of Cologne. I aim to find out how each individual perceives their city. Is Cologne welcoming to all people and minorities? Are their communities that Cologne has yet to fully embrace? Is the phrase Jede Jeck is Anders applicable to all people, or just some? And, how are they Anders?
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